On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad‘s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Carrying 242 people, including crew, the aircraft descended alarmingly low—just over 600 feet—before plummeting into the Meghani Nagar medical college hostel. The disaster has resulted in over 240 confirmed deaths, with a single survivor, as full-scale investigations and rescue operations continue
What Happened?
- Flight took off at 13:38 IST, landed seconds later into a residential/educational building.
- Aircraft issued a Mayday just after takeoff. Investigation footage suggests landing gear remained down and flaps retracted prematurely.
- 169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian aboard.
Casualties & Survivor
- Initial reports confirm 204 bodies recovered, including victims on the ground. Rescue efforts ongoing.
- The sole survivor, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British-Indian passenger in seat 11A, is hospitalized with serious but stable injuries.
A difficult day for all of us – Air India chief executive
The chief executive of Air India, Campbell Wilson, expresses “deep sorrow” following the London-bound plane crash. In a video statement posted on X, he says: “I would like to express our deep sorrow about this event.
This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones.”
Response & Investigations
- The Indian AAIB leads the probe, supported by the U.S. FAA, NTSB, UK AAIB, and Boeing.
- FAA and NTSB confirmed collaboration and are prepared to assist.
- Experts point to potential yaw instability and lack of lift, based on cockpit video analysis showing the pilots pulling up on the yoke just as engines underperformed.
Global and Local Reactions
- Indian PM Narendra Modi, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, UK Foreign Secretary, and US President Trump offered condolences.
- Prime Minister Modi emphasized that this is the nation’s worst aviation disaster in decades.
- Local leaders like Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath expressed grief and solidarity with victims’ families.
What Comes Next?
- Black box recovery is high priority—to determine engines, thrust, and flight control failure.
- Ground safety protocols will be scrutinized—particularly aircraft safety near residential zones adjacent to runways
- Boeing, already facing heightened scrutiny after recent 737 MAX incidents, could see renewed regulatory examination—especially regarding Dreamliner flight systems.
