Ahmedabad | June 12, 2025: In a horrific incident that has shocked the entire nation and the aviation world, Air India Plane flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon.
The plane, carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed into the Meghani Nagar residential area just outside the airport perimeter after issuing a distress “Mayday” call. Moments after take-off, the plane is reported to have lost contact with air traffic control at an altitude of just 625 feet.
🧍♂️ Who was on board the Air India plane
The passengers included:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian
Authorities are yet to confirm the number of casualties, but visuals from the scene show widespread destruction, black smoke, and flames in the crash area.
🛠️ Immediate response
Rescue operations began within minutes after the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), airport fire services, and local emergency teams reached the area. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu rushed to the spot to monitor the ongoing relief efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief and has directed all central agencies to provide maximum assistance. Helpline numbers have been activated for the affected families, and counselling services are being provided by the Adani Group, which manages the Ahmedabad airport.
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🛫 The aircraft and its history
The aircraft, tail number VT-ANB, was part of Air India’s long-haul fleet and has logged over 38,000 flight hours since its induction. Sources have confirmed that the Dreamliner underwent maintenance just last month, but a full audit of its recent service history is underway.
This is the first full hull loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner – a troubling milestone for the model, which has had a solid safety record since its debut.
📉 Market and global reaction
Boeing’s shares fell sharply in the hours before the market opened, reflecting growing investor concern. Aviation experts and global regulators are closely watching the investigation, which will be jointly led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the DGCA, with support from Boeing’s US-based safety team.
🔍 What could go wrong?
While initial speculation pointed to a technical fault or electrical failure, the black box data will be crucial in determining whether there was pilot error, a software malfunction, or structural failure. Witnesses on the ground reported a “loud bang” and a “sudden drop” before the crash.
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