The aftermath of the Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad, India, continues to unfold as families grieve and investigators work to determine the cause of the tragic event. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, killing all but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board, as well as several people on the ground.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has been at the forefront of the response, expressing deep sorrow and vowing a thorough and fair investigation. "I'm totally shaken by the incident that has happened today," he stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to uncovering the truth behind the crash and preventing similar incidents in the future. The Minister confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally instructed him to oversee rescue and relief operations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also visited the site.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and British investigators. A critical breakthrough came with the recovery of one of the aircraft's "black boxes" – the Flight Data Recorder – from the wreckage. Minister Naidu confirmed this development in a social media post, stating, "This marks an important step forward in the investigation. This will significantly aid the enquiry into the incident." The search continues for the second black box, the Cockpit Voice Recorder.
In the wake of the crash, India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has ordered Air India to conduct extra safety checks on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleet as a preventative measure. These checks include "power assurance checks" to be completed within two weeks.
The sole survivor of the crash, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, is recovering in hospital. He recounted the horror of the crash, stating that he saw the crew and passengers die and described his survival as a "miracle".
The impact of the crash has been devastating, with families around the world mourning the loss of loved ones. Among the victims were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. The crash also claimed the lives of at least eight people on the ground, including medical students.
Tributes have been pouring in for the deceased. Former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani, was among the passengers. Other victims include families, young professionals, and students. Identifying the victims has been a difficult process, with DNA testing required due to the severity of the fire.
The crash has raised questions about aviation safety standards and airport infrastructure. Aviation safety expert Mohan Ranganathan pointed out that many Indian airports do not comply with safety standards regarding obstacles near airports. He noted that the plane crashed into a six-story building shortly after takeoff, highlighting the potential violation of safety regulations.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing support to the families of the victims and ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies. Minister Naidu has pledged that no stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of answers, reaffirming the government's commitment to aviation safety.
