Ahmedabad – A devastating air tragedy unfolded in India today as an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Flight AI171, crashed shortly after its takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The incident has sent shockwaves across India and drawn immediate international attention due to the flight’s global connections.
The aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, departed at approximately 1:39 PM local time. Shortly after becoming airborne, the flight crew issued a Mayday call to Air Traffic Control. This was the last communication from the plane, which subsequently went silent. Aviation tracker FlightRadar24 data shows the aircraft’s signal was lost at 1:38 PM local time, at an altitude of just 625 feet. The plane reportedly fell to the ground outside the airport perimeter, with thick black smoke seen rising from the accident site. Emergency personnel, including firefighters and rescue teams, swiftly converged on the scene, battling the blaze and debris.
Air India confirmed a total of 242 passengers and crew members were on board the ill-fated flight. The airline identified the nationalities as 169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. Portuguese authorities are investigating reports that their nationals were dual citizens originally from Gujarat.
The tragedy has left leaders across affected nations in sorrow. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his deep sadness, stating the incident was “heartbreaking beyond words.” He assured that authorities were actively assisting those affected. UK Foreign Minister David Lammy expressed his profound sadness, confirming that the UK is working closely with Indian authorities to establish the facts and provide support. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes as “devastating,” with his thoughts with the passengers and their families. India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, conveyed his shock, confirming all emergency response agencies were on highest alert.
The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025
An extensive international investigation into the crash is now underway. Richard Quest, CNN’s Business editor-at-large, indicated that India’s civil aviation authorities are expected to lead the inquiry. However, given the American manufacture of the Boeing aircraft, its UK destination, and the diverse nationalities of those on board, the United States, the United Kingdom, and representatives from the countries of the affected passengers will likely join as accredited parties.
Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are…
In the immediate aftermath, all flights out of Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport were temporarily suspended. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, has issued a statement confirming its awareness of the incident and its efforts to gather more information. Meanwhile, the Tata Group, parent company of Air India, has activated an emergency centre to provide critical support and information for the families seeking details about their loved ones.
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