The Ghost Plane Mystery: Boeing 737 That Vanished for 12 Years Finally Reappears

Dubbed the "Ghost Plane," a Boeing 737-200, owned by Air India, quietly vanished from official records and public knowledge for 12 years while parked at Kolkata’s airport. Initially thought lost or scrapped, the aircraft was rediscovered during routine clearance in November 2025, surprising aviation enthusiasts and officials.

The 43-year-old aircraft was abandoned in 2012 following operational retirement but was never formally deregistered or recorded as scrapped. It lingered hidden from maintenance files, insurance documents, and tracking systems—prompting questions about asset management and regulatory oversight in Indian aviation.

This case contrasts starkly with other famous "ghost flights" like Malaysia Airlines MH370, which disappeared mysteriously en route, highlighting different facets of aviation mysteries.

Air India’s rediscovery of the Boeing 737 underscores the complexities of fleet management amid aging aircraft and evolving regulatory frameworks. It also serves as a reminder of the layers of history embedded in aviation artifacts parked in plain sight.

Key Highlights:

Boeing 737-200 owned by Air India appeared after 12 years of "ghost" status.

Abandoned at Kolkata Airport since 2012 without official deregistration.

Aircraft aged 43 years, overlooked in maintenance and documentation.

Highlights issues in aviation asset management and regulation.

Contrasts with missing flight MH370—ghost plane in different context.

Rediscovery sparks renewed interest in aviation history and oversight.

Sources: Times Now News, Instagram