Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – A devastating accident occurred today when Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed seconds after lifting off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
Flight & Aircraft Details
- Flight AI 171, operated by Air India in a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (tail number VT‑ANB), departed Ahmedabad at 13:38 IST.
- The aircraft was carrying 242 persons on board: 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin staff.
- Nationalities included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian.
Accident Sequence
- Flightradar24 data indicates the aircraft reached approximately 625 feet in altitude before losing radar contact.
- Just after takeoff, the flight crew issued a mayday call, but communication abruptly stopped.
- Witnesses describe seeing thick plumes of black smoke and a fireball as the aircraft slammed into a multi‑story doctors’ hostel in the Meghani Nagar area.
Casualties & Survivor
- Authorities have recovered over 204 bodies from the crash site, including victims in the residential building.
- While initial reports indicated one survivor seated in 11A, medical teams later reported that this person is under intensive care, though survival chances remain uncertain.
Ground Impact
- Tragically, the crash also claimed lives on the ground, with at least 5 individuals killed in the doctors’ hostel building struck by the aircraft.
- Around 70 fire tenders and multiple ambulances, supported by NDRF teams and police, were dispatched to the scene.
Emergency Response & Investigation
- First responders from the DGCA, Air India, Boeing, and the U.S. NTSB have launched a full investigation.
- The aircraft was fully fueled for its long‑haul flight to London, which reportedly intensified the blaze.
Official Statements
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words… my thoughts are with everyone affected.”
- Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu described the crash as shocking and confirmed that all relevant agencies are working closely.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “devastating” and a crisis team has been mobilised for affected British nationals; King Charles III and Queen Camilla extended their condolences.
- Boeing stated it is “in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stands ready to support them.”
Impact & Wider Repercussions
- This marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model in service since 2011.
- Boeing’s stock fell approximately 4–7% on the news in pre‑market trading.
- Ahmedabad Airport has suspended operations pending a full safety review and site remediation.
What Comes Next?
An official inquiry is underway by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with technical backing from Boeing and the NTSB. Key areas of focus include flight data recorder analysis, cockpit voice recordings, and the reasons behind the apparent failure to retract landing gear or confirm flap settings—issues speculated by experts.
Families of passengers have been informed via hotlines and designated assistance centers near the airport. Air India is coordinating with local and international authorities to ensure timely information flow.
UpcomingIpowatch.in expresses deepest condolences to all affected by this tragic incident. We will continue to update our readers as the investigation unfolds.
