The aftermath of the Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad is unfolding, with critical developments on the ground and in the investigation. Air India's MD & CEO, Campbell Wilson, has arrived at the crash site to assess the situation and provide support. The crash, involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, occurred shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to visit Ahmedabad today, June 13, 2025, to review the situation and meet with affected families. His arrival underscores the severity of the tragedy and the government's commitment to providing assistance. Modi expressed his grief, calling the incident "heartbreaking beyond words" and assuring that authorities are working to assist those affected.
The crash has resulted in a massive loss of life. While initial reports indicated 241 fatalities out of the 242 people on board, more recent reports suggest the death toll is at least 260, with concerns that it may rise further as identification efforts continue. One survivor, Viswashkumar Ramesh, was pulled from the wreckage and is currently receiving medical treatment at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. The aircraft crashed into the Atulyam-4 quarters, a residential building housing resident doctors near BJ Medical College, resulting in additional casualties on the ground. At least four MBBS students are among those confirmed dead.
Emergency services, including multiple teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire engines, ambulances, and police units, were immediately deployed to the crash site. The NDRF has increased its team presence to seven, and has recovered 81 bodies as of Friday morning. DNA samples are being collected at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to aid in the identification of the deceased.
Air India has established Friends & Relatives Assistance Centres at Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gatwick airports to provide support to the families of those affected. These centers are assisting with travel arrangements and providing necessary assistance. The airline has also set up dedicated passenger hotline numbers for those calling from within India (1800 5691 444) and from outside India (+91 8062779200).
Campbell Wilson expressed his deep sorrow in a video statement, calling it a "difficult day" for Air India and emphasizing the airline's commitment to supporting the passengers, crew, and their families. He noted that investigations are underway and assured that the airline is actively working with authorities on all emergency response efforts.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation into the crash. The AAIB, a division of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is responsible for probing aircraft accidents in India. The investigation aims to determine the cause of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future. One of the aircraft's black boxes has been recovered, which should provide critical data for the investigation.
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each person who lost their lives in the crash. Air India will also have to pay a compensation of around Rs 1.5 crore, as per the Montreal Convention treaty.
The international community has also offered support, with the US and UK sending teams to assist with the investigation. Boeing has stated that they are in contact with Air India and stand ready to support them, deferring to the AAIB for official information.
The airport, which was temporarily non-operational, resumed operations later on Thursday evening, with flights landing. The focus remains on supporting the families, identifying the deceased, and conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of this devastating accident.
