Tragedy in the Skies: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes in Ahmedabad
A Dark Day for Indian Aviation
On the morning of June 12, 2025, Ahmedabad witnessed one of the worst aviation tragedies in Indian history (Ahmedabad Plane crash). Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, claiming dozens of lives and leaving a trail of devastation in the Meghani Nagar locality.
What Happened?
Flight AI171 took off at around 5:57 AM IST with 242 people</strong onboard — 230 passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft struggled to gain altitude and crashed just minutes later into a densely populated residential zone. Eyewitnesses reported smoke from one of the engines before the crash. The aircraft struck a doctors’ hostel, igniting a massive fire and chaos in the area.
The Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The plane involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (tail number VT-ANB), a modern long-haul aircraft known for fuel efficiency and advanced safety features. This is the first-ever fatal hull loss for a Dreamliner, shaking global aviation confidence.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Preliminary reports suggest at least 30–35 bodies have been recovered, though unconfirmed figures indicate possible fatalities as high as 133. The aircraft carried Indian, British, Portuguese, and Canadian nationals. Rescue teams including NDRF, fire services, and local authorities responded swiftly. Locals also assisted in pulling out survivors from the wreckage.
Airport Disruptions and Emergency Measures
Ahmedabad Airport operations were suspended temporarily. Multiple flights were diverted due to Ahmedabad Plane crash. Air India set up emergency helplines and announced compensation for affected families. The crash site remains cordoned off for investigation and cleanup.
Reactions from India and Abroad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and several ministers expressed condolences. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also offered support, as 53 British nationals were on board. The DGCA has begun a detailed probe, and Boeing has dispatched a technical team to assist.
Possible Causes Under Investigation
Though the exact reason is not yet known, possibilities include a mechanical failure, bird strike, or engine malfunction. The black box (FDR and CVR) has been recovered and will help decode the final moments of the flight. Aviation experts warn it may take weeks before an official cause is released.
Victim Stories and Public Grief
Among the victims were:
- A family of four returning from vacation in Gujarat
- Students heading to internships in the UK
- Elderly pilgrims returning home
Families are calling for transparency, justice, and better aviation safety.
Impact on Air India and Boeing
Air India, recently merged with Vistara and privatized under the Tata Group, faces scrutiny over maintenance and safety protocols. Boeing, already under fire globally, saw its stock plunge following the crash. Industry-wide calls for tighter regulations and airworthiness checks are intensifying.
Next Steps: Investigation and Recovery
The DGCA and Boeing will conduct parallel investigations. A complete air crash report is expected in the coming months. Meanwhile, passenger identification and victim support remain top priorities. Political leaders have promised full accountability.
Conclusion
The crash of Air India Flight AI171 is a grim reminder that aviation safety is never to be taken lightly. Hundreds of families have been shattered in a matter of minutes. While the world watches and mourns, what matters now is that lessons are learned, and every effort is made to ensure such a tragedy never repeats.
Tags: Ahmedabad plane crash, Air India AI171, June 2025 crash, Air India tragedy, Boeing 787 crash India
Written by Your News Team | Updated: June 12, 2025