Ahmedabad, India – June 12, 2025
In one of the most devastating aviation disasters in recent Indian history, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed into a residential complex shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing or injuring dozens and sparking urgent international investigations. Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, vanished from radar just moments after liftoff at 13:38 IST. The aircraft had climbed to just 625 feet before issuing a distress signal and plummeting into a doctors’ hostel near the airport, causing a massive fireball that engulfed parts of the residential area and trapped many under rubble and flames.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene of smoke, screams, and heroism. “There was a deafening boom,” recalled local politician Darshna Vaghela. “We pulled out survivors with our bare hands. Many were badly burned. Some jumped from windows to escape.” At least 30 doctors were rescued from the hostel, several in critical condition. One young medic reportedly leapt from a second-floor balcony, fracturing multiple bones but surviving. Emergency services worked through the night, while hospitals across Ahmedabad prepared for an influx of casualties.
Air India confirmed that 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian were onboard. The aircraft involved, a Boeing 787-8, entered service in 2014 and had a seating capacity of 256 passengers. Known for fuel efficiency and long-haul capability, the Dreamliner has maintained a strong global safety record. This incident marks the first catastrophic loss of a Boeing 787 since its 2011 debut. The aircraft reached a speed of 174 knots before its transponder signal disappeared. No weather anomalies were recorded at the time of takeoff.
Aviation analyst Marco Chan noted, “Conditions were ideal for takeoff. This was not a weather-related event. The fact that the mayday was transmitted suggests a mechanical or systems-related failure, but it’s far too early to draw conclusions.” The crash triggered responses from Indian and international leaders. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the scenes “devastating,” while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as “heartbreaking beyond words.” Air India activated emergency protocols and helplines, and multiple aviation regulators, including India’s DGCA, the FAA, and UK CAA, have launched a joint investigation.
Boeing stated it is working with relevant authorities. The aircraft’s black box and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered. This tragedy follows a string of global aviation accidents, prompting renewed scrutiny over aircraft complexity, regulatory oversight, and pilot readiness. Particularly heart-wrenching is the crash’s location—a hostel for doctors. Yet amid the destruction, there were stories of courage and solidarity. The coming weeks will be critical as investigators seek answers. Until then, the world mourns and watches.
