Ahmedabad, India – June 12, 2025 — A major aviation tragedy occurred in India when Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff. According to official statements from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India, the incident resulted in the deaths of over 200 individuals. Authorities have confirmed that one passenger survived and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Flight Details

The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating a scheduled international route. It departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) at 1:38 PM IST and was bound for London Gatwick Airport (LGW).

There were 242 people onboard the aircraft, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Nationalities onboard included Indian, British, Portuguese, and Canadian citizens, according to Air India’s manifest.

Timeline of the Incident

Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into a building on the premises of a local medical college situated near the airport. Emergency responders from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities were immediately dispatched to the scene.

The Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, G.S. Malik, confirmed in a press conference that over 200 bodies had been recovered. He noted that further identification efforts were underway and that the total number of fatalities could be updated as recovery operations continue.

Response from Officials and Investigation

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has launched a formal investigation. The aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)—commonly referred to as black boxes—have been recovered and are being analyzed.

Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, released a statement confirming that it is cooperating fully with Indian authorities. A team of technical experts may be deployed to support the investigation if required.

The investigation will examine multiple factors, including aircraft maintenance records, air traffic control communications, crew reports, and weather conditions at the time of takeoff. Air India has stated that the aircraft had undergone routine safety checks and was airworthy.

International Response

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to the families of the victims and affirmed that full support would be provided to assist those affected.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) also issued a statement expressing sympathy and confirmed that British consular staff were coordinating with local authorities to provide support to British nationals and their families.

Among the deceased were Jamie Ray Meek and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, British citizens whose names were listed on the official passenger manifest. The couple had been visiting India and were returning to the UK. Their passing has been confirmed by multiple reliable media outlets, including the BBC and The Guardian.

Support for Families and Passengers

Air India has activated emergency response protocols and set up family assistance centers at both Ahmedabad Airport and London Gatwick. A dedicated helpline has been launched for relatives and friends of passengers seeking information.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India is also assisting foreign embassies in coordinating support and communication with affected families.

Aviation Safety Context

India holds a Category 1 aviation safety rating from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which indicates compliance with global safety standards. However, incidents of this scale are subject to intensive review to determine any lapses or contributing factors.

Aviation safety experts have emphasized the need to await the official investigation findings before drawing conclusions. The DGCA has not commented on any specific technical cause pending analysis.

Boeing 787-8 Fleet Review

As a precautionary measure, Air India has initiated a fleet-wide inspection of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft. While no technical fault has been officially linked to the crash, the airline stated that safety remains its top priority and that additional checks are underway.

Passengers with scheduled flights on similar aircraft types have been advised to monitor updates on Air India’s website and official social media channels for rescheduling or alternative arrangements.

Sources

• Air India Official Website

• Directorate General of Civil Aviation – India

• Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau – India

• The Hindu

• BBC News

• Reuters

• UK Foreign Office Travel Updates

• Boeing Newsroom