'God Saved Me': Gujarat Doctor Cancels Air India London Flight Ticket That Later Crashed

Last Updated:June 16, 2025, 09:03 IST

It was his wife who first insisted he not travel while sick and urged him to cancel the flight.

The Ahmedabad plane crash triggered an outpouring of grief in the country and abroad. (Reuters Image)

A doctor from Gujarat narrowly escaped tragedy and is now overwhelmed with gratitude toward his wife and family for persuading him to cancel his June 12 Air India flight to London.

According to an NDTV report, Dr Umang Patel, a UK-based medical professional residing in Northampton for the past five years, had returned to his ancestral home in Koydam village in Gujarat’s Mahisagar district on May 24 along with his wife, children, and their grandparents.

While the family was meant to stay on, Patel had booked a solo return ticket for June 12.

“I had to go back alone on June 12. However, I developed high fever after a visit to my in-laws’ house on June 9. The fever was so high I could not even stand the next morning," he was quoted as saying to NDTV.

It was his wife who first insisted he not travel while sick and urged him to cancel the flight.

Patel recalled that after his wife urged him not to travel in his unwell condition, he cancelled his June 12 ticket, decided to rest, and rebooked his flight for June 15, only to later learn that the June 12 flight had crashed.

“God saved me. I also pray that God gives peace to all the souls who were on that aircraft."

His parents also played a role in stopping him. His father, Dr Umangbhai Patel, who had recently suffered a stroke, said he and his wife were firmly against their son flying out on June 12.

The NDTV report added that the near-miss left many villagers shaken. Neighbors visited the Patel family home to offer prayers and moral support, grateful that tragedy had been averted.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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