A devastating Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI 171, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad today, June 12, 2025. The aircraft, en route to London Gatwick, was carrying 242 passengers and crew. Initial reports confirm at least 40 fatalities.

The crash occurred at approximately 1:38 PM local time, moments after the aircraft departed from Runway 23. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight issued a "MAYDAY" call to air traffic control (ATC), but there was no subsequent communication. The aircraft then plummeted to the ground just outside the airport perimeter in the Meghani Nagar area, igniting a massive fire and sending plumes of thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

Emergency services, including firefighters and paramedics, swiftly responded to the scene. Rescue operations are currently underway, with authorities working to manage the situation and provide medical assistance to survivors. All inbound and outbound flights at Ahmedabad airport have been temporarily suspended.

Air India has released a statement acknowledging the incident, stating that they are "ascertaining the details" and will provide further updates as soon as possible. The airline has also shared information on their website and X (formerly Twitter) handle.

Flightradar24, a flight tracking website, reported that the last signal received from the aircraft was at an altitude of 625 feet (190m), just seconds after takeoff.

Of the 242 people on board, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals. The flight crew consisted of two pilots and 10 cabin crew members. Pilot in Command Sumit Sabharwal had 8,200 hours of flying experience, while co-Pilot Clive Kunder had 1,100 hours.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu to take stock of the situation and directed him to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately. The Civil Aviation Minister is en route to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also expressed her condolences.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. The DGCA and local disaster management teams have launched a full inquiry to determine whether technical malfunction, weather conditions, or human error played a role in the tragedy.