Ahmedabad, Gujarat – A tragic incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon, June 12, 2025, when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Flight AI171 bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The devastating crash, which plunged into the Meghani area of the city, resulted in the loss of 265 lives and sent a massive plume of black smoke into the sky, triggering an immediate and extensive emergency response.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that there were 242 individuals on board the aircraft: 230 passengers, two pilots, and 10 cabin crew members. The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar. Sources indicate the flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.
The aircraft, heavily fueled for its long-haul international journey, crashed into the residential quarters of doctors from BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area, bursting into intense flames. Eyewitnesses recounted a harrowing scene, reporting that the plane lost altitude swiftly after takeoff and impacted buildings within the residential complex, causing extensive damage. Several individuals residing in the affected quarters near the airport are feared injured, though official confirmation is pending. “The plane was flying very low and it crashed into the residential quarters of doctors of the government-run college,” eyewitness Haresh Shah stated.
Emergency services, including multiple fire engines, ambulances, and city police, rapidly converged on the crash site to commence rescue operations. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed three teams (90 personnel) from Gandhinagar immediately, with three additional teams en route from Vadodara.
Investigation Underway, One Survivor Confirmed
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation: one survivor was found in seat 11A of the aircraft and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital. “The police found one survivor in seat 11A. One survivor has been found in the hospital and is under treatment. We cannot say anything about the number of deaths yet. The death toll may increase as the flight crashed in a residential area,” Malik told ANI.
In a significant breakthrough for the ongoing investigation, authorities successfully recovered the aircraft’s black box (Flight Data Recorder). The crucial device was located on a rooftop, likely that of the BJ Medical College hostel building, providing vital data for determining the crash’s cause. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to launch a formal investigation, possibly involving a technical team from Boeing. The Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), along with an investigation team, has already departed for Ahmedabad.
Preliminary Insights and Official Reactions
While officials have not yet released a definitive statement on the suspected cause, aviation experts have begun to offer preliminary observations. Two short videos filmed shortly after takeoff reportedly show the aircraft with its landing gear still extended at over 400 feet, a detail that has raised questions among experienced pilots. “Normally, within five seconds of lift-off, pilots retract the landing gear,” noted Capt. Amit Singh, an air safety expert. This suggests a potential issue soon after takeoff, with experts considering possibilities such as a dual engine failure, bird strike, fuel contamination, or a stall from a loss of speed. The heavy fuel load for the international route is also believed to have intensified the post-crash fire, complicating rescue efforts. The final investigation report is anticipated before June 12, 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sorrow on X, stating, “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.” President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her deep distress, extending thoughts and prayers to those affected.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, assuring full central government cooperation in rescue and relief operations. Chief Minister Patel directed immediate rescue efforts, medical care for the injured, and the establishment of a green corridor for swift hospital transport.
Air India, in its first official communication, stated, “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details.” Tata Group, Air India’s parent company, announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore (approximately $120,000 USD) to the family of each deceased person. Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran conveyed deepest condolences, affirming that the primary focus is on supporting affected families and assisting emergency response teams. An emergency center and support teams have been activated.
In response to the airport’s partial closure, Indian Railways announced the deployment of Vande Bharat trains to assist stranded passengers travelling from Ahmedabad to major cities. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is now operational with limited flights. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has activated an Operational Control Room in New Delhi and Ahmedabad to coordinate the emergency response.
