Fact Check: 2023 Nepal plane crash video FALSELY shared as Air India AI171 tragedy

London-bound Air India flight AI17, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed minutes after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on June 11. While no figures have been officially released yet, many are feared dead.As many on social media shared photos and videos of the crash site, some also began sharing a video, allegedly shot moments before the tragic incident. The video shows passengers inside a plane, with one of them filming the view outside. Moments later, the plane appears to lose control, causing panic among the passengers. The video likely ends with a crash, as flames and smoke are visible.advertisementSharing the video on X, one person wrote, 'Heartbreaking: A Facebook Live video has surfaced reportedly moments before the tragic plane crash near Ahmedabad, Gujarat involving Air India flight AI171. Prayers for everyone on board.' Its archive can be viewed here.
India Today Fact Check found that this video is from 2023 and shows a Yeti Airlines crash in Nepal. It is unrelated to the recent Air India incident.OUR PROBEReverse-searching the keyframes of the viral video led us to the same video shared online in January 2023, making it evident that the video is unrelated to the recent Air India plane crash. The post claimed that it showed a plane crash that occurred in Nepal.We then found several news reports about the incident. According to a video report by Mojo Story, the footage was shot inside a Yeti Airlines flight that crashed in Pokhara, Nepal, on January 15, 2023.advertisement Yeti Airlines flight 691, which departed from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport on January 15, crashed into the Seti River gorge, located between the old and new airports in Pokhara, a popular resort city. More than 70 people, including five Indians, died in the crash.Thus, it is evident that an old and unrelated video from a 2023 Nepal plane crash is being falsely shared as footage of the recent Air India crash.(Written by Abhishek Pathak)Tune InMust Watch
Want to send us something for verification? Please share it on our at 73 7000 7000 You can also send us an email at factcheck@intoday.com

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

NDTV

32 minutes ago

• NDTV

Why July-August Is The Best Time To Travel To Kenya

If you're planning a trip that lets you truly indulge in wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Kenya is a destination you should seriously consider. With its blend of adventure, relaxation, and warmth, it's no surprise that tourism here is on the rise - especially among Indian travellers. But what makes July and August so special compared to the rest of the year? And why are more Indians than ever choosing Kenya as their dream holiday? We spoke to travel experts to find the answers. Why July-August Is Considered The Best Time To Visit Kenya July and August in Kenya isn't just any other time of the year - it's the start of the Great Migration, a wildlife spectacle that's often called one of the most dramatic natural events on Earth. The Great Migration Irshad Dadan, Director of One Above Kenya, a tour operator from Kenya, explains that July and August (late July and early August) mark the beginning of the world-famous Great Migration in Kenya, when over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures. "This is the best time to witness thrilling river crossings, predator-prey interactions and an explosion of wildlife across the plains," he says. As the migration begins, massive herds of animals enter the Maasai Mara, making it easier to spot animals in large numbers. "Wildlife is highly active and constantly on the move - perfect for safari-goers and photographers," he adds. Another most iconic event of the migration is the crossing of the Mara River. These crossings, filled with tension and high drama, typically start in July. You might witness animals diving into crocodile-infested waters, or predators like lions and leopards on the hunt near the banks. The Perfect Weather Kenya enters its dry season in July. So during July and August, days are sunny and cool, making it ideal for outdoor adventures like game drives and bush walks. No heavy rains, no intense heat - just crisp skies and golden savannahs. Louis D'Souza, Managing Partner, Tamarind Global, a travel agency from Gurugram, shares that the weather is ideal - dry, cool, and sunny - making it perfect for game drives and outdoor activities. He also says that the time is great for family travel as it is the time when school holidays are in full swing. Less Crowded Beaches Kenya's Indian Ocean coastline enjoys warm water year-round, but these two months dry and slightly cooler weather make the beaches less crowded while still offering pleasant conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The Rise In Travel To Kenya Experts suggest that the spike in Indian travellers to Kenya is not just about the migration or the weather - it's also about the kind of experience Kenya now offers. From luxury lodges to pristine beaches, there's something for every kind of traveller. According to Dadan, Indian travellers today are looking for nature-based, wildlife-centric and beach holidays. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lindsay Stevens (@lindzoutside) "Kenya offers all three in one destination - safaris in the Maasai Mara, beaches in Mombasa and Diani, and beautiful landscapes all around. Add to that the ease of getting an e-visa, and it becomes very accessible." In 2024, Kenya welcomed 1,06,863 visitors from India - a 12.4% increase from 95,038 in 2023 - making India the fifth-largest source of inbound tourists to the country. Dadan also points out a comfort factor that many overlook. "In addition, the cultural warmth and familiarity - thanks to a large Indian diaspora in Kenya - add to the comfort level for Indian travellers. Indian food is also easy to find there," he says. Jay Bajaj, Head, International MICE and Events, SKIL, a travel management company, notes that corporate tourism is also booming, "Indian overseas travel to Kenya has surged, especially in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market." Kenya combines luxury with adventure and he also emphasises the diversity of activities available. "There's so much on offer - from romantic honeymoons to photography expeditions. It's not just a safari destination anymore," Bajaj says. If you decide to go, here's where you can stay. Where To Stay In Kenya For Safari Lovers Mahali Mzuri Mahali Mzuri, a luxury tented camp, located right in the path of the Great Migration in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Prices start from Rs 4,18,610 per night. Angama Mara Swahili for 'suspended mid-air', Angama offers high-touch safari experiences in one-of-a-kind locations across East Africa. Angama Mara is perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley with sweeping views of the Mara - perfect for couples and photography enthusiasts. Prices start at Rs 2,29,118 per night for peak season. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Destination | Inspiration | Travel (@tripinspo_) Mara Plains Camp Mara Plains Camp is a unique luxury safari camp located in the private 13,300-hectare Olare Motorogi Conservancy, situated just on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The camp offers an immersive wildlife experience in one of the most iconic safari destinations on the planet. Prices start for Rs 52,055 per night/per person. For beach holidays If you want a property that is situated right beside the Daini beach, and want to spend your days in leisure in Kenya, after the thrilling safaris, here are some options: Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa Nestled in the pristine, white sands of the South Kenyan coastline, Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa is the preferred getaway for luxury travellers looking to explore the uniquely enchanting experience of the serene beaches and Swahili culture that Kenya has to offer. With prices starting at just Rs 14,000-15,000 per night, the property is the perfect tranquil escape. Hemingways Watamu Hemingways Watamu is an 'Indian Ocean luxury beach hotel' in Kenya sitting right in the middle of the pristine Watamu Marine National Park with its idyllic white sand beach and turquoise waters. Prices start from Rs 29,874 per night. So, if you've been dreaming of the wild savannah, thundering hooves, fiery sunsets, and Maasai warriors, Kenya might be the place for it, but don't forget to pack mosquito repellent cream with you.

Time of India

an hour ago

• Time of India

Surging travel in Europe spikes concerns over tourism's drawbacks

Suitcases rattle against cobblestones. Selfie-snappers jostle for the same shot. Ice cream shops are everywhere. Europe has been called the world's museum, but its record numbers of visitors have also made it ground zero for concerns about overtourism. Last year, 747 million international travellers visited the continent, far outnumbering any other region in the world, according to the UN's World Tourism Barometer. Southern and Western Europe welcomed more than 70% of them. As the growing tide of travellers strains housing, water and the most Instagrammable hotspots in the region, protests and measures to lessen the effects of overtourism have proliferated. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Polscy seniorzy mogą otrzymać dyskretne aparaty słuchowe jeszcze w tym miesiącu Aparatusluchowe Polska Undo Here's a look at the issue in some of Europe's most visited destinations. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) What's causing overtourism Among factors driving the record numbers are cheap flights, social media, the ease of travel planning using artificial intelligence and what UN tourism officials call a strong economic outlook for many rich countries that send tourists despite some geopolitical and economic tensions. Live Events You Might Also Like: Europe trips growing popular among Indians: Schengen visa applications surge by nearly 40% Citizens of countries like the US, Japan, China and the UK generate the most international trips, especially to popular destinations, such as Barcelona in Spain and Venice in Italy. They swarm these places seasonally, creating uneven demand for housing and resources such as water. Despite popular backlash against the crowds, some tourism officials believe they can be managed with the right infrastructure in place. Italy's Tourism Minister Daniela Santanche said she thinks tourism flows at crowded sites such Florence's Uffizi Galleries that house some of the world's most famous artworks could be better managed with AI, with tourists able to buy their tickets when they book their travel, even months in advance, to prevent surges. She pushed back against the idea that Italy - which like all of its Southern European neighbors, welcomed more international visitors in 2024 than its entire population - has a problem with too many tourists, adding that most visits are within just 4% of the country's territory. You Might Also Like: Middle East's Schengen style GCC tourist visa approved, to be rolled out 'soon' "It's a phenomenon that can absolutely be managed," Santanche told The Associated Press in an interview in her office on Friday. "Tourism must be an opportunity, not a threat - even for local communities. That's why we are focusing on organizing flows." Where overtourism is most intense Countries on the Mediterranean are at the forefront. Olympics-host France, the biggest international destination, last year received 100 million international visitors, while second-place Spain received almost 94 million - nearly double its own population. Protests have erupted across Spain over the past two years. In Barcelona, the water gun has become a symbol of the city's anti-tourism movement after marching protests have spritzed unsuspecting tourists while carrying signs saying: "One more tourist, one less resident!" The pressure on infrastructure has been particularly acute on Spain's Canary and Balearic Islands, which have a combined population of less than 5 million people. Each archipelago saw upwards of 15 million visitors last year. Elsewhere in Europe, tourism overcrowding has vexed Italy's most popular sites including Venice, Rome, Capri and Verona, where Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" was set. On the popular Amalfi Coast, ride-hailing app Uber offers private helicopter and boat rides in the summer to beat the crowds. Greece, which saw nearly four times as many tourists as its own population last year, has struggled with the strain on water, housing and energy in the summer months, especially on popular islands such as Santorini, Mykonos and others. The impact of overtourism In Spain, anti-tourism activists, academics, and the government say that overtourism is driving up housing costs in city centers and other popular locations due to the proliferation of short-term rentals that cater to visitors. Others bemoan changes to the very character of city neighborhoods that drew tourists in the first place. In Barcelona and elsewhere, activists and academics have said that neighborhoods popular with tourists have seen local shops replaced with souvenir vendors, international chains and trendy eateries. On some of Greece's most-visited islands, tourism has overlapped with water scarcity as drought grips the Mediterranean country of 10.4 million. In France, the Louvre, the world's most-visited museum, shut down this week when its staff went on strike warning that the facility was crumbling beneath the weight of overtourism, stranding thousands of ticketed visitors lined up under the baking sun. Angelos Varvarousis, a Barcelona- and Athens-based academic and urban planner who studies the industry, said overtourism risks imposing a "monoculture" on many of Europe's hotspots. "It is combined with the gradual loss and displacement of other social and economic activities," Varvarousis said. What authorities are doing to cope Spain's government wants to tackle what officials call the country's biggest governance challenge: its housing crunch. Last month, Spain's government ordered Airbnb to take down almost 66,000 properties it said had violated local rules - while Barcelona announced a plan last year to phase out all of the 10,000 apartments licensed in the city as short-term rentals by 2028. Officials said the measure was to safeguard the housing supply for full-time residents. Elsewhere, authorities have tried to regulate tourist flows by cracking down on overnight stays or imposing fees for those visiting via cruises. In Greece, starting July 1, a cruise tax will be levied on island visitors at 20 euros ($23) for popular destinations like Mykonos and 5 euros ($5.70) for less-visited islands like Samos. The government has also encouraged visitors to seek quieter locations. To alleviate water problems, water tankers from mainland Greece have helped parched islands, and the islands have also used desalination technology, which separates salts from ocean water to make it drinkable, to boost their drinking water. Other measures have included staggered visiting hours at the Acropolis. Meanwhile, Venice brought back an entry fee this year that was piloted last year on day-trippers who will have to pay between 5 and 10 euros (roughly $6 to $12) to enter the city during the peak season.

Indian Express

an hour ago

• Indian Express

Air India passenger complains of ‘hissing' noise on Delhi-Hong Kong flight, here's what the airline had to say

Passengers aboard an Air India flight from Delhi to Hong Kong raised concerns after reportedly hearing a 'shaking, hissing' noise coming from the door of the Boeing 787 shortly after takeoff. According to a report in the Times of India, the unsettling sound sparked worry among passengers. A social media user shared a photo allegedly taken during the flight. In the post, the user claimed that the cabin crew responded to the complaints by stuffing napkins into the door to muffle what they described as 'hissing, growling noises.' 'Scary 15 minutes trauma as reported by the passenger. I do not wish to sound like an activist, or wish to malign any business or brand, but I feel safety & security concerns must be highlighted by each one of us. I presume there are pre-flight safety & security compliance checks which must be taken seriously,' the LinkedIn post read. See here: Responding to the reports, Air India, in a statement, clarified that the noise did not pose any safety threat. 'A hissing sound started emanating from the decorative door panel mid-flight, and after assessing that there was no risk to safety, the crew took action to alleviate the noise. After landing in Hong Kong airport, the aircraft underwent checks by the engineering team,' the airline said, TOI reported. The airline further said thorough inspections were conducted before the aircraft was approved for operations on June 1. The source of the sound was a decorative panel on the door rather than the door mechanism itself, they said. 'All safety parameters were found to be in compliance, and the aircraft was cleared for service. There was no such noise during the return flight AI315 from Hong Kong to Delhi. We would like to reiterate that the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority,' the airline said. Air India confirmed that after the aircraft landed in Hong Kong, it was inspected and found airworthy. It later flew back to Delhi without any reported issues. The incident came to light after the ill-fated Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flying from Ahmedabad to London crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Several aviation incidents and fear have flooded the Internet ever since.