Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025
An Air India flight heading to London with 242 passengers crashed just after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. This incident is one of the worst aviation disasters in India in recent times. Officials reported that Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed in the crowded Meghani Nagar area shortly after 1:38 PM IST on Wednesday.
Early reports suggest that a major system failure or a mechanical issue may be the cause, but officials have not yet confirmed the exact reason.
- Air India Flight AI171, 230 passengers and 12 crew
- Crashed minutes after takeoff
- Meghani Nagar, near Ahmedabad airport
- 1:38 PM IST, June 12, 2025
- Suspected mechanical or system failure; investigation ongoing
“I was on my terrace when I noticed the plane flying way too low. Just moments after that, there was a massive explosion,” said Ramesh Patel, who lives in Meghani Nagar. “Fire burst out, and dark smoke covered the whole area.“
“We heard a boom… and the sky went black.”
Although the Dreamliner is regarded as one of the most advanced and innovative commercial aeroplanes, some of its models have experienced issues in the past, including overheating lithium-ion batteries and problems with the electrical systems.
This crash is significant because it is the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the model entered commercial service in 2011.
India hasn’t seen a commercial aviation disaster this big since the 2010 Air India Express crash in Mangalore.
Flight AI171 was en route to London Gatwick Airport, a daily flight primarily serving business travellers, families, and the Gujarati community.
Many of the passengers were UK citizens or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders returning from their summer vacation.
As families begin the difficult task of searching for their loved ones and grieving for them, the broader aviation community seeks answers. The results of this investigation could have a significant impact on the Boeing 787 fleet worldwide, particularly those nearing mid-life service.
