Air India Flight 171 Crashes After Takeoff From Ahmedabad With 242 Onboard

On the morning of 12 Jun 2025, tragedy struck as Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, a bustling city in western India. The plane, carrying a total of 242 passengers and crew, had just begun its journey when disaster struck, leaving everyone on board and their families in a state of shock and disbelief.

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The flight and what happened

Image credit: @Turbinetraveler | Official X

The flight was supposed to be a routine one—a long-haul journey from Ahmedabad to London, operated on one of the most popular and reliable aircraft in the skies today: the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This state-of-the-art plane, known for its fuel efficiency and modern amenities, had been in service with Air India since 2014. It was designed to cover long routes like this one, connecting far-off destinations comfortably.

Initial flight data, however, paints a sombre picture of the moments before the crash. The aircraft reached a maximum altitude of just 625 feet—a far cry from its cruising altitude—before it started descending at a rapid rate of 475 feet per minute. It’s unclear what caused the plane to lose altitude so quickly, and the investigation will continue for months as experts try to piece together what went wrong.

Immediate response and rescue operations

Image credit: @ShivAroor | Official X

News of the crash spread quickly, and emergency response teams were mobilised right away. Rescue efforts were launched in full force, with local authorities, paramedics, and firefighters working tirelessly to reach the wreckage and assist the injured. Air India confirmed that the survivors were immediately taken to nearby hospitals, where they received medical treatment.

Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, expressed his profound sorrow over the accident and assured the public that authorities were working on immediate rescue and relief efforts. The local airport, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, temporarily halted flights following the crash, but operations resumed after a few hours, allowing the normal flow of air traffic to continue.

What’s next?

As the investigation continues, it will likely take months to determine the exact cause of the crash. Under international protocols, the country where the crash occurred leads the investigation, with assistance from the aircraft manufacturer, engine makers, and other relevant bodies. While the cause of the accident remains uncertain, everyone is hoping for clarity and justice for the victims and their families.

For now, the tragedy has left many questions unanswered, and the aviation community and the families affected are left to mourn. The airline industry, which has made significant strides in safety over the past few decades, will undoubtedly face more scrutiny in the wake of this devastating incident.

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Our thoughts are with the passengers and crew

Image credit: flightradar24 | Official X

The crash of Air India Flight 171 is a heart-wrenching reminder of the fragility of life and the risks that come with air travel, no matter how advanced the technology becomes. Our thoughts are with the passengers, the crew, and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. The hope is that, as investigations unfold, lessons will be learned, and the industry will continue to evolve to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.