NagalandAI, June 12, 2025 – A devastating aviation disaster struck Gujarat this afternoon as Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed into a residential area of Ahmedabad just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash has left 133 people confirmed dead, with rescue operations still underway.
Flight AI171 Goes Down in Residential Area
The aircraft departed at approximately 1:38 PM IST, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Within five minutes of takeoff, the plane lost contact with air traffic control and issued a distress signal. It then plunged into the Meghani Nagar area, igniting a massive fire that spread quickly through nearby homes.
Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion followed by thick black smoke visible from several kilometers away. Emergency teams arrived promptly, deploying firefighters, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units, and ambulances to the site.
Casualties and Survivors
Authorities have confirmed at least 133 fatalities, including crew and passengers. Several injured individuals have been rescued and are being treated in civil hospitals across Ahmedabad. The number of missing persons is still being verified as search efforts continue under heavy debris.
Among the passengers was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, whose presence onboard has not yet been officially confirmed by the state government. Passengers included citizens of India, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Canada.
Aircraft and Crew Details
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, tail number VT-ANB, with a strong safety record. The flight was operated by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had over 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who logged 1,100 hours.
Initial reports suggest a possible mechanical failure occurred during ascent, though the final cause will be confirmed only after examination of the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR), both of which have been recovered.
Government and International Reactions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief and is being updated continuously on the situation. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu arrived in Ahmedabad by evening and is personally supervising the crisis response.
From abroad, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy extended condolences and confirmed coordination with Indian authorities regarding the deceased and injured foreign nationals.
Air India has launched an emergency support line for families of passengers and is arranging accommodations for those flying into Ahmedabad for identification and last rites.
Investigation Underway
A formal inquiry has been initiated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Boeing has offered full technical support, and a U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) representative is expected to join the inquiry.
Preliminary indications suggest a failure during flap retraction with landing gear still deployed at the time of the incident. However, authorities have warned against speculation until a full report is released.
Historical Context
This crash marks the deadliest air accident in India since 2010 and the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 globally. It is also the most severe incident involving Air India since the 1985 bombing of Flight 182.
What’s Next
- Rescue and recovery efforts will continue overnight and into the following day.
- Full passenger manifest to be published after identification processes are completed.
- Flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport remain suspended until further notice.
- A preliminary investigation report is expected within the week.
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