A pall of smoke hangs heavy over Ahmedabad following the crash of Air India Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The incident, which occurred around 1:15 PM local time on June 12, 2025, has triggered a massive emergency response, with disturbing visuals emerging from the crash site in the Meghani area of the city.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people including 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members, plummeted to the ground just minutes after departure. Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft struggled to gain altitude, crashing approximately 825 feet from the airport. The impact resulted in a large explosion, with eyewitness accounts describing a ball of flame and a thick plume of grey smoke billowing into the sky.
Emergency services, including fire engines, ambulances, and local police, swiftly descended upon the scene. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed multiple teams to assist in rescue and recovery operations. The airport is currently non-operational, with all flight operations temporarily suspended, causing widespread disruption for travelers. Passengers are being advised to contact their respective airlines for updates.
While there is no official confirmation on casualties at this time, the situation is undoubtedly dire. The manifest indicates a diverse group of passengers, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals. Unconfirmed reports are also circulating that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani may have been on board.
Air India has released a brief statement acknowledging the incident, stating that they are "ascertaining the details" and will share further updates as soon as possible. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a formal investigation into the crash, and a technical team from Boeing is expected to join the inquiry. Aviation experts suggest that the heavy fuel load required for the long-haul flight to London likely exacerbated the post-crash fire, complicating rescue efforts and potentially impacting survivability.
Prior to the crash, the pilots issued a MAYDAY call to air traffic control, but no further communication was received from the aircraft. Tracking data indicates that the last signal from the plane was received at just 625 feet, mere seconds after takeoff. The captain was an experienced pilot with 8,200 hours of flying experience, while the co-pilot had 1,100 hours.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and beyond. Aviation Minister expressed his devastation regarding the accident. The focus remains on the ongoing rescue efforts and the investigation into the cause of this tragic event.
