The Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick Airport from Ahmedabad, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, claiming the lives of 241 people on board. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, plummeted into a residential area in Ahmedabad, India, approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulting in additional casualties on the ground.
The crash occurred at 1:39 PM local time, mere moments after the aircraft took off from Runway 23. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a "MAYDAY" call was issued to Air Traffic Control (ATC) immediately after departure; however, there was no subsequent response from the aircraft. The lone survivor, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, was seated near an emergency exit and managed to escape the wreckage. He is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The incident has triggered a massive response, with rescue operations underway and investigations launched to determine the cause of the crash. Indian investigators are being assisted by experts from the US National Transportation Safety Board and Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch. Boeing has also offered its full support to the investigation.
The impact of the crash extended beyond the passengers and crew, with the aircraft hitting a medical college hostel, resulting in the deaths of at least five medical students and injuries to many others. Authorities are working to identify the victims, with DNA testing being conducted to assist in the process.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, raising concerns about the safety of air travel. It also reignites scrutiny of Boeing, as this is not the first incident involving their aircraft. The company's safety reputation has been under pressure since the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
In the wake of the tragedy, condolences and messages of support have poured in from around the world. Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, while Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg expressed the company's deepest condolences and offered full support to the investigation.
The Air India crash is a stark reminder of the risks associated with air travel, and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all passengers and crew. As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing support to the victims and their families, and on uncovering the cause of the crash to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
