✈️ Ahmedabad Air India Flight Crash – June 12, 2025
✈️ Ahmedabad Air India Flight Crash – June 12, 2025
The Incident
On Thursday, June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner with 242 people aboard (232 passengers and 12 crew), crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport when it went down in the Meghani Nagar/Shahibaug residential area around 1:38 p.m. local time.
What Witnesses Saw
Visuals from local TV and on social media showed the aircraft struggling to climb, then descending rapidly and crashing into nearby homes. A massive fireball and thick black smoke quickly engulfed the area. Emergency services—including multiple fire engines and ambulances—rushed to the scene.
Immediate Aftermath
Emergency Response: At least seven fire trucks and numerous ambulances deployed to fight the blaze and aid victims .
Airport Shutdown: Ahmedabad airport temporarily closed; flights diverted as authorities secured the crash site .
Mayday Call: Cockpit reportedly issued a mayday to air traffic control before contact was lost .
Passenger Numbers & Casualty Updates
Early reports varied: some mentioned around 133 people onboard; others confirmed 242 or even up to 290. Official figures now state 232 passengers and 12 crew. Casualty and survival details remain unconfirmed as rescue efforts continue.
Notable Onboard
Reports indicate that the former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was on board, though his condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Authorities’ Statement
Air India confirmed that AI 171 “was involved in an incident” and is actively gathering details
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed profound shock, stated he is personally overseeing the response, and promised swift and coordinated action .
DGCA and a Boeing technical team will launch an official investigation. Retrieving the black box and flight data is a top priority.
What Happens Next?
1. Rescue & Medical Assistance: Priority on tenders to extinguish the blaze and rescue survivors. Hospitals in Ahmedabad are on high alert.
2. Investigation: DGCA and Boeing teams will analyze the wreckage, flight data recorder, maintenance logs, and ATC records.
3. Airline Support: Air India has set up emergency hotlines and support centres for families of passengers and crew.
Final Thoughts
This is the first-ever crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, marking a deeply sobering moment for aviation safety. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the brave first responders working under harrowing conditions. Let’s hope for quick recovery and clarity on how this tragedy occurred.