A devastating air disaster unfolded on Thursday afternoon when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed near Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, went down within minutes of departure, leaving behind a scene of smoke, twisted metal, and heartbreak.
Authorities have since confirmed that moments before the crash, the pilot made a desperate Mayday call to Air Traffic Control (ATC), reporting a critical emergency on board. What exactly caused the catastrophe remains unclear, but officials believe a mechanical failure may have played a role.
The Final Minutes
According to early reports, Flight AI171 departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at approximately 1:10 p.m. local time. The Boeing 787-8 had 230 passengers and 12 crew members aboard — a full flight bound for London Gatwick.
Barely three minutes into the climb, the captain radioed ATC with a Mayday call, indicating a severe problem. Witnesses near the airport said they heard the engine sputtering and saw smoke trailing from one wing. Within seconds, the aircraft lost altitude, banking sharply before disappearing from radar.
“It looked like it was struggling to gain height,” said Ramesh Patel, who lives near the crash zone. “Then there was a huge boom — the ground shook. Flames went up like a wall.”
The plane crashed near Ghoda Camp, between Meghaninagar and the Ahmedabad Cantonment area — a densely populated zone just a few kilometers from the airport perimeter. Multiple homes in the area were damaged, and vehicles caught fire as debris scattered across several blocks.
A Scene of Chaos and Heroism
Emergency services arrived within minutes. Firefighters battled intense flames as thick black smoke rose into the sky, visible across the city. The scene was chaotic — residents screaming, first responders rushing through narrow streets, and rescue teams working to extinguish burning wreckage while searching for survivors.
“We could hear people crying inside the debris,” said Meena Desai, a local resident who helped firefighters. “They were shouting for help, but the fire was too strong. It was unbearable.”
Dozens of ambulances and rescue units from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police joined the operation. Helicopters hovered overhead as paramedics and volunteers pulled victims from the wreckage.
Despite the heroic efforts, the scale of destruction was catastrophic. Officials later confirmed that all 242 people aboard — 230 passengers and 12 crew members — were presumed dead. Several residents near the crash site also suffered injuries, though the full toll on the ground is still being assessed.
Air India Responds
Air India released a statement within hours of the crash:
“Flight AI171, operating the Ahmedabad–London Gatwick route, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and are working with authorities to ascertain full details. Our thoughts and condolences go out to all those affected.”
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed grief on behalf of the airline and its employees.
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight AI171 has been involved in a tragic accident. This is an unimaginable loss. Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those affected. Our immediate focus is on supporting rescue operations and providing every possible assistance to those impacted.”
The airline has activated its emergency response teams and is coordinating with both Indian and British authorities. A passenger information hotline has been established for families seeking updates.
Investigation Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a joint investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the pilot reported a sudden technical issue moments before impact, though officials are not ruling out other possibilities.
“The black box and cockpit voice recorder will be key,” said Arvind Menon, a senior aviation safety expert. “They’ll reveal what happened in those final moments — whether it was a mechanical failure, engine fire, or loss of control due to a systems malfunction.”
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is widely regarded as one of the safest commercial aircraft in the world. However, it has not been without incidents. Aviation experts note that the complex electrical systems used in the Dreamliner have faced scrutiny in the past.
Witness Accounts
Residents near the crash site described terrifying scenes. Many initially thought the explosion was an earthquake or gas leak.
“The noise was so loud it shook our windows,” said Irfan Khan, who lives less than a kilometer from the impact zone. “When we ran outside, we saw debris falling from the sky. A part of the plane’s wing landed in the street.”
Videos shared on social media show massive flames rising from the wreckage, smoke billowing into the afternoon sky, and locals rushing to help before emergency crews arrived.
“I saw a mother clutching her child’s toy, crying,” said a volunteer with the Red Cross. “It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Global Reactions
The tragedy has drawn condolences from leaders around the world. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, calling the crash “a national tragedy that has shaken the country.”
“Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones today,” Modi said in a statement. “The government will provide all necessary support and ensure a thorough investigation.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued condolences, offering assistance to India’s government and the victims’ families. “We stand in solidarity with India at this moment of profound grief,” he said.
Families Await Answers
At Ahmedabad airport, hundreds of relatives gathered in anguish, waiting for confirmation of loved ones’ fates. Many clutched photos, praying for news. Airline representatives and counselors were stationed at the terminal to provide updates and support.
“My daughter was going to London for university,” sobbed one woman outside the arrivals gate. “She was so excited. I can’t believe she’s gone.”
Inside the airport, emotions ran high as officials escorted family members into private rooms. Volunteers from local NGOs distributed water, tissues, and blankets.
The Search for Truth
As investigators comb through wreckage spread across several acres, experts are focusing on three primary leads: possible engine failure, bird strike, or electrical malfunction. The Mayday call reportedly mentioned “engine trouble,” but officials are withholding specifics until the flight recorders are recovered and analyzed.
By evening, the black box had been located and sent to Delhi for examination. Aviation authorities say a preliminary report is expected within days, though a full investigation could take months.
Remembering the Victims
Among the 230 passengers were families, students, business travelers, and tourists. Several British nationals were confirmed to be on board, along with dozens of Indians traveling for work and education.
Air India has pledged to provide compensation to victims’ families and arrange transportation for international relatives. Memorial services are being planned in Ahmedabad, Delhi, and London once the remains are identified.
A Nation in Mourning
As night fell, the crash site was illuminated by floodlights and guarded by police. The acrid smell of fuel still hung in the air. Rescue workers continued their grim task — searching through debris for any remaining evidence, personal belongings, or signs of survivors, though hope had all but faded.
For India’s aviation community, the tragedy has reopened painful questions about safety, maintenance, and oversight. But for the families of those lost, it’s far more personal — the end of countless stories, dreams, and futures that never reached their destination.
A candlelight vigil is planned for Friday evening outside Ahmedabad airport. Hundreds are expected to gather, holding candles and photos of loved ones lost aboard Flight AI171.
As one grieving father said quietly at the crash site, staring at the plume of smoke rising into the sky:
“They were going to London for a better life. Instead, they flew straight into heaven.”
