Air India Flight 171 Crash

Unraveling the Air India Flight 171 Tragedy: What We Know

On June 12, 2025, the aviation world was shaken by the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. This incident, widely reported and verified by major news outlets and official statements, has left many questions unanswered. Join us as we delve into the verified details, official responses, and ongoing investigation surrounding this heartbreaking event.

Crash of AI 171: Who, Where, What

The crash occurred on Thursday, June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff at 1:38 PM local time from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

Here's a breakdown of the key facts:

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registration VT-ANB.
• Route: Ahmedabad, India, to London Gatwick, UK.
• Location: Meghani Nagar area, a densely populated locality near the airport, specifically hitting a hostel for doctors of a medical college.
• On Board: There were 242 people aboard, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members (2 pilots and 10 cabin crew).

The passenger manifest included:

• 169 Indian nationals
• 53 British nationals
• 7 Portuguese nationals
• 1 Canadian national

Notable Passenger: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was listed in business class.

Sequence of Events

The flight lost signal at a very low altitude of 625 feet less than a minute after departure. The pilot issued a "Mayday" distress call before all contact was lost with Air Traffic Control.

The plane crashed into a residential area, causing a large fire and panic, with thick black smoke billowing from the site.

Survivors: Several injured passengers were transported to nearby hospitals. While initial reports suggested no survivors, official confirmation is pending, with some unverified reports mentioning the recovery of 204 bodies. Rescue operations are ongoing, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local emergency services.

Impact on Ground: The crash affected the dining area of the B.J. Medical College doctors’ hostel, located about 1.5 km from the runway. Around 30–35 individuals have been rescued from the hostel, and some may still be trapped. No confirmed fatalities among hostel residents have been reported as of now. The intensity of the crash was exacerbated by the aircraft being heavily fueled for the long-haul flight.

Official Responses and Statements

Authorities and organizations swiftly responded to the tragedy:

• Air India: Confirmed the crash, set up a passenger helpline (1800 5691 444), and committed to providing regular updates.
• Indian Government: Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as "heartbreaking beyond words". Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu is personally monitoring the situation.
• UK Government: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident "devastating," and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy noted efforts to work with local authorities. The Royal Family is also being kept updated.
• Tata Group (Air India’s Parent Company): Chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow and confirmed support teams were activated.
• Adani Group: Chairman Gautam Adani offered condolences and pledged support.
• Boeing: The aircraft manufacturer expressed condolences and readiness to support Air India.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport: Operations have been suspended, with passengers advised to check with airlines.

Ongoing Investigation

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.

• Lead Authority: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is leading the investigation with support from local and central government agencies.
• Possible Causes: Early reports indicate a catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff. Possible factors being considered include mechanical malfunction, bird strikes, or human error.

Aviation expert Terry Tozer raised questions about flap deployment, emphasizing that an aircraft requires deployed flaps for safe takeoff and climb. Aviation expert Alex Macheras indicated the probe will investigate why the aircraft struggled to gain altitude. One theory suggested a possible simultaneous shutdown of both engines, potentially due to a bird strike.

Aircraft Information: The aircraft, delivered in January 2014, was 11 years old. This marks the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 since its introduction in 2011.

Stay Informed

As the investigation continues, further updates are expected from aviation authorities regarding the Air India Flight 171 incident. For the most accurate and verified information, rely on official statements from Air India and government agencies.