What Happened
- Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (registration VT‑ANB), departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport at around 13:38 IST on June 12, 2025, bound for London Gatwick (en.wikipedia.org).
- About 5 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft issued a Mayday distress call to ATC before crashing into a doctors’ hostel in the Meghani Nagar neighbourhood, triggering a massive fireball and thick smoke
Passengers & Fatalities
- There were 242 people onboard (230 passengers + 12 crew) comprising 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian
- Authorities have reported no survivors from the flight—all 242 aboard perished, with several more feared dead on the ground (en.wikipedia.org).
Rescue & Response
- Firefighters, NDRF, Army, and Coast Guard swiftly mobilised—over 700 personnel joined rescue efforts
- The DGCA, AAIB, Boeing, and Air India have launched immediate investigations (en.wikipedia.org).
- Ahmedabad Airport operations halted temporarily; flights suspended until further notice (theguardian.com).
Official Statements & Reactions
- PM Narendra Modi described the incident as “heartbreaking beyond words”; UK PM Keir Starmer, along with other global leaders including Putin, expressed condolences (theguardian.com)
- Air India’s chairman and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirmed focus on victim support and transparent investigation
Historic First
This marks the first-ever fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction
What’s Next
- Investigation under way: AAIB and DGCA will examine cockpit voice recorders, maintenance logs, and wreckage. Boeing is cooperating .
- Emergency reviews: Airlines and regulators worldwide will scrutinise operating procedures and 787 safety protocols.
- Community support: Local and national authorities are setting up relief centres to assist affected families.
Final Thoughts
This catastrophic crash is a national tragedy — unprecedented in Indian aviation history for the Boeing 787. As recovery and investigation continue, the country mourns an irreplaceable loss. The findings from the probe will be critical in preventing such tragedies in the future.
