In one of the deadliest air disasters in India’s aviation history, an Air India flight bound for London tragically crashed just 59 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, claiming 275 lives. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, plummeted into a medical college hostel near the airport perimeter, leaving behind a trail of destruction and national grief.
What Happened?
Flight AI171 took off from Ahmedabad on the night of June 12, 2025. Just under a minute into its journey, the pilot issued a distress “Mayday” call. Moments later, the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control and crashed into a densely populated area, triggering a massive explosion and fire.
Passenger List and Survivors
The flight carried 242 individuals, including 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian citizen. Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, making the tragedy a politically sensitive and emotionally charged event.
The sole survivor, Vishwas Ramesh a British national of Indian descent remains in hospital under medical care. He described hearing a loud mechanical noise shortly after takeoff before the aircraft slammed into the ground.
National and Global Reactions
The crash has drawn widespread reactions from across India and the world:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the crash site today and has ordered a full investigation.
- World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have extended their condolences.
- The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing have pledged full cooperation in the investigation. Both American and British teams are en route to assist.
Investigation and Compensation
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced a high-level committee to investigate the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will lead the official probe, supported by Boeing’s technical team and international safety experts.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran called the crash “a devastating tragedy” and confirmed ₹1 crore in compensation for each of the victims’ families.
Impact on Boeing and Aviation
This incident marks the first major crash involving the Boeing Dreamliner 787 model. Following the accident, Boeing’s stock saw a sharp decline, and questions are now being raised globally about the safety of the model and its deployment across airlines.
A Nation Grieves
As emergency services continue to clear debris and identify victims, India mourns one of the darkest days in its aviation history. Memorials and prayers are being held across the country as families await answers, and the world watches closely for what caused this catastrophic failure just seconds after takeoff.
