A tragic aviation disaster struck western India on June 12, 2025, when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers crash-landed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The flight, designated AI171, was en route to London Gatwick Airport when the crash occurred shortly after takeoff.
According to officials, at least 105 people have been confirmed dead, including British and Indian nationals, with dozens more injured or unaccounted for. Thick black smoke and flames were visible near the crash site, which is located close to a university dormitory housing medical students.
Passengers and Nationalities on Board
The aircraft was carrying a mix of international travelers, including:
- 53 British nationals
- 169 Indian nationals
- 7 Portuguese citizens
- 1 Canadian passenger
Initial reports suggest that 50 to 60 medical students living near the impact zone may also be among the deceased, though authorities have yet to confirm full casualty figures.
Emergency Response and Air India’s Official Statement
In a statement released shortly after the crash, Air India confirmed the incident, stating:
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, June 12, 2025. We are currently verifying details and will provide updates on our website.”
Sources told Republic World that the plane was unable to perform an emergency fuel dump, which may have intensified the explosion and post-crash fire. Aircraft typically dump fuel in emergency landings to reduce landing weight and fire risk.
Technical Issues and Investigations Underway
While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, aviation experts are focusing on both mechanical failure and human error as possible factors. The plane’s black boxes have been recovered and will be sent for analysis.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has recently faced scrutiny over technical defects. Between January and February 2025, one Dreamliner (tail number N819AN) was diverted four times due to hydraulic leaks and malfunctioning warning flags.
In 2024, Boeing whistleblower Sam Salehpour raised alarms about the aircraft’s structural integrity, alleging the company used manufacturing shortcuts that could lead to catastrophic failures as the aircraft age.
Eyewitness Accounts and Global Reaction
Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes following the crash. One local resident told PTI:
“We heard a massive explosion. When we rushed outside, the sky was filled with thick smoke. Dead bodies and pieces of the aircraft were scattered everywhere.”
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed condolences and pledged support:
“The scenes emerging from Ahmedabad are devastating. I am receiving regular updates, and my thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
Air India’s Safety Record and Recent Struggles
Air India, founded in 1932, has experienced several deadly incidents in recent decades:
- In 2020, a repatriation flight overran the runway, killing 21 people
- In 2010, Air India Flight 812 crashed on landing, killing 158 passengers
In 2023, Air India was ranked the worst airline for delays from UK airports, with an average takeoff delay of over 45 minutes. The airline has suffered from chronic funding issues, leading to grounded aircraft and service disruptions.
Now owned by Tata Group, the airline is undergoing a major transformation to improve safety and performance. Its UK operations run out of Heathrow, Gatwick, and Birmingham, connecting passengers to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad.
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