Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India Flight AI 171 Crashes, Over 120 Feared Dead

The catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025, has sent shockwaves across India and the world. The London-bound flight, carrying 242 passengers and crew, plummeted into the densely populated Meghani Nagar area, triggering a massive fireball and widespread devastation.

Early reports suggest over 120 fatalities, with some sources indicating there may be no survivors. Here’s a detailed, SEO-friendly report on the tragedy, including flight details, casualties, investigation updates, and reactions.

Flight Details: Air India AI 171 Ahmedabad to London crash

Flight Number:AI 171

Airline: Air India

Aircraft Model: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Registration: VT-ANB)

Route: Ahmedabad to London Gatwick

Takeoff Time: 1:38 PM IST (June 12, 2025)

Crash Time: ~1:40 PM IST

Altitude at Crash: 600–800 फ़ीट

The aircraft, which departed from Runway 23, struggled to gain altitude moments after takeoff. It issued a Mayday call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) before losing contact and crashing into a residential area near the airport. This marks the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its debut in 2011.

Passenger and Crew Details

Total Onboard: 242

Passengers: ~230

Crew: 12 (including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew)

Nationalities:

169 Indian nationals

53 British national

7 Portuguese nationals

1 Canadian national

Among the passengers was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, as confirmed by reports. The diverse passenger manifest underscores the global impact of the tragedy.

Crash Location: Meghani Nagar Devastated

The plane crashed into Meghani Nagar, a crowded residential area near Ahmedabad airport, striking the B.J. Medical College hostel canteen where students were having lunch. The impact caused a massive explosion, intensified by the aircraft’s heavy fuel load for the long-haul flight.

Damage:

Surrounding buildings, including the medical college and doctors’ hostel, were severely damaged.

Scene:

Thick black smoke and flames engulfed the area, creating panic among residents.

Rescue Efforts:

Fire brigades, NDRF, BSF, police, and ambulances rushed to the site. Injured individuals were taken to nearby hospitals.

Local residents described heart-wrenching scenes, with one woman reporting her son miraculously survived. However, many victims’ bodies were reportedly unrecognizable due to the intensity of the fire.

Casualties: Over 120 Feared Dead 

Preliminary reports estimate over 120 deaths, though some sources, including the Ahmedabad police commissioner, suggest there may be no survivors from the flight. Casualties also include people on the ground, particularly at the medical college.

Ground Impact:

Students and staff at B.J. Medical College were among the victims.

Official Confirmation:

Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have yet to release a final casualty count.

Emotional Toll:

Families gathered at hospitals and the crash site, with distressing visuals of grief circulating online.

Investigation: What Caused the Ahmedabad Plane Crash?

The DGCA, Air India, and Boeing have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash. The aircraft’s black box (flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder) is being sought to uncover critical clues.

Possible Causes:

Engine Failure: Experts suggest a loss of thrust or failure of both engines, as indicated by the plane’s inability to climb beyond 672–825 feet. Former pilot Saurabh Bhatnagar cited prima facie evidence of engine failure.

Bird Hit: Aviation expert Pilot Amit Singh speculated a bird strike could have triggered the crash.

Technical Malfunction: The plane’s struggle to gain lift points to a catastrophic failure, potentially linked to mechanical issues.

Pilot Actions: The aircraft, piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 hours of experience) and First Officer Clive Kundar (1,100 hours), issued a Mayday call, indicating an emergency. Experts are analyzing whether pilot response or control issues played a role.

Boeing, which noted this as the first crash of a 787 Dreamliner, is assisting Air India and authorities. The aircraft was powered by General Electric engines, and GE Aerospace has pledged support for the investigation. Past scrutiny of the 787, including a 2024 FAA probe into improper fuselage fastening, has resurfaced, though Boeing previously dismissed immediate safety concerns.

Reactions: Global Outpouring of Grief

The Ahmedabad plane crash has elicited widespread condolences from leaders, celebrities, and citizens:

India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the tragedy “heartbreaking beyond words” and assured assistance to those affected.

UK: British PM Keir Starmer and King Charles expressed shock, with the UK High Commission offering consular support for British nationals.

Global Leaders: French President Emmanuel Macron and Pakistan’s Nawaz Sharif conveyed sympathies, emphasizing shared humanity.

Sports and Entertainment: Cricketers Harbhajan Singh, Rohit Sharma, javelin champion Neeraj Chopra, and tennis star Sania Mirza shared heartfelt messages.

Local Response: The Madhya Pradesh government canceled all official programs, while demands for compensation and government jobs for victims’ families have emerged.

Latest Updates

Airport Operations: Ahmedabad airport has suspended all flights until further notice.

Helpline: Air India and the UK High Commission have shared contact numbers for families seeking information.

Boeing’s Safety Record: The crash has renewed scrutiny of Boeing’s safety protocols, especially after recent quality concerns

The Ahmedabad plane crash of Air India Flight AI 171 is one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters, leaving a trail of grief and unanswered questions. As rescue operations continue and investigators hunt for the black box, the world mourns the loss of over 120 lives. Stay tuned for updates on the investigation and official casualty figures.

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