Air India Flight AI171 Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad: 242 Onboard, Rescue Operations Underway
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — In a tragic turn of events, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating under flight number AI171 from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport this afternoon. The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, bringing the total number of people onboard to 242.
The flight departed at approximately 1:10 PM IST, scheduled for a direct nine-and-a-half-hour journey to London. However, just minutes into the flight, the aircraft reportedly lost control and crashed into a residential area near the airport. Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion followed by thick plumes of black smoke rising from the site, indicating a massive fire outbreak.
Official Confirmation and Initial Response
Air India officially confirmed the incident through its verified Twitter (X) account, stating:
“Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London has been involved in an accident shortly after takeoff. Emergency response teams are on-site, and efforts are underway to assess and assist all passengers and crew. Further updates will follow.”
Local authorities, including fire brigades, police units, and the airport’s disaster response team, were immediately dispatched to the crash site. Multiple ambulances have been mobilized to transport the injured to nearby hospitals including Civil Hospital, Sterling Hospital, and Ahmedabad Medical College.
Preliminary reports suggest the crash site encompasses several homes, and casualties on the ground are also feared, though this has not yet been confirmed officially.
Fuel Load a Major Concern
Sources close to the airport operations have revealed that since the flight was preparing for a long-haul international journey, the aircraft had been fully fueled, which may have contributed to the intensity of the fire upon impact. Emergency responders are reportedly finding it difficult to approach the burning wreckage due to the high temperatures and dense smoke.
Rescue and Evacuation Efforts
Rescue operations began within minutes of the crash. According to initial updates from the Ahmedabad Disaster Management Authority, dozens of individuals have been pulled from the wreckage, some with serious injuries. The NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) has also been deployed, along with a team of experts from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
As of 4:00 PM IST, no official count of fatalities has been released, but hospital sources indicate that several passengers are in critical condition. The Gujarat State Government has announced free medical treatment for all injured individuals and compensation for victims’ families, to be detailed after a preliminary review.
Reactions from Authorities and Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat, issued a public statement expressing his grief:
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I have spoken to the Civil Aviation Minister and directed all agencies to provide every possible assistance at the earliest.”
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also expressed his condolences and confirmed a high-level inquiry into the cause of the crash. He has dispatched a team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to the crash site.
Technical Fault or Human Error?
While the exact cause of the crash remains unknown, aviation experts speculate that a technical malfunction may have occurred during ascent. Some unverified reports suggest there may have been an engine failure or software issue associated with the Dreamliner aircraft’s avionics.
Boeing has been informed, and a team of engineers is expected to collaborate with Indian authorities to determine what went wrong.
Black Box Recovery in Progress
Efforts are currently underway to recover the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) — collectively known as the “black box” — which are critical to understanding the sequence of events that led to the crash. The devices are designed to survive high-impact conditions and are usually the first priority in accident investigations.
The DGCA has sealed the airport’s runway for further inspection and has requested all scheduled flights to be rerouted or delayed until normal operations resume.
Impact on Local Community
The aircraft crashed into a densely populated residential colony just two kilometers northeast of the airport perimeter. Several homes are believed to have been damaged or destroyed. Unconfirmed reports from local residents mention that at least five to ten civilians on the ground may be injured or missing.
Local municipal bodies are working alongside the police to evacuate the surrounding area as a precaution, fearing possible fuel explosions or secondary fires.
Eyewitness Accounts
An eyewitness, Rajesh Bhatt, who lives in a nearby apartment, said:
“We saw the plane going unusually low, and then there was a loud bang. The sky was filled with smoke. We rushed out in fear. It was terrifying.”
Another resident mentioned that the aircraft’s wing appeared to catch fire mid-air, although this claim remains unverified.
Flight History and Aircraft Condition
The aircraft involved, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, is a relatively new model known for its fuel efficiency and safety features. However, the specific plane used for AI171 had reportedly undergone routine maintenance just two weeks ago, and there had been no reported issues prior to this flight.
According to aviation databases, the aircraft was about seven years old, and had logged over 15,000 flight hours — considered moderate for long-haul airliners.
International and Media Reaction
The news of the crash has received widespread international attention, especially from UK-based media, given the intended destination of the flight. British officials have been alerted, and the Indian High Commission in London has set up a helpline for relatives of UK-bound passengers.
Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support, prayers, and condolences. Several celebrities, politicians, and international leaders have also expressed their solidarity with India during this tragic time.
Conclusion and Ongoing Developments
As the nation reels from this aviation disaster, the focus now shifts to rescue and recovery, along with providing medical attention and psychological support to survivors and families. An official press conference by the Ministry of Civil Aviation is expected later today.
This incident has brought renewed attention to airline safety protocols, especially for long-distance international routes. It also raises pressing questions about technical oversight, maintenance protocols, and emergency preparedness at Indian airports.
