The Indian government has initiated a high-level inquiry into the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash that occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The aircraft, operating as flight AI171 bound for London Gatwick, had 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. The crash resulted in 241 fatalities, with only one survivor, a British national of Indian origin identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation, adhering to international protocols established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Given the significant number of British nationals among the passengers, the United Kingdom's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has offered its assistance and will participate in the probe. A multidisciplinary team from the UK AAIB is being deployed to India to support the investigation, according to GOV.UK. The UK AAIB will have expert status in the Indian safety investigation.
The crash occurred approximately five minutes after takeoff, around 1:38 PM local time, when the plane plummeted into a residential area near B.J. Medical College, about 5 kilometers from the airport. The impact and subsequent explosion caused significant damage, including casualties among medical students present in the college hostel's cafeteria. Initial reports suggest the pilots issued a 'Mayday' call shortly after takeoff, indicating a life-threatening emergency, before losing contact.
Several factors that may have contributed to the crash are under scrutiny. Aviation experts suggest the plane struggled to gain altitude and point to the possibility of a bird strike, a known hazard at Ahmedabad airport. Data from the Civil Aviation Ministry indicated that Gujarat state, where Ahmedabad is located, reported 462 bird strike incidents over five years, with most occurring at Ahmedabad airport. Other potential causes being examined include engine failure, technical malfunction, and pilot error. Some reports indicate the plane's landing gear was down and flaps were up, which is not the appropriate configuration during ascent.
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has also offered its support to the investigation. CEO Kelly Ortberg has communicated with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, pledging full cooperation. A Boeing team is prepared to assist the AAIB in determining the cause of the accident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Ahmedabad to assess the situation and meet with affected families. Air India has established a dedicated passenger hotline (1800 5691 444) to provide information and assistance to the families of the passengers. London Gatwick Airport is also working with Air India to set up a reception center for relatives, offering support and information. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has provided a contact number (020 7008 5000) for British nationals requiring consular assistance.
The investigation is expected to be comprehensive, utilizing the aircraft's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder to analyze the flight's final moments.
