June 12, 2025: A London-bound Air India flight operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner — considered one of the world’s most advanced widebody aircraft — crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday. The aircraft, Flight AI171, was carrying 242 passengers and crew. Officials fear a major death toll, with no confirmed reports of survivors as yet.
Crash Timeline (as per FlightRadar24 Data)
- 1:30 PM: Aircraft recorded stationary on the ground at 0 knots
- 1:34 PM: Speed increased slightly to 10 knots, still on the ground
- 1:38 PM: Aircraft climbed to 625 feet at 174 knots with landing gear still extended
- Moments later: Signal lost; crash occurred in a residential area
The aircraft crashed within the campus of a local medical college, hitting a residential hostel building, triggering a massive explosion and fire.
Also read: Air India Plane Crash LIVE Updates: All 242 People On Board Feared Dead!
Onboard Nationalities
Air India confirmed the breakdown of the 242 people onboard:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian national
- 12 crew members (including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew)
Pilots in Command
- Captain Sumeet Sabharwal – over 8,200 flight hours
- First Officer Clive Kundar – logged 1,100 flight hours
Both are feared dead in what could become the deadliest accident involving a Boeing Dreamliner.
Crash Site and Damage
- Crash occurred near Meghaninagar, just minutes after takeoff
- The site lies within a densely populated residential zone
- Verified images show engulfing black smoke, destroyed buildings, and fire crews battling flames
- Several people on the ground have also been reported injured or missing
Aircraft Details: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Twin-engine long-haul aircraft introduced for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort
- No fatal crash had been reported involving this model until now
- This incident could mark the first total hull loss for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner line
Boeing released a brief statement saying:
“We are aware of the reports and are working to gather more information.”
What Caused the Crash?
The exact cause is still under investigation. Preliminary concerns point to mechanical failure, possible pilot distress, or other critical systems malfunction, but no official statement has confirmed the root cause yet. The MAYDAY call issued by the crew moments after takeoff indicates a serious emergency in-flight.
Official and Emergency Response
- Three NDRF teams (90 personnel) deployed to the crash site
- Ahmedabad police and fire teams have cleared 70–80% of the wreckage area
- PM Narendra Modi, President Murmu, and multiple state leaders have expressed grief
- Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is en route to Ahmedabad
Emergency Helpline Numbers:
- Air India: 1800 5691 444
- Civil Aviation Ministry: 011-24610843 / 9650391859
- Ahmedabad Police: 079-25620359
This devastating crash may become one of India’s worst aviation disasters, and also a historical first for Boeing’s Dreamliner fleet in terms of total destruction. Investigations are ongoing.