Ahmedabad, India – June 12, 2025 – A London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Flight AI 171 crashed minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft struck a residential area in Meeghani Nagar and collided with a hostel connected to B.J. Medical College.
The plane, bearing tail number VT-ANB and in service since 2013, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Officials confirmed that all 242 people onboard died. Among the victims were citizens from India, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Canada. Several casualties are also feared on the ground.
Eyewitnesses reported a large explosion and thick smoke moments after takeoff. Visuals from the crash site showed parts of the aircraft lodged in the upper floors of a multistory building. Emergency responders arrived quickly to begin search-and-rescue efforts.
More than 100 personnel from the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and Coast Guard were deployed. Their tasks included retrieving remains, clearing debris, and assisting affected residents.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau launched a joint probe with assistance from Boeing, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board. Black boxes have already been recovered and are undergoing analysis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and ordered all necessary relief measures. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued a statement of condolence. Boeing chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran pledged full cooperation in the investigation.
This is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its commercial introduction in 2011. Ahmedabad Airport has resumed partial operations. Authorities have established hotlines for families and are continuing recovery and support efforts.
