Tragedy in the Skies: Air India Flight AI171 Crash – What We Know So Far
On June 12, 2025, India witnessed one of the deadliest aviation disasters in its history when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, bound for London Gatwick. The heartbreaking incident claimed the lives of 241 out of 242 onboard, along with 28 fatalities on the ground.
Flight Details
Flight: AI171 (Ahmedabad ➝ London Gatwick)
Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB)
Passengers/Crew: 230 passengers, 12 crew members
Fatalities: 269 total (241 onboard, 28 ground)
Survivor: One — a British-Indian man, Vishwashkumar Ramesh
What Happened?
Just 30 seconds after takeoff, the pilot issued a “Mayday” distress call. Witnesses reported the aircraft caught fire mid-air before crashing into a hostel building of B.J. Medical College in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated area of Ahmedabad. The scene was devastating — buildings damaged, families shattered, and emergency crews scrambling to respond.
Black Box & Investigation
Both flight recorders (black boxes) were recovered quickly and sent for analysis. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with help from FAA, NTSB, Boeing, and GE Aerospace, is leading the investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest:
A catastrophic engine failure or onboard electrical malfunction
The aircraft struggled to gain altitude
The rapid descent indicated a potential loss of control
International Reaction
PM Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and promised full support for victims’ families.
King Charles III and UK PM offered condolences for the British nationals onboard.
Air India (Tata Group) pledged ₹1 crore compensation to each victim's family and support for rebuilding the damaged medical facilities.
⚠️ Why This Crash Matters
This is the first-ever fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, an aircraft long considered a symbol of modern aviation safety. The crash raises concerns over:
Past safety issues with the 787 model (battery fires, structural problems)
Manufacturing oversight and whistleblower claims
Global scrutiny on Boeing’s safety standards
