Tragedy in Ahmedabad: Air India Dreamliner Crashes Minutes After Takeoff

Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025 – In one of the most devastating aviation disasters in recent Indian history, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed just minutes after takeoff, killing several and injuring many more. The aircraft, which carried 242 people onboard, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, went down in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad, setting off a series of explosions and fires that rocked the city 

Crash Video Footage

The Flight and the Tragedy

Flight AI171 departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 1:38 PM IST. The aircraft had barely gained altitude—reaching approximately 625 feet—when it issued a distress “MAYDAY” call. Moments later, contact with air traffic control was lost.

Within minutes, the aircraft crashed into a residential area near the BJ Medical College doctors' hostel in Meghani Nagar. The resulting explosion engulfed buildings and vehicles in a massive fireball. Witnesses reported hearing multiple loud blasts followed by rising plumes of black smoke visible across the city.

People Onboard

The ill-fated flight had 242 occupants:

 
•  230 passengers, including many Indian nationals en route to visit or work in the UK.
•  12 crew members, including 2 experienced pilots.
•  Among the passengers was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who had reportedly boarded the flight with family members. His status remains unconfirmed.

The passenger list also included nationals from the UK, Portugal, and Canada.

Rescue and Response

Emergency services responded within minutes. Local fire brigades, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and paramedics launched a large-scale rescue operation. Over seven fire engines were dispatched as rescue workers scrambled to douse the flames and pull survivors from the rubble.

Hospitals in Ahmedabad were put on high alert as injured victims were rushed for emergency treatment. Civilian volunteers played a critical role in the early response, helping authorities cordon off the crash site and assist in evacuation efforts.

While rescue operations are still ongoing, preliminary reports indicate at least 30 fatalities. The number is expected to rise as authorities search through the debris.

Investigations Underway

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have begun preliminary investigations. The flight data and cockpit voice recorders—known as the black boxes—have been recovered and will be sent for analysis.

Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has also issued a statement acknowledging the incident and confirming it will fully cooperate with Indian authorities.

The crash has raised urgent questions about possible technical failure or other contributing factors. Aviation experts note that the early altitude loss and lack of recovery suggest a catastrophic failure in the initial moments of flight.

Official Reactions

India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu described the crash as “a national tragedy” and vowed full support to the victims’ families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat, expressed deep sorrow and called for a thorough and transparent investigation.

Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran also expressed condolences and stated that the airline is making every effort to assist the families of the deceased and injured.

The UK government has offered to support Indian authorities, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing grief over the loss of British lives.

Timeline of Events

Time (IST)
Event
13:38 PM
Flight AI171 takes off from Ahmedabad Airport (runway 23)
~13:39 PM
MAYDAY call issued; aircraft climbs to ~625 feet
~13:41 PM
Contact lost; aircraft crashes in Meghani Nagar
~13:45 PM
Massive fireball witnessed; first emergency units arrive
~14:00 PM
Airport suspends all departures and arrivals
Afternoon
Rescue operations continue; fire brought under control

 

As investigations continue and families wait for news of their loved ones, India mourns a tragedy that will be remembered for years. This crash has once again highlighted the importance of rigorous aircraft safety checks, emergency preparedness, and transparent inquiry processes.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched an emergency helpline to assist the families of those affected. Air India has assured that financial assistance and counseling will be provided to the bereaved.

This is a developing story. Further updates will be published as confirmed information becomes available.