The crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, has plunged the nation into mourning. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025, claiming the lives of 241 people on board and several on the ground.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, visibly shaken by the tragedy, addressed the media, expressing his deep sorrow and assuring the public of a thorough and transparent investigation. He stated that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally asked him to oversee rescue and relief efforts and that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah would also be visiting the site.
Minister Naidu emphasized that the government is committed to a fair and comprehensive investigation, leaving no stone unturned to determine the cause of the crash. He stressed the importance of avoiding speculation and focusing on facts, highlighting the ongoing efforts to gather information and support the affected families.
In response to the disaster, the government has initiated several key actions. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), an independent regulatory body under the Civil Aviation Ministry, has launched a formal investigation in accordance with international protocols. Additionally, a high-level, multi-disciplinary committee headed by the Union Home Secretary has been formed to examine the incident in detail and recommend preventive measures. This committee has been given a three-month deadline to submit its findings and propose actionable safety guidelines, focusing on creating comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered enhanced safety inspections of Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, including checks on various systems and a review of takeoff parameters. These measures aim to reassure the public and prevent any recurrence of such a tragedy.
The sole survivor of the crash, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national, is receiving treatment in a hospital. He recounted his miraculous escape, expressing disbelief at having survived the disaster.
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has announced that it will provide 1 crore rupees to the families of each person who lost their lives in the crash. The group will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and support the rebuilding of the B.J. Medical College hostel, which was damaged in the crash.
The international community has also expressed its condolences and support. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed his condolences and confirmed that the UK is working with Indian authorities to provide assistance.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to identify the victims and provide support to their families. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi stated that the state is fast-tracking the DNA matching process, with assistance from forensic experts sent by the Indian government.
