Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The plane crashed into medical college hostel in Meghani Nager.
Immediate Casualties and Ground Impact
According to Ahmedabad’s police commissioner, it is highly unlikely anyone survived the crash. Ground casualties are also expected, given the crash site included a hostel and surrounding homes. The local Fire and Emergency Services deployed more than seven fire units, along with ambulances and disaster-response teams, to extinguish the fire and aid survivors. Initial recovery efforts have retrieved over 200 bodies, many charred beyond recognition, with dozens injured and transported to nearby hospitals.
Passenger & Crew Composition
The flight carried nationals from India (169), the UK (53), Portugal (7), and Canada (1). Among the passengers were adults and children—11 minors, according to sources. Notably, reports indicate former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was on board, along with 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew.
Distress Signal and Crash Details
Flight data shows AI171 issued a Mayday call at an altitude of about 625 feet, shortly after taking off at 1:38 p.m. IST. The aircraft disappeared from radar seconds later and subsequently crashed into the doctor’s hostel. According to reports, the aircraft was fully fueled for its long-haul journey—contributing to the intensity of the explosion and ensuing flames.
First-Ever Deadly Boeing 787 Incident
This marks the first fatal hull-loss involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the model’s debut in 2011. Boeing’s stock futures plunged 7–9% in response to the crash news. With Boeing already under scrutiny for previous safety issues, this disaster intensifies pressure on the US manufacturer.
Coordinated Emergency Response
Airport operations were halted immediately, with a green corridor set up for ambulances. Civil hospitals were placed on high alert, and support centers were activated at both Ahmedabad and London Gatwick to assist affected families. Air India, under Tata ownership since 2022, established an emergency response centre, offering updates and counseling services.
Global Condolences and Diplomatic Support
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed being “heartbroken beyond words,” pledging full government support . UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the crash as “devastating,” and King Charles III and Queen Camilla offered prayers and sympathies. Foreign governments—including the UK, Canada, Portugal, and Russia—have been coordinating rescue, investigation, and assistance efforts.
What Lies Ahead
Authorities have dispatched teams to recover the black boxes and begin a thorough forensic investigation led by India’s AAIB, DGCA, and international partners . Additionally:
- Victim identification and notification are ongoing.
- Flight operations may not resume until safety inspections are complete.
- Boeing and aviation regulators will face intense scrutiny over mechanical or procedural faults.
Final Summary
The crash of Air India Flight AI171 off Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, has become a global aviation tragedy—the first deadly Dreamliner crash, with all 242 people on board killed, plus several ground casualties. With international coordination underway, investigations ongoing, and public shock profound, this incident may mark a turning point in aviation policy and Boeing’s oversight. Authorities continue working around the clock to support grieving families, stabilize the crash site, and uncover the root cause of this devastating tragedy.
