Tragic Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad Shocks the Nation
On June 12, 2025, India witnessed one of the most devastating aviation tragedies in recent years. An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which took off from Delhi en route to London via Ahmedabad, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in a catastrophic loss of lives and widespread grief across the country.
The Flight and Its Route
The ill-fated flight, AI-117, departed from Delhi to Ahmedabad in the morning and was scheduled to continue to London at 1:38 PM from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operated by Air India under the Tata Group.
There were a total of 242 people on board, including passengers and crew. Among them, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British citizens, 1 was a Canadian, and 7 were Portuguese nationals. This international roster reflected the global reach of Air India and the diverse range of travelers who trusted the airline.
The Crash
Tragedy struck just minutes after takeoff. According to initial aviation reports, the aircraft began losing altitude rapidly and crashed from about 600 feet, leading to a massive explosion. The plane crash-landed inside the campus of B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabad, causing severe damage to buildings and resulting in casualties beyond those on the flight.
The impact caused the plane to explode and burst into flames, engulfing nearby college infrastructure. Several students, staff members, and civilians in the vicinity were also affected by the crash, either due to burns, shockwaves, or falling debris.
Death Toll and Injuries
The Ahmedabad Police Department confirmed that around 200 people have died, including those on board and individuals on the ground. Tragically, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among those confirmed dead.
Dozens more suffered injuries ranging from minor to critical and have been admitted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and other medical facilities in the city. Rescue operations were carried out by fire and emergency services, who managed to control the blaze and recover bodies from the wreckage.
Eyewitness Account from a Survivor
One of the passengers, Akash, who was on the Delhi to Ahmedabad leg of the journey, shared a chilling account of his experience on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):
“I was on the same aircraft that later crashed. I flew from Delhi to Ahmedabad. While seated, I noticed some unusual technical behavior near my seat. The crew seemed dismissive. I made a video and shared it with Air India via X. I’m ready to provide further information.”
His statement implies technical glitches may have been present before the flight resumed its onward journey to London. This adds a new dimension to the investigation — whether the crash could have been prevented if early signs were addressed more seriously.
Investigation Underway
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident. The black box (flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder) has been recovered and will be analyzed to understand what exactly went wrong.
Initial theories suggest technical malfunction or human error could be potential causes. The possibility of mechanical failure in engine controls, flight management systems, or faulty maintenance is also being explored. The aircraft was relatively new, adding to the mystery.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also ordered a temporary grounding of similar aircraft for safety checks.
Tata Group and Air India Response
The Tata Group, which currently owns and operates Air India, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a press release, the group announced that ₹1 crore (₹10 million) compensation will be provided to the families of each deceased passenger.
A spokesperson for Air India stated:
“This is a day of profound grief for us. We mourn the loss of our passengers and crew and express heartfelt condolences to all families affected. We are fully cooperating with the authorities and an internal probe is also being conducted.”
National and International Reaction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and leaders from across the political spectrum expressed their condolences. The Prime Minister assured that all necessary help and support would be extended to the families of the victims.
The tragedy has garnered international attention, with the UK, Canada, and Portugal expressing sorrow over the loss of their citizens and requesting updates on the investigation and repatriation of bodies.
This crash is likely to spark global aviation discussions about safety, maintenance protocols, and emergency preparedness, especially for long-haul international flights.
Questions Raised on Airline Safety
This incident has opened a larger debate on aviation safety standards in India. With the country’s aviation sector rapidly expanding, questions are being raised about:
- The effectiveness of aircraft maintenance routines
- The responsiveness of airline crews to passenger concerns
- Transparency in pre-flight technical checks
- The training of cockpit and cabin crew in emergency management
If passenger Akash’s claims are substantiated, it could point to serious lapses in safety procedures. His observations of odd noises and unusual behavior prior to takeoff should have warranted immediate checks, possibly preventing the crash.
Immediate Government Action
The Indian Civil Aviation Minister has announced a comprehensive review of Air India’s operational procedures, particularly involving Boeing aircraft. A high-level committee has been formed to submit a detailed report within 10 days.
Additionally, a helpline has been established for families of the victims, and special assistance cells have been set up at major airports and hospitals to provide support and counseling.
Conclusion
This Air India plane crash is a dark chapter in the history of Indian civil aviation. The scale of loss, including students, civilians, former political leaders, and foreign nationals, is deeply painful. It serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safety, vigilance, and preparedness in aviation operations.
As investigations proceed and more details emerge, it is imperative for the airline industry, regulators, and governments to re-evaluate safety protocols, invest in better technology, and put passenger safety above all else.
The families of the victims now face the difficult task of rebuilding their lives. India mourns with them, and one can only hope that strong reforms arise from this tragedy, ensuring that such an incident never happens again.
