In a tragic aviation accident on June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171 — a Boeing 787 Dreamliner — crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The plane, bound for London, lost control minutes after departure, crashing in a nearby residential area. Here’s a full update on what happened, the rescue efforts, and the ongoing investigation.
Table of Contents
What Happened: Timeline of the Air India Crash in Ahmedabad
- Flight: Air India AI171
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB)
- Route: Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
- Time of Takeoff: 1:38 PM IST
- Crash Site: Meghani Nagar / Dharpur area, near the airport
- Occupants: ~242 people (2 pilots, 10 crew, ~230 passengers)
Eyewitnesses reported an explosion and plumes of black smoke as the aircraft lost altitude and crashed, damaging nearby buildings and injuring local residents.
🚑 Rescue Operations and Emergency Response
Emergency services including 7 fire trucks, ambulances, and NDRF teams responded within minutes. The airport was temporarily shut down, and the surrounding areas sealed. Over 12,000 liters of aviation fuel was onboard, but a massive fire was fortunately avoided. Nearby residents were safely evacuated.
Air India Responds
“Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London was involved in an incident. We are currently ascertaining the details.” – Air India on X
Government Orders Immediate Investigation
Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel are actively monitoring the situation. The DGCA and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have been deployed. Investigators are recovering black boxes to determine the cause of the crash.
⚠️ Possible Causes of the Ahmedabad Plane Crash
While the investigation is ongoing, possible causes under consideration include:
- Engine failure or technical malfunction
- Pilot loss of control
- Potential collision with airport infrastructure
Reports confirm loss of contact with ATC within 4-5 minutes of takeoff.
Damage and Casualties on the Ground
Parts of the aircraft struck homes, causing injuries and structural damage. Emergency teams continue to assess the extent of the destruction. As of now, the official death toll and number of injured are still being verified.
📉 Aviation Sector Reacts
- IndiGo: -3%
- SpiceJet: -1.5%
- Adani Enterprises: -1%
Investors and aviation analysts are calling for a review of flight safety protocols following the crash.
Public Reaction on Social Media
Hashtags like #AhmedabadCrash, #AI171, and #AirIndiaCrash trended within hours. Netizens expressed grief, support for victims, and praised emergency responders.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
Authorities are expected to release a preliminary report within 48–72 hours. Black box data will be crucial. Air India has activated its passenger support and emergency response systems.
Conclusion
The Air India crash in Ahmedabad is one of the most serious air disasters in recent Indian aviation history. As we await full details, our thoughts are with the victims and their families. The bravery of first responders and the resilience of the community have prevented further tragedy.
Stay tuned for verified updates as the investigation continues.
📥 Need More Updates?
Subscribe to our newsletter for real-time news alerts on this developing story.
Tragedy