Air India Flight AI171 Crash: What We Know So Far

A devastating tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying 242 people on board. What began as a routine international flight turned into one of the worst air disasters in recent Indian aviation history.

Below is a full breakdown of what happened, who was affected, and what comes next.

Flight Details and Timeline

Air India Flight AI171 departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM local time, en route to London Gatwick. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner registered as VT-ANB, had been in service since 2014.

Just moments after takeoff, the flight crew issued a mayday call. Within a minute, the aircraft lost radar contact at approximately 625 feet of altitude. It crashed into the Meghani Nagar residential area, close to the airport boundary, triggering explosions and heavy fire.

Total Passengers and Crew

The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, totaling 242 people onboard. The passenger manifest included:

1. 169 Indian nationals
2. 53 British nationals
3. 7 Portuguese nationals
4. 1 Canadian national

The cockpit was crewed by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, both experienced pilots with over 8,000 flight hours between them.

Casualties and Injuries

The loss of life is significant:

• 202 confirmed fatalities on board
• 30 survivors, most with severe injuries
• 21 deaths on the ground, as the plane struck multiple residential structures
• Dozens more injured on the ground, including children and elderly residents

Local hospitals are overwhelmed, with emergency wards treating severe burn and trauma cases. Search-and-rescue operations continued into the evening.

What Caused the Crash?

The exact cause is still under investigation. However, early indications suggest a catastrophic mechanical failure occurred shortly after takeoff. The mayday call points to the possibility of engine failure or flight control issues. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before the aircraft descended at a steep angle and burst into flames.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are leading the investigation, supported by Boeing engineers and international aviation safety experts.

Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts

Fire crews, police, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams responded immediately to the crash site. Over 90 NDRF personnel were deployed to control the fire, search for survivors, and manage the aftermath. Ahmedabad Airport was temporarily closed, and incoming flights were redirected.

Family members of passengers have been directed to support centers set up by Air India. The airline is also arranging for international support, particularly for the British and Portuguese nationals affected.

Official Statements and Public Reaction

Air India released a statement expressing "deep sorrow and shock" at the incident and confirmed full cooperation with the investigation.

India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, visited the site and said, “This is a national tragedy. We are doing everything in our power to assist victims’ families.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah offered condolences and mobilized federal support. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed sympathies and pledged consular support for British citizens affected.

Aircraft History

The aircraft involved was an 11-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. It was one of the first Dreamliners delivered to Air India and had a consistent maintenance record. This incident marks the first fatal crash involving this specific aircraft type in Air India’s fleet, and one of the deadliest involving a Dreamliner globally.

What Happens Next?

With the black box recovered, investigators will begin analyzing flight data and cockpit voice recordings. It may take weeks—possibly months—for a final report to be published.

Meanwhile, Air India has grounded its remaining Dreamliner fleet as a precaution. Affected families are being contacted, and both Indian and international agencies are coordinating support.