The Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, resulting in 241 fatalities out of the 242 passengers and crew members on board. The aircraft, which went down in the Meghani area near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar.

While details regarding the specific aircraft involved and its recent flight history are still emerging, initial reports confirm the aircraft was a wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliner with a capacity of around 300 passengers.

The crash marks the first fatal incident involving a 787-8 Dreamliner since it entered commercial service in 2011. Aviation experts are collaborating with Indian investigators, along with experts from the US and UK, to investigate the cause of the crash.

Immediately after takeoff, the cockpit issued a mayday call. According to the sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, there was a loud bang as the plane struggled to gain altitude. The aircraft was carrying 100 tonnes of fuel, near full capacity, for its long-haul flight, which intensified the explosion and fire upon impact.

The crash site, located in a residential area, triggered a massive emergency response. Firefighters, ambulances, and police were dispatched to the scene. The impact of the crash extended beyond those on board, with officials fearing casualties on the ground as the aircraft struck buildings in the Meghani area.