Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, killing 241 people in what is being described as one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s history. Only one passenger survived.
Flight AI-171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, went down minutes after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. IST. The aircraft plunged into a residential complex near BJ Medical College, triggering a massive fire and a large-scale emergency response across the city.
According to Air India, the flight was carrying 242 people — 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including two pilots. The sole survivor, a British national of Indian origin seated in 11A, is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
The airline confirmed the tragedy in an official statement on X, saying, “UPDATE: Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident. The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital.”
Air India also released a breakdown of the passengers’ nationalities: 169 were Indian, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
The airline extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and said a dedicated team has been deployed in Ahmedabad to provide support.
“Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones,” the statement read.
Air India has pledged full cooperation with the authorities investigating the cause of the crash. Dedicated helplines have been set up for families seeking information. Domestic callers can reach 1800 5691 444, while international callers can dial +91 8062779200.
-IANS