On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, carrying 242 people. A Mayday call was issued moments before the plane went silent.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Boeing 787, registered as VT-ANB, took off from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST, piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 hours of experience) and First Officer Clive Kundar (1,100 hours). The aircraft issued a Mayday call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) but ceased communication thereafter, crashing just outside the airport perimeter in Meghani Nagar. Thick black smoke and flames engulfed the site, exacerbated by the plane’s heavy fuel load for the long-haul flight.
“The aircraft fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter, with heavy black smoke seen from the accident site,” the DGCA stated
The Final Moments: Last Visuals of Air India Flight Before Crash.
Air India Dreamliner Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad, 242 on Board Rescue Efforts Underway.#AirIndia #Ahmedabad #ahmedabadplanecrash #ahmedabadairport #crash pic.twitter.com/TBb76WkidJ
— Photo News (@PhotoNewsPk) June 12, 2025Emergency services responded immediately, deploying seven fire engines, ambulances, and six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams. Authorities sealed roads around Meghani Nagar to facilitate rescue operations. While casualty figures remain unconfirmed, reports indicate a significant loss of life, with some injured passengers transported to nearby hospitals. The crash’s proximity to a residential area has heightened local anxiety.
#BreakingNews : A tragic incident has occurred involving an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which was bound for London. The aircraft reportedly crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, with 242 passengers on board. Rescue services have been immediately deployed to the… pic.twitter.com/Td1coPblG7
— Photo News (@PhotoNewsPk) June 12, 2025Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu to rush to Ahmedabad and oversee rescue efforts, ensuring all necessary support reached those affected. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel of central government assistance. Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed “profound sorrow” and pledged full support for the families of those impacted. The airline and DGCA have launched investigations, and a technical team has arrived to analyse the cause.
Initial reporting suggests a possible technical failure, given the aircraft’s Mayday call and its rapid descent from 625 feet, according to Flightradar24 data. Investigators are scrutinising the Boeing 787’s history of technical issues, though they have not confirmed any specific cause. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation, with Boeing’s potential involvement noted.
