Ahmedabad, India – June 12, 2025 — In a devastating incident that has shaken India and the global aviation industry, Air India Flight AI‑171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad. The aircraft was bound for London Gatwick Airport but tragically went down over the densely populated Meghani Nagar area at approximately 1:38 PM IST, claiming over 130 lives.
Air India AI‑171 Crash Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight | AI‑171 — Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (VT‑ANB) |
| Time | June 12, 2025, approximately 1:38 PM IST |
| On Board | 242 total — 230 passengers and 12 crew members; multiple nationalities |
| Fatalities | At least 133 confirmed dead; many more injured or missing |
| Location | Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad — a densely populated residential area |
| Cause | Under investigation — MAYDAY call issued, communication lost post-takeoff |
What Happened to Air India Flight AI‑171?
The wide-body Dreamliner took off from Runway 23 but quickly encountered trouble. Within minutes, pilots issued a MAYDAY call, and air traffic control lost contact. Eyewitnesses reported flames from the rear of the aircraft before it crashed into residential buildings in Meghani Nagar, creating a massive fireball and widespread destruction.
This marks the first-ever fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its commercial introduction.
Passengers and Crew Onboard
The flight carried 242 people, including:
- 230 passengers
- 12 crew members
Passenger nationalities:
- 169 Indians
- 53 British
- 7 Portuguese
- 1 Canadian
Cockpit crew:
- Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 flight hours)
- First Officer Clive Kundar (1,100 hours)
Families of passengers are being contacted, and embassies have launched emergency support teams for foreign nationals.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
- 133 confirmed fatalities as of the latest update
- Dozens injured and transported to local hospitals
- 30+ bodies recovered in early rescue phase
- Multiple buildings in Meghani Nagar damaged or destroyed
- Rescue teams including NDRF, police, and fire departments responded immediately
- Ahmedabad Airport suspended all operations
Local hospitals, including Civil Hospital and Apollo, have declared emergency protocols. Blood donation drives and volunteer support are underway.
Reactions from Leaders and Authorities
🇮🇳 India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, calling the crash “heartbreaking beyond words”. He pledged immediate financial and medical assistance to victims’ families.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a “tragedy that touches us all”, confirming that UK consular services were aiding families of the 53 British nationals onboard.
Boeing’s Response
Boeing released a statement offering condolences and is fully cooperating with Indian aviation authorities. This comes at a critical time as Boeing prepares for the 2025 Paris Air Show, with safety concerns now front and center.
Boeing’s shares dropped nearly 9% following the news.
Ongoing Investigation
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, supported by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Boeing engineers, is leading the investigation.
Key areas under review:
- Flight Data and Cockpit Voice Recorders (Black Boxes)
- Technical maintenance logs of aircraft VT‑ANB
- Recent reports of Dreamliner electrical issues
- Possible bird strike or engine malfunction
- Pilot actions and air traffic communication
This tragedy could trigger a global inspection of Dreamliner models and a review of Air India’s safety protocols.
Aviation Industry Impact
This is India’s deadliest aviation disaster since the Kozhikode crash in 2020. It is also a turning point for:
- Aircraft safety standards
- Passenger trust in long-haul airliners
- Regulatory scrutiny over Boeing 787s
Airlines across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East are reviewing Dreamliner operations following the incident.
What Happens Next?
- The black boxes are expected to offer early insights within days
- Compensation plans are being arranged by Air India
- Memorial services are being planned in Ahmedabad and London
- Boeing may face lawsuits or regulatory actions depending on findings
Public attention is now firmly on the Dreamliner’s safety record, with calls for global aviation reform gaining traction.