On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (registration VT‑ANB), departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick. Moments after takeoff—at approximately 1:38 pm IST—the aircraft lost contact and descended rapidly, crashing near the airport perimeter in the Meghaninagar residential area .
👥 Passengers & crew:
The flight was carrying 242 people—230 passengers and 12 crew members .
🔥 Crash aftermath:
Eyewitnesses describe a fiery explosion upon impact, with thick black smoke visible across the city. Multiple videos captured the dramatic final descent, the crash, and immediate emergency efforts .
🚒 Emergency response:
Authorities swiftly mobilized at least seven fire engines, ambulances, and National Disaster Response Force teams. A green corridor facilitated rapid transport of the injured to nearby hospitals. The airport was temporarily closed as rescue and relief operations were activated .
🎙 Leadership reaction:
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he was “shocked and devastated,” monitoring rescue efforts personally .
Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat’s Chief Minister, pledging central support .
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed “profound sorrow,” affirming the airline’s commitment to assist impacted families .
⚠️ Casualties & investigation:
Casualty figures remain unconfirmed. Initial passenger manifests indicate at least 50 deaths, but official confirmation is pending . Indian authorities—including the DGCA and AAIB—have launched a formal inquiry into technical causes, including scrutiny of the Dreamliner’s performance factors .
