Air India flight AI171 crashes shortly after take-off Ahmedabad Airport

On 12 June 2025, a routine international flight turned into tragedy this morning when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (reg. VT-ANB) en route from Ahmedabad, India, to London Gatwick, United Kingdom, crashed on a residential area shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The aircraft, carrying 232 passengers and 12 crew members, had just lifted off the runway around 07:30 local time when it encountered trouble at an altitude of approximately 600 feet. Flight tracking data indicates a brief climb followed by a sharp descent. Moments later, the plane crashed in a densely populated neighbourhood near Meghani Nagar, just beyond the airport perimeter.

Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud noise followed by a massive fireball and thick black smoke rising above the buildings. “It felt like an earthquake,” said local resident Dinesh Patel. “Then we saw flames and heard people screaming.”

First responders rushed to the site within minutes. Firefighters battled intense flames while medical teams searched for survivors amid the debris. The area was quickly cordoned off, and nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the crash site and later stated, “This is a heartbreaking moment for our state. We are doing everything possible to assist the victims and their families.”

As of publication, official casualty numbers have not yet been released, though authorities have confirmed there are both fatalities and injuries. Hospitals across the city are on alert, and rescue operations continue.

It was later learned that in the plane, only the British passenger sitting in seat 11A (located near an exit) survived. Many people also died in the houses hit by the crash. Altogether, some 300 people perished in the accident.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an experienced pilot with over 8,000 hours of flight time, was in command of the aircraft. First Officer Clive Kundar had logged more than 1,000 hours. According to early reports, a MAYDAY call was made, indicating the crew was aware of a critical issue. The nature of the problem remains under investigation.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal inquiry. Investigators are combing through the wreckage and will analyse both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, which are expected to provide crucial insights.

Boeing has expressed condolences and offered to assist in the investigation. Air India released a statement saying, “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic incident. We are cooperating fully with authorities and focusing on supporting the families of those on board.”

Flight AI171 was bound for London Gatwick and included passengers from several countries. “Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals,” Air India said. The UK Foreign Office has been notified and is working with Indian authorities to assist British nationals and their families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences via social media, calling it a “devastating loss” and praising the courage of first responders. Indian civil aviation authorities have grounded similar aircraft in Air India’s fleet pending preliminary findings.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.