On June 12, 2025, India witnessed one of the most heartbreaking air disasters in recent memory when Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, en route to London Gatwick. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, plunged into a residential area near the runway just moments after takeoff, killing 241 people onboard and injuring dozens more on the ground.
✈️ What Happened?
Flight AI171 took off normally at approximately 8:45 a.m. local time. But within just a minute, the aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude and crashed at high speed into a nearby building. The impact destroyed parts of a college hostel and caused massive fire and debris in the surrounding neighborhood. It is believed that a technical fault in either the landing gear or flaps may have led to the crash.
💔 Casualties and Survivors
Of the 242 people onboard, only one survived—a British national seated near an emergency exit who managed to escape moments before the crash. On the ground, at least 38 people were injured as parts of the hostel and residential buildings were destroyed. Victims included citizens from India, the UK, Portugal, Canada, and other countries.
🧑✈️ The Captain’s Final Flight
The pilot of AI171 was a seasoned Air India veteran who was reportedly flying one of his last international routes before retirement. Colleagues described him as highly disciplined, calm under pressure, and committed to safety. His sudden and tragic death has left the aviation community in deep mourning.
🕯️ Reactions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “deeply distressing” and personally visited the site. The British Prime Minister expressed condolences to the families of British nationals on board. Global leaders from around the world, including the Pope and U.S. President, extended their sympathies.
🔍 Investigation Underway
Preliminary investigation has begun, and the aircraft’s black box has been recovered. Indian aviation regulators have called for emergency inspections of all Boeing 787s in service across the country. Meanwhile, Boeing has offered full cooperation and sent a technical team to assist.
🚨 What’s Next?
Authorities are now focusing on identifying the exact cause of the crash. Air India has grounded several similar aircraft as a precaution, and travelers are being advised to follow official updates regarding their upcoming flights.