On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India. The flight was headed to London Gatwick Airport, carrying 242 people—230 passengers and 12 crew members. The accident resulted in devastating loss of life, with only one survivor and numerous casualties both on board and on the ground.
Flight Details and Crash Sequence
The aircraft departed Ahmedabad at 13:38 local time but crashed approximately 30 seconds later at around 650 feet altitude. The crash site was near the B.J. Medical College hostel in the Meghani Nagar neighborhood. A distress call was made shortly after takeoff, but communication was quickly lost.
Investigation and Findings
Both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been recovered and are under analysis by Indian authorities with international assistance. Early indications suggest a possible loss of engine power or hydraulic failure shortly after takeoff. The emergency ram air turbine was reportedly activated during the incident, a sign that the plane was facing critical systems failure. 
Aftermath and Response
Tragically, 241 people on board lost their lives, along with 19 individuals on the ground. The sole survivor is currently receiving medical treatment. Air India’s parent company has announced compensation for victims’ families and pledged to rebuild damaged infrastructure near the crash site. The airline has also conducted safety inspections on its fleet following the accident.
Timeline and Outlook
A preliminary investigation report is expected within 30 days. Teams from the UK and the U.S. have joined the inquiry to assist Indian authorities. This crash marks the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and is one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent years. The investigation continues to determine the exact cause and to help prevent future tragedies.
