Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — In one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s recent history, Air India Flight AI171, operating a scheduled service from Ahmedabad (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport) to London Heathrow, crashed just minutes after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of more than 240 people. The tragic incident has stunned the nation and prompted an urgent, multi-agency investigation.
The aircraft involved in the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 2025 was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANB. It took off around 1:30 PM IST and was scheduled to land in London after approximately nine hours of international travel. However, within the first minute of ascent, the aircraft began losing altitude rapidly and crashed into the Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad, striking a building near B.J. Medical College that housed a doctors’ hostel.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying sight of the aircraft wobbling in the air before nosediving toward the ground. Some reported hearing a loud thud followed by multiple explosions as the aircraft collided with the building and burst into flames. Black smoke engulfed the crash site within seconds, visible from several kilometers away. Firefighters, medical responders, and local residents rushed to the scene within minutes, but the scale of the destruction was overwhelming.
The Ahmedabad Plane Crash 2025 has resulted in the confirmed deaths of at least 240 people, which includes both the passengers and crew on board as well as civilians on the ground. In an extraordinary turn of events, one male passenger has survived the crash. Identified as a British-Indian national seated near an emergency exit, the survivor was pulled from the wreckage by rescue personnel and is currently being treated at a private hospital in Ahmedabad. His condition has been declared stable.
Flight AI171 was a long-haul international route regularly operated by Air India’s Dreamliner fleet. The aircraft in question had completed its pre-flight safety checks and had no reported mechanical issues prior to departure. However, early investigation reports have revealed that the aircraft’s landing gear and flaps were still deployed during takeoff, a configuration abnormality that may have contributed to its inability to gain altitude.
Both the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder — collectively known as the black box — have been recovered and sent to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with experts from Boeing, GE Aerospace, and international aviation regulators including the UK’s AAIB and US NTSB, are now collaborating on a full-scale investigation.
The crash has prompted an immediate response from India’s top leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy and promised full transparency during the investigation. Home Minister Amit Shah visited the crash site and met with emergency teams and hospital staff. The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has announced a compensation package of ₹1 crore for the families of each deceased passenger and has pledged to cover all hospital and rehabilitation costs for the survivor and the injured civilians.
Rescue and recovery operations continued late into the night. Teams worked tirelessly to recover bodies, many of which were severely burned and unidentifiable without DNA testing. Local hospitals have been directed to assist with forensic identification efforts, and the Gujarat government has declared a day of mourning in the state.
The Ahmedabad Plane Crash 2025 has not only raised serious questions about aircraft maintenance and takeoff procedures but also triggered widespread fear and concern among the flying public. Aviation safety experts are calling for an immediate audit of all Boeing 787 aircraft operating in India. While the Dreamliner is generally regarded as one of the safest and most technologically advanced aircraft, this tragic crash could lead to global scrutiny of its systems and crew training protocols.
This incident marks the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft worldwide and the deadliest air crash in India since the early 1990s. As investigators examine data, assess mechanical evidence, and interview air traffic controllers, the entire nation — along with the global aviation industry — is watching closely for answers.
As the lone survivor recovers and families of the deceased begin the painful process of mourning, the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 2025 stands as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of aviation safety oversight. Nayak Times will continue to provide verified, up-to-date reporting as the investigation unfolds.
Timeline of the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 2025
At 1:28 PM, boarding for Flight AI171 was completed at Gate 6 of Ahmedabad International Airport. The aircraft was cleared for takeoff with 229 passengers and 12 crew members on board, bound for London Heathrow.
At 1:30 PM, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner began its taxi from the apron toward Runway 23. Weather conditions were reported to be clear, with visibility at over 10 km and no wind shear alerts issued.
By 1:33 PM, Air Traffic Control cleared the aircraft for takeoff. The plane lifted off but appeared sluggish in its climb. Passengers and bystanders reported the engines making irregular sounds and the plane visibly struggling to ascend.
At 1:34 PM, the pilot issued a short distress call—believed to be a Mayday—before the aircraft veered slightly to the left. Seconds later, the aircraft descended at a sharp angle and crashed into a multi-storey hostel building in Meghaninagar.
Within 30 seconds of the crash, a massive explosion erupted from the site, engulfing the area in fire and smoke. Black clouds rose into the sky as pieces of the aircraft scattered across the neighborhood.
At 1:40 PM, local residents and bystanders began rescue efforts before first responders arrived. Flames were still burning as the fire brigade fought to control the blaze. The lone survivor was pulled from wreckage near the wing section by residents who heard him calling out.
By 2:00 PM, police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, and ambulance services were fully deployed on-site. Hospitals across the city were placed on alert, and emergency wards were cleared for casualties.
At 4:00 PM, the government confirmed over 200 fatalities. The final death toll was later estimated at 269, including residents on the ground.
By 7:00 PM, authorities confirmed the recovery of the black box and shifted their focus to DNA testing for victim identification and coordination with international agencies.
Continued Reporting and Investigation
The Ahmedabad Plane Crash 2025 has triggered national mourning and international concern, especially as it marks the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 worldwide. The Tata Group, owner of Air India, has promised ₹1 crore compensation to each victim’s family and full support for all affected civilians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have both vowed to ensure a transparent investigation, while international aviation experts are watching closely for the findings.
This incident has raised new questions about maintenance protocols, pilot error, and emergency readiness at one of India’s busiest international airports. With the black box data expected to be analyzed within the coming days, both the government and the public await answers that can explain how a state-of-the-art aircraft could fall from the sky so suddenly.