Air India Flight AI171 Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport, Over 240 Aboard

Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick crashes minutes after takeoff; at least 133 confirmed dead.

Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025
In a devastating aviation tragedy, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The flight was en route to London Gatwick Airport, carrying 242 individuals, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

The aircraft took off at 1:38 PM IST and lost contact with air traffic control approximately five minutes later. Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple explosions followed by thick plumes of smoke as the plane descended into the Meghani Nagar area, crashing near a medical college hostel.

Casualties and Nationalities

As of the latest reports, at least 133 fatalities have been confirmed. The passengers included:

• 169 Indian nationals

• 53 British nationals

• 7 Portuguese nationals

• 1 Canadian national

Among those believed to be on board is Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Rescue and Emergency Response

Emergency services, including fire engines, ambulances, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were promptly deployed to the crash site. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India have initiated investigations into the cause of the crash.

Aircraft and Flight Details

The aircraft involved, registered VT-ANB, was an 11-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. It had its first flight on December 14, 2013, and was delivered to Air India on January 28, 2014.

Government Reactions

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.” He assured that authorities are working to assist those affected.

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the crash “devastating” and extended condolences to the victims’ families.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

The crash has raised concerns about the safety of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, as this is the first fatal crash involving this aircraft model since its introduction in 2011. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash, with both Indian and international aviation authorities involved.