Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – A grave aviation disaster unfolded today when an Air India Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operating Flight AI‑171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The wide‑body aircraft went down in the Meghani Nagar locality at approximately 1:38 PM IST, just minutes into its ascent.
Crash Details & Immediate Response
The aircraft, carrying 242 individuals—230 passengers and 12 crew members—issued a distress “Mayday” call to air traffic control before losing contact at around 625 feet altitude, within a minute of departure. (en.wikipedia.org) Rescue and firefighting teams, including six National Disaster Response Force units, were swiftly dispatched to the scene amid plumes of thick black smoke. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Casualties & Nationalities
At least 30 bodies have been recovered from the crash site, with local officials believing that the number could be significantly higher as debris and victims remain scattered near a doctors’ hostel and residential buildings. (theguardian.com) Initial passenger manifest data indicates nationalities: 169 Indians, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian aboard. (theguardian.com)
Notable Passenger
Among the passengers was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who boarded the international flight. He is reportedly among those feared to have perished in the crash. (en.wikipedia.org)
Official Reactions & Investigations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the disaster as “heartbreaking beyond words” and directed civil aviation and home ministry teams to offer full assistance. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the event “devastating,” while the UK Foreign Office has activated crisis units in Delhi and London.
The DGCA, AAIB, Air India, and Boeing have all initiated investigations into the cause of the crash. Boeing’s representatives have confirmed awareness of the incident and pledge full cooperation. (en.wikipedia.org) Authorities note that the aircraft was heavily fueled for the long-haul route, which likely intensified the resultant fire. (m.economictimes.com)
Flight & Aircraft Information
Flight AI‑171, tail number VT‑ANB, had its inaugural flight in December 2013 and joined Air India in January 2014. This crash represents the first fatal hull-loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011. (theguardian.com)
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents in Meghani Nagar reported hearing multiple explosions, followed by sighting bodies and aircraft wreckage spread across rooftops and streets. A shocked eyewitness recalled: “there was a layer of thick smoke... dead bodies and debris were scattered all over.” (moneycontrol.com)
Broader Impacts
Air travel in the region has been severely affected—flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have been halted temporarily, and stock markets in travel and aviation sectors have shown visible unease. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Next Steps
Authorities continue rescue operations, with injured passengers receiving medical care at nearby hospitals. Investigators are analyzing flight data recorders, ATC communications, and weather conditions—official reports indicate weather was stable at the time of the accident.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on initial reports and live updates. Details are subject to change as investigations progress. We strive for accuracy, but information may evolve.
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