On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport en route to London Gatwick. The crash occurred in the Meghani Nagar area, a residential neighborhood near the airport, at approximately 1:38 PM local time. Of the 242 on board, 241 people were killed, with only one survivor who is currently being treated in hospital.
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The aircraft was carrying 169 Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
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Shortly after takeoff, the plane issued a “mayday” alert, indicating an emergency, but there was no further communication before it went down.
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The plane crashed into a residential area, with parts of the aircraft striking the dining area of B.J. Medical College, resulting in additional casualties and injuries on the ground.
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Video footage showed the plane flying low over buildings before a large explosion, with thick smoke rising from the crash site.
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Emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and army personnel, were deployed immediately to the scene to assist with rescue and recovery efforts.
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Ahmedabad airport suspended all flight operations following the crash.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and aviation authorities expressed deep sorrow, promising full support for rescue operations and a thorough investigation.
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The cause of the crash is under investigation. Weather was reportedly not a factor, as conditions were clear at the time.
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The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder (“black boxes”) have not yet been recovered.
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The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are assisting Indian authorities in the investigation, as the aircraft was manufactured by Boeing.
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This is the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered commercial service 15 years ago, ending its previously unblemished safety record.
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The tragedy has devastated families across multiple countries, with entire families lost and survivors left in shock.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight | Air India AI171 |
| Aircraft | Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner |
| Route | Ahmedabad to London Gatwick |
| Date/Time | June 12, 2025, 1:38 PM IST |
| People on Board | 242 (232 passengers, 12 crew) |
| Nationalities | 169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian |
| Fatalities | 241 |
| Survivors | 1 |
| Crash Site | Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad |
| Cause | Under investigation |
| Notable | First-ever crash of a Boeing 787 |
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.”
— Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
“The 787 has been operational for 15 years… and has never been associated with a crash, hull loss, or fatal incident.”
— Aviation expert Alex Macheras
The Air India crash near Ahmedabad is one of the deadliest in recent Indian aviation history, marking a tragic milestone for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are focused on supporting victims’ families and uncovering the cause of this unprecedented disaster.
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