A tragic aviation incident occurred on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, operating a scheduled route from Ahmedabad, India, to London Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff. The accident resulted in the deaths of all 242 individuals on board, including passengers and crew members. This article provides a factual overview of the event based on verified information from Air India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and international aviation monitoring services.
Incident Overview: What Happened to Air India Flight AI171?
According to a formal statement released by Air India on June 12, Flight AI171 departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 13:38 IST. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was carrying:
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169 Indian nationals
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53 British nationals
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1 Canadian national
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7 Portuguese nationals
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12 crew members
Approximately five minutes after takeoff, the aircraft encountered a critical failure and descended rapidly, crashing into a residential area near the airport’s perimeter. The DGCA and Air India have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the accident.
Aircraft Details and Initial Altitude Report
According to FlightRadar24, the Boeing 787 reached an altitude of 625 feet before experiencing a sudden loss of lift and descending at a rate of approximately -475 feet per minute. The aircraft then lost contact with air traffic control.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, widely used for long-haul international flights, is equipped with advanced avionics and safety systems. The aircraft involved was reportedly delivered to Air India in 2017 and had passed all required maintenance checks, as confirmed by a preliminary review of the airline’s fleet records.
Crash Location and Immediate Impact
The crash occurred in a densely populated section of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, less than 5 kilometers from the departure airport. Eyewitness accounts and local media footage confirmed that the aircraft struck several low-rise buildings before erupting into flames.
As reported by the Associated Press (AP) and verified by local emergency services, multiple residential structures near the crash site suffered structural damage, including shattered windows and fire damage. Fire response teams from the Ahmedabad Municipal Fire and Emergency Services arrived within minutes to contain the flames and assist in evacuation procedures.
Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local emergency units were immediately deployed. The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that a dedicated recovery team was on-site by the early afternoon, conducting search and retrieval operations. Despite best efforts, officials confirmed by evening that there were no survivors.
The black box and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) have since been recovered and are undergoing analysis to determine the chain of events leading to the crash. Investigators from the DGCA and India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are working in collaboration with Boeing and international aviation safety bodies.
Eyewitness Accounts and Verified Reactions
Residents of the affected area described hearing a loud impact followed by rising smoke. Many local channels, including NDTV and Times of India, reported scenes of chaos and emergency services battling intense flames.
While some video clips circulated online, officials urge caution in interpreting unverified footage. The DGCA has confirmed that authenticated data and updates will be released through official channels only.
Official Statements and Global Reactions
In a public statement, Air India expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and confirmed that it is working with embassies to provide support to affected nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is also facilitating communication with the families of international passengers.
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, stated that it is in close coordination with Indian aviation authorities to provide technical support. As a standard procedure, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have been notified.
Aviation Safety Background
India’s commercial aviation sector is regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. India has made significant strides in aviation safety over the past two decades, with the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program reporting improvements in compliance with international standards.
The Boeing 787-8 has a strong safety record globally. As of June 2025, this marks the first fatal incident involving a 787-8 in India since its induction into commercial service.
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Support for Families and Travelers
Air India has set up a helpline and emergency support center for families of those onboard. Counseling and travel assistance are being provided through consular offices, and family members of the victims are being flown to Ahmedabad under special arrangements.
The Indian Red Cross Society and local non-governmental organizations have also deployed volunteers to support survivors’ families and residents affected by the crash.
Investigation and Next Steps
A full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to release an initial report within 30 days, in line with international aviation protocols.
In the meantime, India’s Civil Aviation Ministry has announced a nationwide review of flight safety protocols, particularly those related to takeoff procedures and aircraft maintenance documentation.
Authorities have also appealed to the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified footage or claims that may hinder the investigation or cause distress to the families of the deceased.
Summary
The crash of Air India Flight AI171 is a deeply tragic event, marking a profound loss for the aviation industry and the families of the 242 people who lost their lives. As emergency response and investigation efforts continue, authorities urge the public to follow updates from verified sources such as:
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Air India Official Website
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Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
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Ministry of Civil Aviation, India
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International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy.
Sources:
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Air India Official Press Release
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Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
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FlightRadar24 Flight Data
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Associated Press (AP)
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Times of India
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NDTV
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International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
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Ministry of Civil Aviation (India)
