Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (VT‑ANB) bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, June 12, 2025. The aircraft departed at 1:38 PM IST, carrying approximately 232 passengers and 12 crew members.
Footage of the Air India Ahmedabad–London flight crashing in Ahmedabad.
As per reports, the engine failed just after take-off. pic.twitter.com/QgtW0BeLgO— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) June 12, 2025
Eyewitnesses reported that the plane reached around 625 feet before descending rapidly and disappearing from radar. Seconds later, it plunged into the residential Meghani Nagar area, exploding on impact and triggering a towering plume of black smoke.
Fire and rescue crews, including at least five firefighting teams and numerous ambulances, rushed to the scene. Roads leading to the impact zone were sealed to allow emergency services to operate.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the crew issued a MAYDAY call shortly after departure, followed by radio silence before the crash occurred outside the airport perimeter.
Air India acknowledged the accident in a brief message on X: “Flight AI 171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is “shocked and devastated,” confirming that rescue and medical teams have been mobilized and that he is personally overseeing relief efforts.
This crash marks the first hull loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, according to the Aviation Safety Network, drawing intense global attention.
The DGCA and Air India have launched a joint investigation with Boeing. Authorities have retrieved flight data and cockpit voice recorders. Investigators will also review maintenance logs and takeoff procedures as they seek to understand what led to the tragedy.
At this stage, officials have not confirmed casualties or injuries. Hospitals in Ahmedabad have reported receiving patients, but no toll has been released.
