Boeing 787 Dreamliner AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick with 242 people onboard, crashes in Meghaninagar minutes after takeoff. MAYDAY call reported.
On June 12, 2025, at 1:38 PM IST, Air India Flight AI171 lost communication minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and crashed in the Meghaninagar area of the city
Aircraft Info:
The crashed aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), first operated in December 2009. This marks the first fatal crash involving a Dreamliner.
Time and Location of Crash:
On June 12, 2025, at 1:38 PM IST, Air India Flight AI171 lost communication minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and crashed in the Meghaninagar area of the city.
Flight Details:
The aircraft was carrying 242 people in total – 232 passengers and 10 crew members.
Passenger Nationalities:
Among the passengers were 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian.
Distress Signal:
The pilot reportedly sent a MAYDAY call just moments after takeoff, but the aircraft lost transponder signals soon after, and radar contact was lost at an altitude of only 625 feet.
Crash Impact:
The plane crashed into a residential zone, hitting a doctor’s hostel and nearby buildings, leading to massive fire and smoke in the area.
Rescue and Emergency Response:
NDRF, fire brigades, and emergency medical teams rushed to the site. Over 7 fire engines and multiple ambulances were deployed. Rescue operations continued late into the evening.
Casualties:
As per reports by 4:15 PM, at least 133 people have been confirmed dead, and the number may rise as rescue efforts continue.
Official Reactions:
PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed grief and initiated emergency protocols.
International condolences came from UK PM Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
Tata Group and Air India launched emergency hotlines and support centers for victims’ families.
Airport & Aviation Response:
All operations at Ahmedabad airport were temporarily suspended.
DGCA, Air India officials, and crash investigation teams have begun inquiries into the cause.
