On June 12, 2025, a tragic accident occurred involving an Air India passenger airplane, designated as flight AI171, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT) but met with disaster shortly after its departure, as it crashed into a residential area in Ahmedabad, specifically in Meghani Nagar. This catastrophic event has left the aviation community and families in shock as the airline confirmed that there were over 240 individuals on board at the time of the incident.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the crash continue to emerge, emphasizing the urgency and severity of the situation. Flight tracking data indicated that the plane lost its signal less than a minute after take-off, with its last recorded altitude being approximately 625 feet, before a mayday call was made to air traffic control, after which there was no further communication. Eyewitnesses described seeing plumes of thick black smoke rising from the crash site. Local reports confirmed that the plane had crashed into a doctor’s hostel, leading to significant casualties both on-board and possibly among local residents.
Emergency services acted promptly, with police and firefighters responding to the scene to manage the aftermath of the crash. Images circulated in the media showcased firefighters combating the fire that resulted from the incident and offering assistance to those who were affected on the ground. Tragically, local officials indicated that there appeared to be no survivors among the passengers and crew, with fears that some residents in the vicinity may have also perished due to the aircraft’s impact. The police chief of Ahmedabad, GS Malik, stated that the situation was dire, while Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged the significant loss of life.
A comprehensive investigation is underway as India’s aviation minister directed all relevant agencies to coordinate their response efforts efficiently. There are ongoing rescue and relief operations, leading to many injured parties being transported to nearby hospitals. The chief minister of Gujarat has expressed urgency in conducting these operations swiftly. Air India has stated that they are cooperating with all investigations surrounding the incident and have established a hotline to support the families of those on board. Additionally, they activated an emergency center to cater to the needs of affected families.
Among those on the flight included a diverse group of nationalities: 53 British nationals, 169 Indian nationals, a Canadian national, and seven from Portugal. As information is being gathered and verified, the international response has been significant, highlighting the level of concern and sorrow resulting from the crash. Leaders from both India—including Prime Minister Narendra Modi—expressed their grief and pledged support to those dealing with the aftermath. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, extending condolences to the passengers’ families while emphasizing the need for timely updates as they navigate this ongoing crisis.
The aircraft itself had a distinguished operating record since its launch 14 years ago, marking this incident as a significant deviation from its safety history. Boeing, the manufacturer, has reached out to Air India in a supportive capacity and is prepared to assist in any ongoing investigations. This situation underscores the importance of aviation safety measures and the far-reaching impact that such tragedies have on communities, families, and nations alike. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the causes behind this heartbreaking event to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
