Ahmedabad, India – June 12, 2025 — A tragic aviation disaster unfolded today when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed into a residential area near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport shortly after takeoff.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft departed around 13:38 IST, issued a MAYDAY call, and lost contact at approximately 625 feet in altitude. The plane descended rapidly.

Authorities confirm at least 30 fatalities, with many more feared trapped in the crash site. Rescue operations by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local firefighters, and medical teams are in full swing.

The aircraft carried 230 passengers, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, along with a 12-member crew (two pilots and ten cabin staff) . It was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, both senior pilots.

The crash impacted a building used as a hostel for medical students, deepening the tragedy. Thick black smoke and flames were reported at the site, with emergency services racing to evacuate residents and victims.

Notably, this marks the first fatal crash involving Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner worldwide. The 11-year-old aircraft (tail VT‑ANB) took off with full fuel load for the long-haul journey to London Gatwick — a factor that intensified the post-crash inferno.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and the Air India chairman expressed deep sorrow, promising swift rescue efforts and full cooperation in investigations.

Investigation Underway:
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and DGCA have launched inquiries. Authorities are focusing on flight data recorder (black box) analysis to determine the cause of the crash, especially given the steep descent, mechanical performance, and weather data.

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