June 2025 – Ahmedabad, India — A major aviation disaster occurred on June 12 when Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was operating a scheduled international flight to London Gatwick.

According to official information released by Air India and confirmed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft departed at approximately 13:38 Indian Standard Time (IST). Within minutes, the flight lost altitude and impacted the premises of a nearby medical college. Rescue operations were immediately initiated, involving personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local emergency services, and aviation safety authorities.

Passengers and Crew Onboard
Air India confirmed that 242 individuals were on board the aircraft, including passengers and crew members. The passenger manifest included:

169 Indian nationals

53 British nationals

1 Canadian national

7 Portuguese nationals

12 crew members

Emergency services responded promptly to the crash site. As of June 13, 2025, Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanan Desai stated that 265 fatalities have been confirmed, including individuals on board and on the ground. The number of confirmed fatalities is based on official estimates and may be updated as recovery efforts continue.

Official Response and Investigation
The crash is being formally investigated by the DGCA in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, and supported by international aviation bodies, as is standard protocol in incidents involving commercial aircraft.

According to DGCA representatives, the pilots issued a mayday call shortly after takeoff, indicating a critical situation. Communications logs confirm that a distress signal was received by air traffic control, but the aircraft lost contact shortly thereafter. The specific technical or mechanical factors that may have led to the crash are currently under investigation.

The flight was operated by two qualified pilots, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder, according to Air India. Further details regarding cockpit recordings and flight data are pending analysis by investigative authorities.

Statements from Air India and Tata Group
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, which owns Air India, issued a public statement expressing condolences to the families of those affected. He confirmed that Air India has activated an emergency response team to support passengers’ relatives and facilitate official coordination.

“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected,” Mr. Chandrasekaran stated.

Air India has established an emergency center to provide assistance to next of kin. Family support teams are active in both India and the United Kingdom, working with local authorities and consular services.

Survivor and Rescue Efforts
One survivor has been confirmed by hospital authorities. According to official records from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, a 40-year-old British national named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh is currently receiving treatment for injuries. His condition has been described as stable, and he remains under medical observation.

Recovery teams are continuing operations at the crash site to ensure evidence preservation for the investigation. The DGCA has confirmed that both the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been recovered and will be analyzed by aviation safety experts.

Global Aviation Safety Context
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is widely regarded for its modern safety features and fuel efficiency. According to data from the Aviation Safety Network and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the aircraft has a strong operational safety history. Investigators will evaluate whether factors such as maintenance history or weather conditions contributed to the accident.

In compliance with Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention, international experts including representatives from Boeing and possibly the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to participate in the investigation.

Next Steps in the Investigation
While preliminary data may suggest an engine-related issue shortly after takeoff, the exact cause has not been confirmed. A comprehensive analysis of the black box data, air traffic records, and aircraft components is underway.

According to DGCA procedures, a preliminary report is expected within 30 days. A full investigation report will follow after thorough technical and procedural review, which may take several months.

Support for Families and Ongoing Coordination
Air India and Indian authorities have pledged full transparency and continued support throughout the investigation process. Resources such as visa facilitation, language support, and counseling services are being made available to families of the victims.

The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with consulates and embassies of affected countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Portugal, to assist with repatriation and family support.

Conclusion
The loss of Air India Flight AI171 represents one of the most serious aviation tragedies in India’s recent history. As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, support efforts for affected individuals and families remain a top priority for both domestic and international authorities.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, aviation, or emergency management advice. All information presented is based on official government and aviation sources at the time of publication.