Air India Flight AI 171 Crashes After Takeoff in Ahmedabad – 244 Onboard

Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad with 244 people onboard. Rescue operations are ongoing.

Jun 12, 2025 - 16:16
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Air India Flight AI 171 Crashes After Takeoff in Ahmedabad – 244 Onboard

An Air India flight heading to London Gatwick Airport tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. The flight, numbered AI 171, had 244 people onboard, including 232 passengers and 12 crew members.

The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off at 1:38 p.m. local time and went down within minutes in a residential area called Meghani Nagar, close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Witnesses saw thick smoke rising from the crash site, and visuals aired on local news channels showed the area engulfed in flames and debris.

This is the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a modern wide-body aircraft introduced in 2009, with over 1,000 units in service globally.

Government and Airline Response

India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, confirmed that rescue teams were immediately deployed. “We are on highest alert, and all efforts are being made to provide medical help and support to the victims and their families,” he stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, expressed deep sorrow and confirmed that the airline has set up an emergency support center to assist families of the victims. “Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone affected by this tragic incident,” he wrote.

Flight Details at a Glance:

  • Flight Number: AI 171

  • Airline: Air India

  • Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

  • Departure: Ahmedabad, India

  • Destination: London Gatwick Airport

  • Onboard: 244 people (232 passengers, 12 crew)

  • Crash Site: Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad

  • Crash Time: Within 5 minutes after takeoff at 1:38 p.m.

 Ongoing Efforts and Investigation

Emergency crews, including fire and medical teams, are actively working at the scene. Investigations into the cause of the crash have begun under the supervision of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

More updates are expected as the situation develops. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families during this devastating time.