An Air India flight crashed near Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff, carrying 242 passengers. Rescue operations are ongoing, with casualties yet to be confirmed. Learn the latest updates, investigation details, and government response in this full coverage.
Ahmedabad, India (June 12, 2025) – In a heartbreaking development, Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, which was en route to London Gatwick, experienced an emergency minutes after departure and crashed near a densely populated area, triggering a full-scale emergency response.
Table of Contents
Flight Summary and Passenger Information: Air India Plane Crash
- Flight Number: AI171
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Departure Time: 1:38 PM IST
- Departure Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
- Destination: London Gatwick Airport, United Kingdom
- Total Occupants: 244 (232 passengers and 12 crew members)
- Passenger Nationalities:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian national
- Notable Passengers: Reports suggest that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers.
Timeline of the Crash
- Takeoff and Emergency
- The aircraft took off normally at 1:38 PM IST.
- Within approximately five minutes, while climbing at an altitude of 625 feet, the aircraft reportedly sent out a “Mayday” distress call to Air Traffic Control.
- Radar data showed the plane disappearing from tracking systems shortly afterward.
- Crash Location
- The aircraft crashed near Meghani Nagar, a residential area close to the airport.
- Eyewitnesses described a sudden loud boom followed by a massive explosion and a plume of black smoke rising above the city skyline.
- Homes and structures in the crash vicinity were significantly damaged.
- Emergency Response
- Firefighting units, medical teams, and disaster response forces reached the site within minutes.
- More than five fire trucks and multiple ambulances were dispatched.
- A green corridor was established for rapid hospital transfers of injured survivors.
- Nearby residents were evacuated, and rescue teams scoured the wreckage for survivors.
- Airport Operations
- All flight operations at Ahmedabad airport were temporarily suspended following the crash.
- Several incoming flights were rerouted to other airports, and outbound flights were delayed or canceled.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts: Air India flight AI171
At the time of writing:
- The official number of fatalities has not yet been released, but multiple sources have reported deaths and numerous injuries.
- Emergency medical services confirmed that many passengers and crew members were transported to area hospitals.
- Medical personnel on-site are providing critical care, and trauma counselors have been deployed to assist survivors and families.
Official Statements and Government Response: Air India
The crash prompted an immediate reaction from both state and national authorities.
| Authority / Official | Role and Response |
|---|---|
| Air India | Activated a helpline for relatives and set up a crisis response team. They are coordinating updates and support for victims’ families. |
| Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) | Confirmed the crash and initiated a technical investigation into the incident. |
| Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) | Sent a team to investigate the crash site and analyze the aircraft’s data and voice recorders. |
| Union Civil Aviation Minister | Announced that the country is on high alert and is monitoring rescue operations personally. |
| Prime Minister of India | Directed immediate and full support for all relief and investigation efforts. |
| Home Minister | Ensured central coordination with state government agencies to expedite rescue and provide aid. |
| Chief Minister of Gujarat | Deployed local emergency services, hospitals, and command centers to manage the situation and assist victims. |
🛩 About the Aircraft
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved in the crash was a long-range, wide-body jet known for its fuel efficiency and safety.
- The aircraft was over 11 years old and had been in continuous service with Air India.
- This crash marks the first-ever hull loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner globally.
- The aircraft had been cleared for long-haul operation and was last inspected prior to departure as per standard procedures.
Early Investigation Details: Air India
Authorities are currently focusing on several key areas of inquiry:
- Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): These are critical for reconstructing the moments leading up to the crash.
- Weather Conditions: Initial reports suggest clear weather at the time, but wind shear and microbursts are not ruled out.
- Mechanical Malfunction: Investigators are reviewing maintenance logs and sensor data to determine if engine failure or hydraulic issues played a role.
- Pilot Actions: The flight crew’s decisions and communication will be examined closely through air traffic control logs and CVR recordings.
- Fuel Load: Being a long-haul flight, the aircraft was carrying a full fuel load, which may have contributed to the intensity of the post-crash fire.
Global and Local Reaction
- Indian Leaders: Expressed condolences and assured a full investigation.
- United Kingdom: Issued a statement of support and began consular outreach to British citizens onboard.
- Canada and Portugal: Confirmed the presence of their nationals and activated emergency protocols to support affected families.
- Airlines Worldwide: Airlines operating the Boeing 787 are closely monitoring the investigation.
- Bollywood and Business Figures: Prominent individuals including Sunny Deol, Parineeti Chopra, and Gautam Adani publicly expressed shock and sorrow over the tragedy.
Broader Impacts
- The stock market saw a dip in aviation-related shares, including Boeing.
- Airports across India increased safety inspections and emergency preparedness drills in light of the incident.
- International airlines are reviewing their Boeing 787 fleet maintenance schedules as a precaution.
Historical Context
- This incident is one of the deadliest in recent Indian aviation history.
- The last major Air India crash occurred in 2020 involving an Air India Express Boeing 737 in Kozhikode.
- The crash in Ahmedabad has reignited public and political concern over aviation safety protocols and emergency preparedness.
⏭ What Happens Next?
1. Continued Rescue Operations
- Teams are still searching the crash site for survivors or bodies.
- Environmental specialists are containing fuel leaks and fire risks.
2. Identification and Support for Victims
- DNA testing and fingerprint analysis are being conducted to identify victims.
- Psychological counseling and financial support are being extended to families.
3. Technical and Legal Investigation
- Investigators are expected to release a preliminary report within a few days.
- Long-term inquiries will involve Boeing engineers, airline safety teams, and international aviation authorities.
4. Flight Resumption and Airport Recovery
- Ahmedabad airport remains under restricted operations until the crash site is cleared.
🕯 Final Thoughts
This tragic event has cast a shadow over India’s aviation community and the global flying public. As families await confirmation and answers, the nation mourns the loss and prays for the injured. The coming days will reveal more, but today, safety, compassion, and unity are paramount.