Ahmedabad, India – June 12, 2025
In a tragic and devastating event, Air India Flight AI 171—a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick—crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft was carrying 242 individuals, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Authorities fear there are no survivors.
The flight, which departed at 1:38 PM local time, lost contact with air traffic control less than five minutes into the journey. Initial investigations by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirm the aircraft went down in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area, just north of the airport.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror and disbelief. “There was a loud bang, then the sky turned black with smoke,” said resident Kamlesh Patel, who lives near the crash site. The impact caused multiple residential buildings to collapse and triggered a massive fire that engulfed a city block.
Immediate Response and Rescue Operations
Emergency response teams, including over 20 fire engines, ambulances, and more than 200 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, rushed to the crash site. Firefighters battled intense flames for over four hours, attempting to extinguish the fire fueled by the plane’s full tank for the transcontinental route.
As of the latest reports, there have been no confirmed survivors. Dozens of injured local residents have been transported to Civil Hospital Ahmedabad for treatment, while search and recovery teams continue to comb through debris.
Statements from Officials and Air India
India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirmed the incident and assured the public that the government is mobilizing all available resources. “This is a national tragedy. My deepest condolences to the families affected,” he said during a press briefing in Delhi. He also confirmed the activation of a high-level investigative panel.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Air India’s parent company Tata Group, issued a written statement:
“We are heartbroken by this unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts are with every family affected. We are fully cooperating with authorities and offering all necessary assistance to emergency services.”
Air India has set up a crisis response center in both Ahmedabad and London to support relatives of the passengers. Dedicated helplines have also been activated to provide real-time updates and counselling services.
Flight AI 171 Manifest and Nationalities
According to preliminary information, passengers on board included a mix of Indian nationals, British citizens, Portuguese travelers, and one Canadian passport holder. The flight was scheduled to land at London Gatwick at 6:45 PM GMT.
Family members waiting at the arrival terminal in London were escorted to a private holding area, where Air India officials and UK consular representatives are providing support.
Technical Concerns and Aircraft Background
Flight AI 171 was operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registered VT-ANZ, delivered to Air India in 2016. The aircraft underwent routine maintenance just two weeks prior and had logged approximately 29,000 flight hours. DGCA sources noted that early analysis of flight data indicates a potential engine malfunction, though no official cause has been confirmed.
The black box and flight data recorder have been located and will be sent to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for analysis.
Boeing issued a short statement, saying:
“We are aware of the reports and are in contact with Air India and Indian aviation authorities. A technical team is being dispatched to support the investigation.”
Global Reactions and Support
Global leaders and aviation authorities have expressed condolences. The UK Foreign Office, Transport Canada, and Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have pledged cooperation in identifying and supporting their affected citizens.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his condolences via X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Deeply saddened by the tragic crash of AI 171 in Ahmedabad. My prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives. All necessary steps are being taken.”
Local Impact and Investigation Ahead
The crash has left parts of Meghani Nagar devastated, with over 50 residential units reportedly damaged. Local authorities have evacuated the area and set up emergency shelters at nearby schools and community centers.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner Anil Desai said a full damage assessment is underway. “It’s not just a loss for the airline or the families—this is a tragic day for our entire city,” he said.
The central government has announced a compensation package for the victims’ families, while the Prime Minister’s Office is expected to issue a national statement later today.
Ongoing Investigation
While initial theories point to mechanical failure, investigators are not ruling out other causes. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed that a multi-agency team, including DGCA, AAIB, and forensic experts, will be deployed for a comprehensive inquiry.
The final report on the crash could take months, though a preliminary summary is expected within 30 days.
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