On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The incident has sent shockwaves across India and the global aviation community, prompting urgent rescue operations and a nationwide response.
According to official statements, the aircraft, carrying 242 people—230 passengers and 12 crew members—took off at approximately 1:38 pm IST. Within minutes, the plane lost contact with air traffic control and crashed near the Meghaninagar area, just outside the airport perimeter. The crash site was quickly engulfed in thick black smoke, as witnessed in multiple video clips circulating online.
Timeline and Key Details
Flight and Aircraft Information
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Flight Number: AI171
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Route: Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
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Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Tail Number: VT-ANB)
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Passengers: 230
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Crew: 12
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Take-off Time: 1:38 pm IST (June 12, 2025)
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Crash Location: Near Meghaninagar, close to Ahmedabad airport.
Immediate Response
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Mayday Call: Air traffic control received a “Mayday” call from the aircraft before all communications were lost.
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Signal Lost: Flight tracking services recorded a loss of signal at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after the plane left the runway.
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Rescue Operations: Emergency services rushed to the site, and all flight operations at Ahmedabad airport were suspended following the incident.
National and International Reactions
Government Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke directly with Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, who is en route to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief efforts. The Prime Minister directed the minister to ensure all necessary support is provided and to keep him updated on the situation.
Statements from Authorities
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Air India: The airline confirmed the incident and stated that details are being ascertained. Updates will be provided on their official website and social media channels.
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London Gatwick Airport: Gatwick authorities confirmed that Flight AI171 was scheduled to arrive at 18:25 local time. They are awaiting further information.
Notable Passengers and Crew
According to documents accessed by media outlets, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers on board. The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a licensed type commander with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of experience.
Investigation and Ongoing Developments
Preliminary Investigation
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is leading the investigation into the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft issued a Mayday call before losing all contact and crashing outside the airport perimeter. The cause of the crash is not yet known, and investigations are ongoing.
Flight Operations Suspended
All flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have been temporarily suspended. Authorities have not provided a timeline for when normal operations will resume.
Impact on Aviation and Safety Measures
Safety Concerns
The crash of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a modern and widely used aircraft, raises serious questions about aviation safety in India. The incident comes at a time when the country is investing heavily in expanding its aviation infrastructure and fleet.
Industry Response
Aviation experts and industry leaders are closely monitoring the situation. The crash is expected to prompt a review of safety protocols and operational procedures at Indian airports.
FAQs
1. What happened to Air India Flight AI171?
Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, while en route to London Gatwick.
2. How many people were on board?
There were 242 people on board—230 passengers and 12 crew members.
3. Has the cause of the crash been determined?
No, the cause is under investigation by the DGCA and other authorities.
