Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – A Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operating as Air India Flight AI‑171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick tragically crashed just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport today. The incident has shocked the nation and prompted immediate rescue operations.
Flight & Aircraft Details
- Flight number: AI‑171
- Aircraft: Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (registration VT‑ANB)
- Departure time: 13:38 IST from runway 23
- Onboard: 242 people (230–232 passengers, 12 crew members
What Happened
Approximately five minutes after takeoff, the crew issued a Mayday distress call to ATC, which was received—but no further communication followed. The aircraft rapidly lost altitude, reached only about 625 feet, and plunged into the nearby Meghani Nagar residential area, triggering a fire and a massive plume of black
Immediate Response
- Rescue efforts: Firefighters, ambulances, and emergency teams arrived swiftly on the scene
- Airport halt: All operations at Ahmedabad airport have been suspended to facilitate rescue work
- Government oversight: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu declared he is “personally monitoring” the rescue effort, with national disaster response teams deployed
- Air India’s position: Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed “profound sorrow” and confirmed an emergency communications centre set up for families
Crew Credentials
- Captain Sumeet Sabharwal: Licensed Type Commander with ~8,200 flight hours
- First Officer Clive Kundar: ~1,100 flight hours
Notable Highlights
- This marks the first hull-loss of a Boeing 787 since its introduction in 2009
- The aircraft was heavily fueled for the long-haul London route, which likely intensified the post‑crash fire
- The exact cause remains unknown. Mechanical failure, communication lapses, or procedural errors are all under investigation by DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.
What Comes Next
- Ongoing investigations: DGCA and AAIB teams are examining ATC communication logs, flight-data recorders, wreckage, and maintenance records.
- Casualty assessment: Official counts of fatalities and survivors are still pending; early estimates suggest significant loss of life.
- Support centres: Air India is assisting affected families through outreach stations at airports and hotlines.
From the Ground
Residents in Meghani Nagar reported explosion-like sounds followed by thick smoke. Videos on social media show rescuers navigating burning debris amid collapsed structures.
Why This Matters
- Aviation safety: As the first major incident involving the Dreamliner, this crash could prompt global reviews of aircraft systems and emergency protocols.
- Public trust: Effective emergency response and transparent communication will be vital in maintaining confidence in Air India and air travel standards.
- Human toll: With a multicultural passenger list—including Indian, British, Portuguese, and Canadian nationals—this is not just a national but an international tragedy.
Stand by for Updates
We will continue to report verified updates on:
- Casualty figures and rescue progress
- Preliminary findings from flight-data records
- Official statements from Air India, DGCA, government authorities, and witnesses