Air India Flight Crashes in Ahmedabad: 100+ Dead, First Boeing Dreamliner Fatality

A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171, plunged into a residential area near a medical college campus, resulting in what may become one of India’s deadliest air disasters in decades.

Timeline: The Final Moments

According to Flightradar24 data:

• 13:30 – Aircraft on the ground, speed: 0 knots
• 13:34 – Still on ground, accelerating to 10 knots
• 13:38 – Rapid climb to 625 feet at 174 knots
• Moments later – “Mayday” distress call issued
• Seconds after – Signal lost, followed by fiery crash

No Survivors Expected

Authorities confirmed that the aircraft exploded into a fireball on impact. Flames engulfed the B.J. Medical College hostel, killing residents and causing widespread devastation. The death toll currently stands at over 100, though officials warn that the final number could be higher.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told reporters, “There appears to be no survivor,” and noted that many victims were likely on the ground.

Who Was On Board?

The flight manifest included:

• 169 Indian nationals
• 53 British citizens
• 7 Portuguese nationals
• 1 Canadian national
• 12 Air India crew members

Cause of Crash Under Investigation

While the exact cause is still unknown, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a probe. Engineers, investigators, and aviation authorities are examining whether a mechanical fault, human error, or technical malfunction was to blame.

Experts note the landing gear of the Air India Flight was still down during the climb, an abnormal situation during takeoff. The Dreamliner crashed minutes after departure, suggesting a catastrophic failure occurred early in flight.

About the Aircraft

The aircraft involved was a 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, part of Air India’s 27-aircraft fleet of this model. Until now, no Dreamliner had been involved in a fatal crash, making this the first hull loss for the type.

The aircraft had just arrived from New Delhi earlier that day and was scheduled to fly to London’s Gatwick Airport.

Reactions from Leaders and Agencies

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the tragedy “heartbreaking beyond words.”
• British PM Keir Starmer said the images were “devastating.”
• King Charles is being kept updated.
• Boeing and GE Aerospace are sending teams to assist in the investigation.

What Happens Next?

• AAIB teams have already left for Ahmedabad.
• Air India has grounded operations on the route temporarily.
• Ahmedabad Airport suspended flights but reopened with limited service by evening.
• Flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) recovery is underway and will be crucial for the investigation.

Air India has also set up a hotline for families and is coordinating relief efforts with local hospitals and emergency services. Meanwhile, Gautam Adani, whose group operates the airport, pledged full support.

Do you think India’s aviation oversight needs stronger enforcement after repeated safety scares, or is this an isolated case?

More…

• https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/ahmedabad-india-plane-crash-06-12-25
• https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cy4kxq9e9gqo
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/canadian-on-london-bound-plane-that-crashed-after-takeoff-police-in-india-say-no-apparent-survivors