Air India Flight AI171 Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad
What happened
- On June 12, 2025, at approximately 1:38 PM IST, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (VT‑ANB) operating Air India flight AI 171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport, in the Meghani Nagar residential area.
- Every one of the 242 people on board – 230 passengers (169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian) and 12 crew members, was killed.
- The aircraft struck a doctors’ hostel, resulting in additional casualties among people on the ground: 5 confirmed dead, ~40 injured.
In one of the darkest days in Indian aviation history, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just minutes after takeoff on Wednesday afternoon, killing all 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The crash site, located in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area, also resulted in at least 5 confirmed casualties on the ground and over 40 injuries, adding to the magnitude of the disaster.
The Crash
At 1:38 PM IST, shortly after liftoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the aircraft rapidly lost altitude after issuing a Mayday call. Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion, followed by the aircraft spiraling and slamming into a building complex that housed a doctors’ hostel.
Fire and rescue teams were deployed within minutes, but by the time flames were brought under control, it was confirmed that there were no survivors onboard. Several medical students residing in the hostel were also among the victims.
Flight and Crew Details
Flight AI171 was being operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB. The cockpit was manned by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with over 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar.
According to Air Traffic Control, the aircraft reached 625 feet before issuing the emergency call. Radar contact was lost moments later.
Government and Ministerial Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, stating:
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. I am in constant touch with authorities to ensure swift support to the victims’ families.”
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu rushed to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue operations. “We are devastated. A full-scale investigation is underway. We assure full transparency and action,” he stated.
Home Minister Amit Shah described the crash as “a national shock,” coordinating with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, who visited both the crash site and Civil Hospital, where the injured were being treated.
President Droupadi Murmu, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi also expressed their condolences.
Global Condolences
The tragedy drew international attention, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issuing a statement:
“This is a deeply distressing moment. We are in constant contact with Indian authorities. Our thoughts are with all those affected.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Canada’s Foreign Office, King Charles III, and global leaders such as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed solidarity with India.
Passenger Details
Air India confirmed the nationalities of the deceased as follows:
- 169 Indians
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese citizens
- 1 Canadian
Investigation Underway
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), along with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has begun probing the incident. Preliminary efforts include recovering the black box (flight data and cockpit voice recorders) and examining wreckage patterns and maintenance logs.
Sources suggest a possible engine flameout or critical system malfunction, but officials urge against speculation until formal findings are available.
Notably, this marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 globally, raising questions about aircraft systems and maintenance oversight.
Rescue and Relief
Over 200 personnel from NDRF, local police, fire brigade, and health services were involved in the massive operation. A green corridor was created to transport the injured. Nearby hospitals, including Civil Hospital and Apollo, received emergency cases.
Volunteers and residents also assisted in relief work, helping pull people from debris and donating blood for survivors.
Nation In Mourning
Flags flew at half-mast across Gujarat, and a statewide mourning was declared for two days. Candlelight vigils were held in Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.A special parliamentary session is scheduled for tomorrow to honor the victims, and compensation packages are expected to be announced.
Final Words
The Air India Flight AI171 tragedy has left the nation in deep mourning. As families await answers and authorities work tirelessly to determine what went wrong, India and the world grieve the loss of 242 lives that were taken too soon. The scars of this tragedy will linger, but so will the memories of those who perished. In the days to come, the country seeks accountability, healing, and the strength to rebuild from unimaginable loss.
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