An Air India flight bound for London ended in tragedy shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, with all 242 people onboard feared dead in a devastating aviation disaster.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at around 1:10 PM on June 12, 2025. The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it encountered a critical emergency moments after becoming airborne. According to sources, the pilot issued a Mayday distress call to Air Traffic Control, signaling a severe problem before communication was lost.
The plane crashed near the Ghoda Camp area, close to the airport perimeter, between Meghaninagar and the Ahmedabad Cantonment. Early reports from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suggest the aircraft may have gone down in a residential neighborhood, raising concerns about possible casualties on the ground as well.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion followed by thick black smoke rising into the sky. Emergency services, including firefighters, police, and medical teams, rushed to the crash site within minutes, launching rescue and recovery operations under extremely difficult conditions.
Air India confirmed the incident in an official statement, saying the airline is working to determine the full details of what happened. Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the families and loved ones of those onboard. He emphasized that the airline’s priority is to support the victims and assist authorities in their response efforts.
While there has been no official confirmation regarding survivors, initial reports indicate that all 242 people onboard are feared dead. Investigators have begun examining possible causes, with the pilot’s Mayday call expected to play a crucial role in understanding the sequence of events.
The crash has sent shockwaves across India and the international community, marking a dark moment in aviation history. Authorities continue to investigate as more information emerges.
