Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — In one of the most devastating aviation disasters in India’s recent history, Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed within minutes of takeoff, killing all 242 people on board and causing additional fatalities on the ground.
The Flight and the Fatal Turn
Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, lifted off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at approximately 1:38 PM IST. Merely seconds after takeoff, air traffic controllers received a mayday signal from the cockpit. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly and plummeted into a densely populated residential zone in the Meghani Nagar area, igniting a large blaze and resulting in widespread destruction.
Lives Lost
The aircraft carried 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including nationals from India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. Tragically, there were no survivors on board. Local authorities confirmed that over 204 bodies have been recovered so far, with the final death toll — including ground casualties — still being verified.
Among the deceased were Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an experienced pilot with over 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had recently completed 1,100 hours of flying. Both were highly regarded in their field.
Chaos on the Ground
The crash site was a chaotic scene, with flames engulfing buildings and vehicles in the vicinity. The Meghani Nagar area, home to many families and medical personnel, saw several civilian casualties. Emergency teams — including the NDRF, fire brigade, CISF, and local police — responded swiftly, while nearby hospitals were placed on high alert to manage the influx of bodies and injured.
Flight operations at Ahmedabad airport were temporarily halted as rescue and investigation teams took over the airspace and surrounding zones.
Ongoing Investigation
An investigation has been launched involving India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Air India, and Boeing representatives. Preliminary theories suggest the crash may be linked to mechanical failure or a catastrophic system error immediately after takeoff. However, conclusive answers will only come after decoding the black box and cockpit voice recordings.
Experts are also examining the aircraft’s landing gear and flap configuration at the time of the mayday call.
Reactions from Around the World
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep grief and called for a thorough probe into the tragedy. Emergency control rooms were set up in Ahmedabad and Delhi for information dissemination and assistance to affected families.
From abroad, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer offered condolences, while King Charles III and Queen Camilla issued a heartfelt statement mourning the British citizens lost in the crash. Messages of sympathy also poured in from leaders in Canada, Portugal, and across the aviation industry.
A Rare But Shocking Incident
This crash marks the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011. The model has a strong safety record, which makes this disaster even more shocking to the global aviation community.
Moreover, this is one of the deadliest aviation events in India since the 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision, which claimed 349 lives.
Final Words
The Ahmedabad crash has left a nation and a global airline network grieving. For the families, the trauma is indescribable; for the aviation industry, the crash is a stark reminder of the need for relentless safety vigilance.
As the investigation unfolds, the world watches — hoping for answers, and above all, justice for the lives lost in this heartbreaking catastrophe.
