Ahmedabad — In a devastating incident on June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew, plunged into the Meghani Nagar residential area, triggering flames and massive smoke plumes .
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the crew issued a “Mayday” distress call shortly before losing contact with air traffic control. Local authorities responded immediately, deploying the fire department, ambulances, police, and National Disaster Response Force teams. The airport halted all operations temporarily to facilitate rescue efforts and secure the site .
Reports indicate the plane descended from approximately 600 feet before impacting beside a doctors’ hostel, with initial tallies confirming at least 30 fatalities. However, health officials caution the death toll may rise as the situation evolves. Among the 242 occupants were diverse nationalities: 169 Indians, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian traveler
One notable passenger was Gujarat’s former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was on the flight and confirmed in the official passenger list His fate remains uncertain amid ongoing rescue operations.
In response to the crash, Boeing stock dropped sharply, reflecting renewed concerns over aviation safety. Early pre-market reports show Boeing shares falling between 7–8%, while GE Aerospace stock also declined—its GEnx engines powering the crashed aircraft. Notably, this tragedy marks the first hull‑loss fatality involving a Boeing 787 since the model entered service in 2011. Until now, the Dreamliner had maintained a strong safety record, free from such catastrophic failures. Boeing recently received approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to increase 787 production, a move that followed heightened scrutiny over quality control .
Air India’s chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran and India’s Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu have both pledged full support to rescue teams and affected families, establishing crisis centres to coordinate aid. The airline confirmed it is cooperating fully with authorities and that all injured passengers have been rushed to nearby hospitals .
Worldwide, leaders have expressed mourning. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued statements offering condolences and support
A full investigation led by the DGCA and supported by Boeing and GE Aerospace is underway. Authorities aim to determine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or external factors were responsible for the tragedy. Forensic analysis of the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder is expected to begin shortly.
Meanwhile, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport remains closed for flight operations. Officials warn disruptions could persist through the day until debris is cleared and emergency teams stand down
