Tragedy Strikes: Air India Flight AI 171 Crashes Shortly After Takeoff in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — An Air India Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Terrifying final moments of Air India Flight AI 171 crashing into a residential area in Ahmedabad today. Clearly catastrophic loss of lift. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/TbgCjPLXXc
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) June 12, 2025
What Happened
The aircraft departed at approximately 1:38 PM IST, reaching an altitude of only 625 feet before issuing a “MAYDAY” distress call and disappearing from radar.
It crashed into the Meghani Nagar area—striking a doctors’ hostel—and erupted in a massive fireball, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the skies.
People on Board
Total aboard: 242 (230 passengers, 12 crew).
Nationalities included 169 Indians, including Vijay Rupani (Former Chief Minister of Gujarat State), 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian.
Some reports indicated 11 children were among the passengers.
Emergency Response
Ahmedabad’s Fire and Emergency Services deployed over five firefighting teams, ambulances, and NDRF squads to the crash site.
All flight operations at the airport have been suspended until further notice.
Casualties & Injuries
Initial counts confirm at least 30–35 bodies recovered, with multiple injured individuals rushed to nearby hospitals.
The official fatality count is still rising, and authorities continue with recovery operations.
Official Reactions
Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed being “shocked and devastated” and confirmed all necessary agencies are on high alert.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “heartbreaking beyond words,” arranging a green corridor to assist injured passengers.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy pledged support and confirmed collaboration with Indian authorities, noting the presence of 53 British nationals on board.
Investigation Underway
The DGCA and Air India have launched a formal investigation, deploying technical teams alongside Boeing representatives to determine the cause.
Fuel load for the long-haul flight to London—freshly filled—may have contributed to the intensity of the post‐crash fire.