Tragedy Strikes: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes Moments After Takeoff from Ahmedabad

Air India Flight AI171 Crashes Moments After Takeoff from Ahmedabad: Major Tragedy Unfolds

Date: 12 June 2025
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Flight: Air India AI171 (Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner)
Route: Ahmedabad (AMD) to London Gatwick (LGW)
Onboard: 242 people (232 passengers, 10 crew)

Overview

On the afternoon of June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171 suffered a catastrophic crash moments after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, had just become airborne when it failed to gain sufficient altitude and plummeted into a densely populated civilian area near the airport. The incident has been declared one of the most devastating air disasters in India’s aviation history in recent years.

Crash Details

The aircraft took off at approximately 1:38 PM local time. Seconds into flight, the pilot issued a “Mayday” call. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low, trailing smoke, and struggling to gain height. Just minutes later, it crashed into a residential building identified as a doctors’ hostel in the Meghani Nagar area. The plane burst into flames on impact, creating a massive explosion visible across the city skyline.

Flightradar24, a global flight tracking platform, confirmed that the last signal from the aircraft was received shortly after takeoff, indicating rapid descent and failure to maintain altitude.

Nationalities Onboard

The 242 individuals on board included:

• 169 Indian nationals

• 53 British nationals

• 7 Portuguese nationals

• 1 Canadian national

• 12 crew members (10 flight crew and 2 attendants)

Many of the passengers were tourists or expatriates traveling to London, and a few were reportedly students and professionals relocating or returning abroad.

Emergency Response

Emergency services responded within minutes. Over two dozen ambulances and fire tenders reached the site. The injured were rushed to local hospitals across Ahmedabad, including Civil Hospital and Sterling Hospital. Several victims were pulled from the rubble by first responders and civilians. Rescue teams continued to search for survivors well into the evening.

Hospitals across the city were placed on high alert. Gujarat's disaster response forces, local police, and military units joined rescue efforts. Firefighters worked for hours to control the blaze that followed the crash, and parts of the area were cordoned off for safety and investigation.

Government and Official Statements

India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, confirmed that he is monitoring the situation closely and has directed all aviation, disaster, and health agencies to act with urgency. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he posted on social media platform X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also issued a statement expressing his grief and has assured full government support for rescue operations and victim assistance. As Ahmedabad is Modi’s home state capital, additional central resources have been deployed on-site.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have initiated an official investigation. Air India has activated an emergency response center and set up a passenger support hotline at 1800 5691 444.

International Reaction

The UK Foreign Office released a statement saying they are working closely with Indian authorities to determine the condition of British nationals onboard and provide consular support. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also extended condolences and offered assistance to the Indian government.

Portuguese and Canadian authorities were also notified, and diplomatic channels are actively coordinating information with New Delhi.

Aircraft and Airline Background

The crashed aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with the registration VT-ANB. It was among the newer fleet members of Air India and considered one of the safest aircraft models in service worldwide. The aircraft was captained by Sumit Sabharwal, an experienced pilot with over 8,200 flight hours, accompanied by co-pilot Clive Kundar with 1,100 hours of experience.

Air India, now operated under Tata Group ownership since 2022, had recently merged with Vistara in 2024. The airline had been modernizing its fleet and operations, aiming to revive its international presence.

This tragedy marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 since its global introduction and the most deadly commercial airline disaster in India since the Kozhikode runway overrun in 2020.

Ongoing Investigation

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Preliminary data suggests a critical failure to generate sufficient lift shortly after takeoff, possibly due to technical malfunction or engine failure. Black box recovery efforts are underway, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the inquiry with support from Boeing and DGCA experts.

Until a complete analysis is completed, all future flights on similar routes are being reviewed, and Dreamliner operations across India may undergo stricter scrutiny.

Conclusion

The loss of Air India Flight AI171 is a profound tragedy that has shaken the nation and raised global concern. As families grieve and questions emerge, the focus remains on rescue, support for victims, and thorough investigation to prevent future incidents. India and the world await clarity on what led to the failure of a modern aircraft shortly after departure in seemingly normal weather conditions.