On June 12, 2025, India witnessed one of its most tragic aviation disasters when Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft was en route to London Gatwick but fell from the sky just minutes into the flight. Of the 242 people on board, only one survived. The crash has shocked the nation and raised serious questions about aviation safety, aircraft maintenance, and emergency preparedness.
This article breaks down the key facts, the timeline of the crash, and what’s unfolding in the aftermath.
What Was Air India Flight 171?
Air India Flight 171 was a scheduled international service operating from Ahmedabad, India, to London Gatwick in the United Kingdom. It was a long-haul route operated by one of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, an aircraft model known for fuel efficiency and advanced safety features. On the day of the crash, the aircraft carried 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including individuals from India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada.
The passengers included business travelers, students, families, and government officials, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Timeline of the Crash
1:38 PM IST – Takeoff:
The aircraft took off from Ahmedabad on schedule. Weather conditions were clear, and all pre-flight checks were reportedly completed without issue.
1:39 PM IST – Initial Ascent:
The aircraft reached a height of approximately 625 feet. Within moments, something went terribly wrong. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud, unusual engine noise, followed by a rapid descent.
1:40 PM IST – Mayday Call Issued:
The cockpit issued a mayday call, indicating distress. However, communication was lost shortly thereafter. The plane’s trajectory showed a steep and sudden drop.
1:41 PM IST – Crash:
The plane crashed into the BJ Medical College campus in Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar area. The impact destroyed part of a student hostel building, resulting in casualties on the ground in addition to those on board.
2:00 PM IST – Emergency Response Begins:
Local emergency teams, including fire brigades, ambulances, and police, arrived within minutes. Rescue operations began immediately. The Indian Army was later deployed to assist in clearing the debris and handling recovery operations.
Casualties and Sole Survivor
Out of 242 people on board, 241 died. The only survivor was Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 32-year-old British national who was seated in seat 11A. He was found among the wreckage with serious injuries but alive, likely saved by a section of the fuselage that shielded him from the fire and explosion.
The crash also caused at least six confirmed deaths on the ground, mostly medical students residing in the BJ Medical College hostel. Several others sustained injuries.
The death toll makes this one of the deadliest air crashes in Indian aviation history and the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011.
Who Were the Victims?
The victims included a wide mix of nationalities:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British citizens
- 7 Portuguese citizens
- 1 Canadian citizen
The loss of prominent public figures, including former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, added to the national grief. Condolences poured in from around the globe, including leaders from the UK, Portugal, Canada, and the United States.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents near the crash site described hearing a loud boom and seeing flames and smoke engulfing the medical college area. Many initially thought there had been a bomb explosion or a gas leak before they realized it was an airplane crash.
Some students from BJ Medical College said they had moments to run before parts of the hostel collapsed. The scene was one of chaos, with people screaming, fire engulfing the wreckage, and debris scattered across the complex.
Emergency Response Efforts
Ahmedabad’s civic authorities coordinated a swift emergency response. Multiple hospitals were put on high alert, and a green corridor was established to allow ambulances quick access to the site. The Indian Army deployed engineers and medical teams to assist with recovery efforts.
A temporary control center was set up near the crash site to manage rescue, body identification, and communication with families. Volunteers, NGOs, and local citizens came forward to donate blood, offer shelter, and provide food to victims’ relatives and first responders.
Investigation and Theories
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India is leading the investigation, with technical assistance from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing, and the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
Black box recorders—the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR)—were recovered and sent for analysis.
Preliminary theories under investigation include:
- A landing gear malfunction preventing retraction, which could have destabilized the aircraft
- A potential engine stall or fire during ascent
- Human error or systems failure
- A bird strike, although not yet confirmed
Initial reports suggest the aircraft experienced a rapid stall shortly after takeoff, and the crew may have struggled to regain control in the final moments.
Air India’s Response
Air India and its parent company, Tata Group, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. The airline has set up emergency contact centers and offered immediate compensation to families of the deceased. Counseling and psychological support are being provided to affected families.
Air India has also committed to full transparency and pledged complete cooperation with investigators. A caregiver team is coordinating with consulates to assist families of foreign nationals.
Global Reaction
The crash prompted global concern. Aviation safety experts and international regulators are closely monitoring the investigation’s progress. Boeing, already under scrutiny in recent years over its 737 Max models, faces renewed pressure to address safety concerns.
In India, civil aviation regulators are reviewing safety protocols across all airlines and aircraft models. The Indian Parliament is expected to discuss the matter in upcoming sessions, with many calling for stricter oversight of aircraft maintenance and emergency preparedness.
Aftermath and Implications
The emotional and logistical aftermath of the crash continues to unfold. Repatriation of bodies, identification of remains, and support for victims’ families is ongoing. The Indian aviation sector faces questions about pilot training, aircraft inspections, and disaster response mechanisms.
This tragedy is expected to have long-lasting effects on public confidence in air travel, especially in India. It may also prompt international regulators to issue updated guidance on Boeing 787 operations.
Conclusion
The Ahmedabad Air India crash is a heartbreaking reminder of the unpredictability and fragility of air travel. With 241 lives lost, including innocent students on the ground, it stands as a national tragedy that demands both answers and accountability.
As investigations continue and families mourn, the hope remains that lessons will be learned and changes made to ensure such a disaster never happens again. The story of the sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, serves as a glimmer of hope amid overwhelming loss. But for many, the question remains: how did this happen, and how can we prevent it in the future?
