A devastating air crash shocked the nation on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The flight, en route to London Gatwick, had 242 people on board, including passengers and crew. Sadly, all onboard are feared dead, along with casualties on the ground.
Flight Details at a Glance
- Flight Number: Air India AI 171
- Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner (Registration: VT-ANB)
- Route: Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
- Time of Takeoff: 1:38 PM IST
- Occupants: 230 passengers + 12 crew = 242 total
- Crash Site: Meghani Nagar, near B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad
What Happened?
Just moments after takeoff, the aircraft experienced severe trouble. Eyewitnesses described a loud explosion, followed by flames and thick smoke. The plane lost altitude rapidly and crashed into a residential building that houses a medical student hostel.
Before the crash, pilots sent a Mayday emergency signal. Flight tracking data shows that the aircraft barely reached 625 feet in altitude before communication was lost.
Nationalities of the Passengers
The flight included passengers from various countries:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian National
Ground Impact and Casualties
The crash site was chaotic. Emergency responders faced challenges due to dense smoke and fire. Here’s the breakdown of the human toll:
- All 242 onboard are feared dead
- 5 students on the ground killed
- 40+ civilians injured near the hostel
- Over 100 bodies were brought to Asarwa Civil Hospital
Emergency Response
Within minutes, fire engines, ambulances, police, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams reached the site. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with the area cordoned off for public safety.
Flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport were temporarily suspended. Hospitals nearby were placed on high alert to treat the injured and handle identification of the deceased.
Government Reaction
National Leaders Respond
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and assured full support for affected families.
- Home Minister Amit Shah coordinated emergency operations with Gujarat officials.
- Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited hospitals and the crash site, calling the tragedy a “state-level emergency.”
International Assistance
- The UK High Commission activated emergency support for British citizens.
- Portugal and Canada offered assistance for their nationals on board.
Air India’s Statement
Air India confirmed the crash and launched an internal investigation.
Key actions taken:
- Emergency helplines set up
- Family assistance centers opened
- Senior officials sent to Ahmedabad
- Airline Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran issued a condolence message and assured full cooperation with authorities
Possible Cause of the Crash
The exact cause is still under investigation, but some early clues have emerged:
- Landing gear remained deployed
- Flaps were not fully extended, which is unusual
- The crew reported a malfunction shortly after takeoff
- Weather conditions were clear, ruling out climate as a factor
Experts suspect a mechanical failure, but they have not yet ruled out human error or a system malfunction.
Who Is Investigating?
Several top agencies are now involved:
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)
- Air India’s internal safety team
- Boeing and GE Aerospace (engine manufacturer)
Investigators have recovered the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and are analyzing them.
Global Reaction and Impact
Stock Market Impact
After the news broke, Boeing shares fell by over 7% in pre-market trading, showing shaken investor confidence.
Aviation Industry Concerns
This was the first major crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which had previously maintained a strong safety record. The incident has sparked fresh calls for reviewing:
- Aircraft maintenance procedures
- Crew training standards
- Regulatory oversight
A Look Back in History
Ahmedabad hasn’t seen such a devastating air crash in decades. The last major incident was in 1988, when Indian Airlines Flight 113 crashed during landing, killing 133 of 135 onboard.
This recent crash is now one of the deadliest in Indian aviation history, especially involving a wide-body international aircraft.
What’s Next?
- Investigators will issue a detailed preliminary report in the coming weeks.
- Authorities are assisting grieving families with last rites and compensation.
- Air India and the Gujarat government are planning memorial services.
- Aviation authorities may issue fresh safety advisories for Dreamliner aircraft.
Final Thoughts
This tragic incident has left India, and indeed the world, in deep mourning. The crash of Air India Flight 171 not only caused the loss of over 240 lives but also raised serious questions about air travel safety. As families grieve and the nation watches, everyone hopes for a thorough investigation, meaningful reforms, and—most of all—peace for those who lost their lives.
