Tragedy Strikes: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes After Takeoff
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. All 242 occupants — 230 passengers and 12 crew — were aboard when the aircraft lost altitude and fell into the Meghani Nagar residential area. The last signal recorded was at approximately 625 ft, followed by a distress “MAYDAY” call before communication ceased.
Passengers & Nationality Breakdown
Total on board: 242 people (230 passengers + 12 crew)
Current Update: 7:05 a.m., 13 June, 2025: Air India confirms 241 dead in Ahmedabad plane crash
Update on 7:38 p.m.: Only Vishwas Kumar survived
Passenger nationalities: 169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian
Among those on board was former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani.
Updated on 7:38 p.m. : Former CM Vijay Bhai Rupani died confirmed by officials & authorities.
What Happened
Reports and footage show a sudden stall and fire upon impact, with thick smoke billowing over buildings in Meghani Nagar just minutes after departure . No official confirmation on fatalities yet; rescue operations are ongoing.
Emergency Response
Rescuers—including multiple fire-fighting units, ambulances, and NDRF teams—are on-site managing the blaze and attending to victims.
All flights at Ahmedabad airport were temporarily suspended, roads closed, and hospitals activated with a green corridor for the injured.
Authorities & Investigations
DGCA and Air India have launched formal investigations, with technical teams already deployed. Black box data and ATC recordings are being analysed .
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu called it “shocking,” while Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed deep remorse. A helpline and family assistance centre are operational.
Political & Diplomatic Reaction
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel ordered immediate rescue and medical aid, assured by Union Home Minister Amit Shah that NDRF and central teams would assist.
The UK government extended its support via the British Foreign Office. UK officials, including PM Keir Starmer, offered condolences.
Aviation Context
This marks the first hull loss of a Boeing 787 since its 2011 debut and Air India’s worst accident since the 1985 Flight 182 bombing . Investigators face a complex task—determining if a mechanical fault, pilot error, or other causes triggered the crash.
What Comes Next?
Emergency operations continue, with recovery and medical care as top priorities.
DGCA-led enquiry will analyse black box data and ATC logs to reveal the crash’s root cause.
Updates expected in coming days as authorities reach out to families and communities.
Our thoughts are with all affected by this devastating incident. We stand united with the families, rescue teams, and officials in their efforts and await further clarity on this tragedy.
