Air India flight AI171
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171—a Boeing 787–8 Dreamliner—became the epicenter of one of India’s most devastating air disasters in decades. Departing from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick with 242 individuals aboard, the flight tragically crashed mere seconds after takeoff. It impacted a hostel building at B.J. Medical College in Meghani Nagar, engulfed in fire, leaving a trail of destruction and grief.
Casualties: A Grim Toll
Onboard: Out of 242 individuals—230 passengers and 12 crew members—only one survived, remarkably seated by an emergency exit and reportedly escaped by jumping out.
Ground fatalities: At least 269 lives were lost, including both pilots and numerous medical students who were in the college hostel at the time.
Nationalities: The passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian
Among the victims was Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat.
According to preliminary data:
The aircraft climbed to around 625 feet before abruptly losing altitude and crashing into the residential building.
Investigations show landing gear remained down while flaps retracted—an abnormal configuration that may have reduced lift and caused stall-like behavior
A university engineer suggested a probable engine malfunction compounded by flap misconfiguration.
A mayday call was issued shortly before communications ceased, indicating the crew attempted to manage a critical emergency.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner had previously been regarded as having an excellent safety record. This was its first fatal hull-loss incident since debuting in 2009.
Rescue & Investigation Efforts
At least seven fire engines and multiple ambulances were promptly deployed. CISF teams, local police, and the army assisted in rescue, debris clearing, and securing the area.
All flights were temporarily suspended at Ahmedabad airport before being reinstated later.
Investigations are led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with technical assistance from the NTSB (US), FAA, and Boeing.
Boeing and GE Aerospace (the plane’s engine supplier) have pledged full cooperation.
International Response & Aftermath
Leaders worldwide, including Indian PM Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer, offered condolences.
Emergency support and crisis teams have been activated in India, UK, Canada, Portugal, and Bangladesh.
Air India, now under Tata Group ownership, announced compensation packages and committed ongoing support to victims’ families.
Black boxes have been recovered; detailed analysis of flight data and cockpit voice recordings will be essential.
Safety directives regarding flap/gear procedures and engine reliability on Boeing 787s may follow.
Long-term reforms in maintenance, oversight, and oversight mechanisms (India’s DGCA) seem likely as Air India contends with reputational recovery.
Air India Statement
Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident.
The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew.
The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital.
The passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and 1 Canadian national. The survivor is a British national of Indian origin.
Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focussed entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.
A team of caregivers from Air India is now in Ahmedabad to provide additional support. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.
Air India has also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Those calling from outside India can call on +91 8062779200.
Regular updates will continue on Air India’s X handle (https://x.com/airindia) and on www.airindia.com as further information comes to hand.