A devastating aviation incident occurred on 12 June 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad.
The flight carried 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including 53 British nationals. The aircraft lost altitude within moments of departure and crashed in a densely populated area. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the event, detailing the timeline, emergency response, and emerging details from the ongoing investigation.
What Happened During The Ahmedabad Plane Crash?
Image – Source
On 12 June 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
The aircraft, en route to London Gatwick, had 242 individuals on board including passengers and crew. Within seconds of departure, the flight lost altitude and crashed in a residential area near the airport, leading to a massive explosion.
Eyewitnesses captured video footage showing the aircraft struggling to gain height before disappearing behind buildings and erupting into flames. Early indications point to a catastrophic failure during lift-off, making this a particularly rare and tragic aviation event.
When And Where Did The Air India Crash Occur?
The aircraft departed from runway 23 at approximately 10:09 am BST (1:39 pm IST) on 12 June. Less than a minute into the flight, the plane crashed in a civilian area near the airport. The location of the incident raised major safety concerns due to its proximity to densely populated neighbourhoods in Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat.
Smoke and fire from the crash site were visible from more than one kilometre away. Emergency response teams arrived swiftly, but the immediate chaos and fire created significant challenges in accessing the wreckage.
Timeline Of Events: Ahmedabad Plane Crash On 12 June 2025 (London Time – BST)
| Time (BST) | Event | Details |
| 10:09 AM | Aircraft Takes Off | Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, departs from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, heading to London Gatwick. On board are 230 passengers and 12 crew members. |
| ~10:10 AM | Crash Occurs | Less than a minute after take-off, the aircraft climbs to just 635 feet before losing altitude and crashing in a densely populated area. |
| 10:10 AM | “Mayday” Call Sent | The flight transmits an emergency “mayday” call, then falls silent. No further communication is received by air traffic control. |
| 10:13 AM | Panic Among Local Residents | Thick smoke is visible from over a kilometre away. Panic spreads through nearby communities as residents rush to help at the crash site. |
| 10:20 AM | Emergency Services Arrive | Fire and rescue teams reach the scene. Airport operations are immediately suspended. No official casualty report is issued yet. |
| 10:25 AM | Aviation Minister Responds | Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, India’s aviation minister, states he is “shocked and saddened” and confirms that coordinated rescue operations are underway. |
| 10:32 AM | Air India Chairman Issues Statement | Natarajan Chandrasekaran calls the crash a “tragic accident” and shares condolences with the families of those affected. |
| 10:36 AM | Crash Location Confirmed | Authorities verify the crash took place in a civilian area near the airport, with concerns about damage to homes and infrastructure. |
| 10:40 AM | Aircraft Registration Identified | Flightradar24 confirms the aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 with registration VT-ANB. The final signal was received shortly after take-off. |
| 10:51 AM | Nationalities Onboard Disclosed | Air India confirms 53 British nationals, 169 Indians, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian were among the passengers. |
| 11:04 AM | UK Foreign Office Responds | The UK government states it is working with Indian authorities to verify facts and support British nationals affected by the crash. |
Who Were The Passengers On Board The Air India Flight AI171?
Air India confirmed that 230 passengers and 12 crew members were aboard the Dreamliner. The flight included a significant number of international travellers, among whom were 53 British nationals.
Here’s a breakdown of passenger nationalities:
Passenger Composition Onboard Flight AI171
| Nationality | Count |
| Indian | 169 |
| British | 53 |
| Portuguese | 7 |
| Canadian | 1 |
| Crew Members | 12 |
| Total | 242 |
Among the crew, both flight deck officers and cabin crew were included. The identities of the passengers have not been fully released, as next-of-kin notifications are still in process.
Why Did The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Crash After Take-Off?
Image – Source
The exact cause is still under investigation, but flight data and eyewitness accounts suggest a failure to achieve the required lift during take-off. The aircraft reached only 825 feet before descending uncontrollably and losing communication.
Key factors that may have contributed:
- Possible engine malfunction or thrust issue
- Incorrect take-off configuration
- Overloading or misbalanced cargo
- Avionics or instrument failure
The aircraft gave a “mayday” signal just seconds after leaving the runway but ceased communication almost immediately. The plane was fully fuelled for the international flight, which likely intensified the explosion upon impact.
How Did Emergency Services Respond To The Ahmedabad Airport Incident?
The response from emergency services was swift but met with obstacles due to the location of the crash and the intensity of the fire. Emergency units from the airport and municipal authorities converged at the site to control the flames and rescue survivors.
Some key actions taken:
- Ahmedabad Fire Brigade and Disaster Response Force deployed within minutes
- Local hospitals were put on high alert to receive casualties
- Residents near the crash site assisted in preliminary rescue efforts
- Flight operations at the airport were suspended immediately
What Have Air India And Government Officials Said About The Crash?
Air India issued a statement describing the crash as a tragic incident and confirmed their cooperation with regulatory authorities. The chairman of Air India, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, extended condolences to the families affected.
Government responses included:
- India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed shock and initiated an emergency protocol
- The DGCA launched a formal inquiry into the technical and operational aspects of the flight
- The Ministry of External Affairs began coordination with foreign consulates for affected nationals
Officials emphasised that support would be extended to the victims’ families and that findings from the investigation would be made transparent.
What Are The Early Findings From The DGCA And Aviation Authorities?
While the investigation is ongoing, early reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) indicate abnormal flight data just before the crash. According to air traffic control, the aircraft made a distress call but then lost signal without any further communication.
Investigators have recovered the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which are now being analysed.
Preliminary Data Extracted From Flight Logs
| Parameter | Value |
| Take-Off Time | 10:09 am (1:39 pm IST) |
| Altitude at Last Contact | 635 feet |
| Mayday Signal Sent | Yes (Seconds after take-off) |
| Fuel Load | Full (London-bound) |
| Aircraft Registration | VT-ANB |
This table highlights just how quickly the aircraft encountered issues after departure, suggesting that whatever went wrong occurred very early in the flight cycle.
How Does This Affect The Safety Record Of The Boeing 787 Dreamliner?
Image – Source
This crash marks the first known fatal accident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner since the aircraft model’s introduction in 2009. Known for its lightweight composite frame, fuel efficiency, and long-haul capabilities, the Dreamliner has been used globally by dozens of airlines with a strong operational record.
Potential implications of the crash include:
- Temporary inspections of similar aircraft in Air India’s fleet
- Increased scrutiny from global aviation regulators such as FAA and EASA
- Reevaluation of Boeing’s production and maintenance protocols
Although it’s too early to determine whether the crash was due to a manufacturing fault, aviation authorities are expected to work closely with Boeing to evaluate any design implications.
Famous Personalities Who Lost Their Lives To Indian Air Tragedies
India has witnessed several heartbreaking air tragedies that claimed the lives of notable figures from various fields, including politics, science, and entertainment. These incidents have left a profound impact on the nation, reminding citizens and authorities alike of the unpredictability of air travel.
Some of the most tragic losses include:
- General Bipin Rawat (2021): India’s first Chief of Defence Staff died in a helicopter crash near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, along with his wife and 11 others while en route to Wellington.
- Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1966): The pioneering nuclear physicist perished in the Air India Flight 101 crash over Mont Blanc due to a miscommunication with air traffic control in Geneva.
- KS Sowmya a.k.a. Soundarya (2004): The popular South Indian actress lost her life in a crash while flying from Bengaluru to Karimnagar.
- YS Rajasekhara Reddy (2009): The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh was killed when his helicopter crashed in the Nallamala forest due to severe weather.
- Dorjee Khandu (2011): The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh died in a helicopter crash after contact was lost mid-flight; the wreckage was discovered five days later in Tawang.
- OP Jindal and Surender Singh (2005): Industrialist OP Jindal and Agriculture Minister Surender Singh died in a helicopter crash while travelling from Delhi to Chandigarh.
- Madhavrao Scindia (2001): The former Railways Minister lost his life in a private aircraft crash en route to a rally in Kanpur.
- Sanjay Gandhi (1980): A prominent Congress leader and son of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi died while performing aerial stunts near Safdarjung Airport in Delhi.
- GMC Balayogi (2002): The Speaker of the Lok Sabha died in a helicopter crash in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district.
- Surendra Mohan Kumaramangalam (1973): Former MP and minister perished in the crash of Indian Airlines Flight 440, with identification made possible only through personal effects.
- Lt Gen Daulat Singh, Lt Gen Bikram Singh, AVM EW Pinto (1963): The Poonch air crash took the lives of six senior military officials during an inspection flight.
These tragedies not only shocked the nation but also spurred discussions on aviation safety, especially for VIP flights and military transport operations.
Conclusion
The Ahmedabad plane crash involving Air India Flight AI171 stands as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of air travel. With investigations underway, aviation authorities are working to determine the precise cause of the crash.
As families await answers and support, the incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety checks and rapid emergency response.
Global aviation regulators and airlines alike will be closely watching this case as it continues to unfold, shaping future policies and operational standards.
Featured Image – Source
