Air India Goes Dark on Social Media After Tragic Ahmedabad-London Flight Crash

Airline blacks out display and cover images across platforms as rescue operations continue; chances of survivors slim after Flight AI171 crashes minutes after takeoff.

New Delhi | June 12, 2025

Air India has blacked out its social media profile and cover images following the devastating crash of its flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport. The symbolic gesture, visible across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, reflects the national carrier’s grief and solidarity in the wake of what may become one of India’s worst aviation tragedies in recent years.

Also Read: Air India Crash: Pilots Issued ‘Mayday’ Call- Then There Was Complete Silence Says DGCA

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 individuals — including 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, and 2 pilots — crashed shortly after takeoff at 1:38 PM IST from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad. The aircraft reportedly sent out a “Mayday” distress call before plummeting into a residential area, with flight tracking data showing it had climbed only up to 625 feet.

Also Read: Air India Flight Crash: Plane Crashed Into Medical Students’ Hostel in Ahmedabad: Shocking Images Emerge

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🚨 What We Know So Far:

• Social Media Blackout: Air India’s signature red logos and headers have been replaced by blacked-out images across all platforms.
• Crash Location: The aircraft crashed in a densely populated residential area; visuals show debris lodged in a medical students’ hostel at BJ Medical College.
• Rescue Operations: Emergency teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire brigade, are on site. Injured passengers are being transported to hospitals.
• Survivor Status: Officials say chances of survivors are slim. An eyewitness described “dead bodies and debris all over.”
• Airspace Closed: All departures from Ahmedabad airport have been suspended until further notice.
• International Passengers Affected: The manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national.

Also Read: Air India Crash: Bird Hit Likely Caused Engine Failure, Say Experts

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🗣️ Official Statements:

“Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident,” the airline said in a statement.

“The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. A dedicated passenger hotline — 1800 5691 444 — has been activated for families seeking information.”

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has rushed to Ahmedabad, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed immediate rescue and relief measures and is monitoring the situation personally.

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Air India plane crash, Ahmedabad flight crash, AI171 crash, Air India blackout, social media blackout, Gatwick flight tragedy, Indian aviation accident, Boeing 787 crash, Narendra Modi, DGCA India