The Ahmedabad Plane Crash: A Comprehensive Account of India’s Aviation Tragedy

Introduction: The Moment Tragedy Struck

On June 12, 2025, at approximately 1:38 PM IST, Air India Flight AI171 – a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London’s Gatwick Airport – crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, plummeted into the residential neighborhood of Meghani Nagar, specifically striking the doctors’ hostel of B.J. Medical College. This unprecedented tragedy marked the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered commercial service in 2011, sending shockwaves through global aviation and triggering massive emergency response operations.

Flight Details and Passenger Manifest

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Registration VT-ANB)
• Route: Ahmedabad (AMD) to London Gatwick (LGW)
• Passenger Load: 230 passengers + 12 crew members
• Nationalities:
  • 169 Indian nationals
  • 53 British nationals
  • 7 Portuguese nationals
  • 1 Canadian national 
• Cockpit Crew: Captain Sumit Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder 
• Scheduled Arrival: 6:25 PM local time at Gatwick Airport 

Notable among the passengers was Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat, adding political significance to the tragedy.

Timeline of the Catastrophe

1. 1:38 PM: Flight AI171 departs from Runway 23 at Ahmedabad Airport 
2. 1:39 PM: Pilots issue “MAYDAY” emergency call to Air Traffic Control 
3. 1:39 PM: Last radar signal received at 625 feet altitude
4. Crash Impact: Aircraft crashes onto B.J. Medical College hostel at approximately 1:40 PM
5. Immediate Aftermath: Thick black smoke visible across Ahmedabad; local residents report massive explosion

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the aircraft beginning a rapid descent with a vertical speed of -475 feet per minute immediately after its last transmission. Eyewitness video footage captured the aircraft gaining altitude before suddenly plunging toward the residential area, followed by a massive fireball.

Rescue and Response Efforts 

The crash triggered an unprecedented multi-agency response:

• Firefighting: Over 70 fire engines rushed to the scene to combat raging fuel fires 
• Medical Response: 150+ ambulances transported victims to Civil Hospital and other facilities; triage centers established onsite 
• Specialized Teams: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed for structural rescue operations 
• Railway Assistance: Western Railway dispatched medical teams, ambulances, and planned special evacuation trains 
• Airport Shutdown: All operations suspended at Ahmedabad airport indefinitely 

By late afternoon, police reported recovering 30-35 bodies from the hostel wreckage, with expectations the death toll would rise significantly. Among the survivors were medical students who escaped by jumping from the damaged hostel building.

Why the Crash Was Particularly Devastating

1. Residential Impact: The crash into a doctors’ hostel during lunch hour multiplied casualties beyond the aircraft occupants 
2. Aircraft Fuel Load: At takeoff, the plane carried nearly 100,000 pounds of jet fuel, creating intense fires 
3. Structural Collapse: The hostel’s dining area suffered direct impact, trapping victims under debris 
4. Historical Significance: First fatal crash of Boeing’s “Dreamliner” despite 14 years of accident-free operation 

International Response and Leadership Reactions

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “The tragedy has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.” 
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “Devastating scenes of a London-bound plane carrying British nationals. My thoughts are with passengers’ families.” 
• Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov: “Heartbreaking news… heartfelt sympathy to families of victims.” 
• Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu: “Government and people of Maldives stand in solidarity with India.”

Britain activated emergency consular services (+44 20 7008 5000) for families of the 53 British passengers.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Safety Record Under Scrutiny

The crash marks a devastating milestone for Boeing’s flagship aircraft:

• Prior Safety Record: Zero fatal accidents since 2011 introduction 
• Recent Concerns: FAA investigated fuselage assembly issues in April 2024 
• Market Impact: Boeing shares fell 8% in pre-market trading
• Ongoing Challenges: Comes amid Boeing’s legal settlement over 737 MAX crashes 

Aviation experts emphasize this crash represents an unprecedented test for the Dreamliner’s safety reputation. According to the Aviation Safety Network, no previous 787 incidents had resulted in fatalities despite several operational emergencies causing injuries.

Investigation Launch: Critical Questions

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is leading the investigation with support from:

• International Partners: US NTSB and UK AAIB investigators en route 
• Technical Analysis: Flight recorders (“black boxes”) being recovered 
• Critical Focus Areas:
  1. Cause of mayday call seconds after takeoff
  2. Possible mechanical failure in newly controversial fuselage assemblies
  3. Air traffic control communications
  4. Weather conditions (clear skies reported)
  5. Aircraft maintenance history 

Boeing issued a statement: “We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information”

Human Impact: Survivor Accounts and Victims

Relative’s Anguish: “My sister-in-law was going to London. Within an hour, I got news that the plane had crashed,” Poonam Patel told reporters at the hospital 

Medical Impact: Federation of All India Medical Associations confirmed student casualties in the hostel mess during lunch 

Global Grief: Embassies of UK, Portugal, and Canada activated emergency response teams for their citizens 

Historical Context: India’s Aviation Safety

• • Last Major Crash: 2020 Air India Express Boeing 737 overshot runway in Kozhikode (21 fatalities) 

• • Worst Disaster: 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision (349 fatalities) 

• • Dreamliner Mileage: Over 1,175 aircraft in service globally, averaging 2,100 flights daily 

Aviation Industry Implications

1. 1. Boeing’s Crisis: Deepens existing safety concerns following 737 MAX tragedies

1. 1. Air India’s Challenge: First major accident since Tata Group’s takeover and merger with Vistara 

1. 1. Regulatory Scrutiny: DGCA faces pressure for transparent investigation

1. 1. Air Show Impact: Occurs days before Paris Air Show, aviation’s premier event 

1. 1. Compensation: Potential $200+ million liability across airlines/manufacturers

Support Systems for Affected Families

• • Air India Hotline: 1800 5691 444 810

• • Ministry of Civil Aviation: 011-24610843 / 9650391859 810

• • Ahmedabad Police: 07925620359 8

• • UK Emergency Line: +44 (0) 20 7008 5008 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Were there any survivors in the Ahmedabad plane crash?
Rescue teams reported finding survivors among both passengers and hostel residents, though exact numbers remain unconfirmed as operations continue 18.

Q2: What caused Air India Flight 171 to crash?
The investigation remains in early stages, but confirmed factors include:

• • MAYDAY call immediately after takeoff

• • Rapid descent from 625 feet

• • Impact in populated area outside airport perimeter

Q3: How many people died in the Ahmedabad crash?
Initial reports confirm 30-35 fatalities with expectations of significant increase. Official counts remain unconfirmed as rescue operations continue.

Q4: Was Ahmedabad airport closed after the crash?
Yes, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport suspended all operations indefinitely, causing nationwide flight disruptions.

Q5: Which nationalities were most affected?
Indian (169) and British (53) nationals comprised the majority, with Portuguese (7) and Canadian (1) citizens also aboard.