Air India Flight AI171 Crash: What We Know So Far
June 12, 2025
Ahmedabad, India — In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history, Air India flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed minutes after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, went down near a medical college hostel, causing extensive ground damage and triggering a swift international response.
Timeline of the Tragedy
The Dreamliner departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. local time and disappeared from radar just five minutes later, having reached a maximum altitude of only 625 feet. Eyewitnesses describe a horrifying nosedive followed by a loud explosion near the Gujarat Medical College hostel. Surveillance footage and X (formerly Twitter) videos suggest the aircraft may have attempted an emergency maneuver, with landing gear down at the moment of impact.
Passenger Manifest and Global Reach
The passenger list highlights the international nature of this disaster:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 1 Canadian
- 7 Portuguese nationals
Air India has activated a crisis hotline at 1800 5691 444 to assist families seeking information.
Casualties and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Authorities confirm over 200 fatalities, including many medical students and staff affected on the ground. While initial reports suggested no survivors, new updates indicate that 38 individuals’ status remains unconfirmed, and 41 people have been hospitalized—possibly including ground victims. More than 100 bodies have been recovered and are being identified through DNA analysis. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) continues search operations under intense conditions.
Official Reactions and Global Condolences
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed condolences and pledged assistance. Boeing issued a statement offering full cooperation, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation. This marks the first fatal crash involving a 787-8 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011.
Preliminary Investigation Theories
Flight tracking platforms and experts speculate on causes ranging from potential bird strikes to sudden loss of control. Medical aviation specialist Dr. Gokhan Karalar noted the possibility of flap or control surface malfunctions based on aircraft behavior seen in videos. However, no official cause has been determined. The NTSB has deployed a team to Ahmedabad, while Boeing engineers remain on standby.
Public Response and Demand for Accountability
On social media, grief and outrage dominate. Users demand transparency and a thorough safety audit of Air India's fleet. Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, acknowledged the tragedy via a somber video message and pledged full support to investigators and victims’ families. Activists and former aviation regulators are calling for a temporary grounding of similar aircraft pending further review.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight Number | AI171 |
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner |
| Passengers and Crew | 242 total |
| Fatalities | 200+ (unconfirmed) |
| Survivors | Unknown; 38 unaccounted for |
| Crash Location | Near Gujarat Medical College, Ahmedabad |
| Investigation Lead | NTSB, with FAA and Boeing |
What Comes Next?
As the world mourns, attention now turns to answers. The NTSB and Indian aviation authorities are expected to release a preliminary report in the coming days. Meanwhile, Air India faces growing scrutiny over aircraft maintenance and emergency response readiness. Boeing’s role, especially with the Dreamliner model, is also under review by global aviation bodies.