Air India Flight AI171 Crashes Near Ahmedabad After Takeoff with 242 passengers Onboard Tragedy in the Skies

Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, In a heart-wrenching aviation disaster that has left the nation in shock, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Flight AI171), en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed minutes after takeoff on 12th June 2025, killing or injuring an unknown number of people. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, went down in a residential area just beyond the perimeter of Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The Final Moments Before the Crash

Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, The ill-fated Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANB, departed the Ahmedabad runway (Runway 23) at 13:38 hours IST. According to officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the plane issued a MAYDAY distress signal shortly after takeoff. However, no further communication was received from the cockpit. Within minutes, witnesses reported seeing the aircraft losing altitude rapidly, followed by a violent fireball explosion as the plane crashed into a densely populated neighborhood.

Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene of the aircraft’s nose dipping suddenly, followed by flames engulfing the tail section midair. The crash impact created a massive explosion, with plumes of thick black smoke spiraling into the sky, visible for miles.

Passengers and Crew Onboard

Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, has confirmed that 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese citizens were aboard the aircraft. Among the crew were Pilot-in-Command Capt. Sumit Sabharwal and Co-Pilot Clive Kunder, both of whom were seasoned aviators with extensive flight experience on the Dreamliner model.

Families of those onboard have been asked to reach out to Air India’s emergency helpline for further assistance. A special team has also been mobilized to provide psychological counseling and real-time updates to relatives and next of kin.

Rescue and Relief Operations Underway

Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, Within minutes of the crash, fire and rescue teams, along with local police and medical personnel, reached the accident site. Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft came down in a compact residential block, damaging at least 14 houses and triggering several secondary fires due to the high fuel load onboard. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to douse the flames and search for survivors amidst the smoldering wreckage.

Local hospitals, including Civil Hospital, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Medical Sciences, and Apollo Ahmedabad, have been put on high alert, with emergency wards cleared to accommodate potential survivors or burn victims.

Air India’s Official Statement

Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, In a public post on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Air India stated:

Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on http://airindia.com and our official channels.

Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.

The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are…

— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025

Investigation Initiated by DGCA and Aviation Authorities

The DGCA, in coordination with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and international partners like Boeing and the UK Civil Aviation Authority, has launched a full-scale investigation into the crash. Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, Black box recovery operations are already underway. Aviation experts believe the analysis of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) will be critical in uncovering the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.

Initial theories include possible engine failure, bird strike, or a technical malfunction, though terrorism has not been ruled out at this stage. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also been alerted to examine all possibilities.

Aviation Industry and Public React

Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, India’s aviation community is reeling from the shock. The crash is being termed as one of the deadliest air disasters in recent Indian history, recalling memories of the Air India Express crash in Kozhikode in 2020. Condolences have poured in from around the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief, stating:

Deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad. Our prayers are with the families of the victims. The Government is ensuring all necessary rescue and support measures.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also released a statement acknowledging the loss of British citizens in the incident, pledging cooperation in rescue and investigative efforts.

Air Travel Safety Under Scrutiny Again

Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, This tragic crash brings air travel safety back under intense public scrutiny, especially concerning aging fleets, maintenance protocols, and emergency preparedness. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is generally regarded as a reliable, state-of-the-art long-haul aircraft. However, mechanical issues and technical snags have been reported by other airlines operating the same model in recent years.

Experts are now calling for a comprehensive review of safety checks, pilot training, and ground handling procedures across Indian airports, especially in Tier-2 cities like Ahmedabad.

Support for Victims and Families

The Gujarat state government, in collaboration with the central government, has announced immediate ex-gratia relief for affected families. Air India has also committed to full compensation, support with travel and accommodation for relatives, and covering all medical or funeral expenses.

Counseling services are being made available at the Ahmedabad airport, and information kiosks have been set up for real-time updates.

In Conclusion

Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, tragedy is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be and how safety, even in the most technologically advanced systems, must never be taken for granted. As authorities race against time to investigate the cause and prevent future catastrophes, the hearts of an entire nation go out to the victims and their grieving families.

Stay updated with the latest developments on this heartbreaking incident by following official announcements on Air India’s website and verified news sources.

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