Air India Plane with Over 240 Aboard Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India. The aircraft, carrying 242 individuals—including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian—plummeted into the Meghani Nagar residential area, resulting in a catastrophic explosion and fire.

Authorities have confirmed 204 fatalities, encompassing passengers, crew members, and individuals on the ground. The crash also impacted B.J. Medical College, where debris struck a student hostel, leading to the deaths of at least five medical students and injuring nearly 50 others. Emergency services, including the Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force, were promptly deployed to assist in rescue and relief operations. Amid the devastation, a single survivor, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was found alive in seat 11A and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Investigation and Aircraft Details

Flight AI171 departed at 1:38 p.m. local time and issued a mayday call shortly thereafter. The aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 625 feet before losing contact with air traffic control. This incident marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2009. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India, in collaboration with international aviation authorities, has initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary analyses are focusing on potential technical malfunctions and flight configuration issues.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the nation’s grief and commitment to supporting affected families. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended condolences, acknowledging the loss of British nationals aboard the flight. Air India, under the leadership of Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, has established an emergency response center to assist families and is coordinating with international agencies to provide support. Tata Sons, the parent company of Air India, announced compensation of ₹1 crore for each victim’s family and pledged to cover medical expenses for the injured.

Impact on Aviation and Boeing

The crash has raised concerns about the safety record of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, previously noted for its advanced technology and fuel efficiency. Boeing has stated its commitment to cooperating fully with investigative authorities to ascertain the cause of the accident. This incident adds to the challenges faced by Boeing in recent years regarding aircraft safety and reliability.

Flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport were temporarily suspended following the crash but have since resumed with heightened security measures. Investigators are analyzing flight data recorders recovered from the wreckage to gain insights into the aircraft’s final moments. The global aviation community continues to monitor the situation closely as further information emerges from the ongoing investigation.