On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, India. This is the first fatal incident of a B787 aircraft, killing 241 people aboard.
The Boeing 787-8, with registration VT-ANB, was operating Flight AI171 from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Flight AI171 reportedly departed Ahmedabad at 13:39 local time with 242 people onboard, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
However, after only a few seconds into the flight, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into the Meghani Nagar neighborhood, a densely populated residential area just northeast of the airport. The aircraft climbed to 625 feet before it plunged into the residential area.
Update: 22:00 UTC
The sole survivor is a British national of Indian origin who was seated at seat 11A. He is being treated in a hospital, the airline confirmed. The man told Indian media how he had heard a loud noise shortly after Flight AI171 took off, as reported by Reuters.
”We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital,” stated an airline statement.
Timeline of Occurrences
The below graphic report by travellerdirk
Update: 12:00 UTC
According to reports from AFP and AP news agencies, the police chief in Ahmedabad has stated that there appear to be no survivors from the plane crash.
The Boeing 787 crashed into the dining area of the state-run B.J. Medical College hostel, killing many medical students inside. According to police, more than 100 bodies have been brought to a hospital in Ahmedabad so far.
Eyewitnesses described a loud explosion, followed by black smoke and flames engulfing the area. Several buildings were damaged, and debris from the aircraft was seen scattered across rooftops and narrow streets.
According to local media, emergency response teams rushed to the site and began rescue operations. The area was cordoned off, and multiple fire engines and ambulances were deployed.
Initial ADS-B data from flight AI171 shows that the aircraft reached a maximum barometric altitude of 625 feet (airport altitude is about 200 feet) and then it started to descend with a vertical speed of -475 feet per minute, according to Flightradar24.
Casualties and Survivor Updates
While the exact number of fatalities is yet to be confirmed, early reports from local hospitals suggest a significant number of deaths. Some of the survivors, including those pulled from burning buildings hit by falling wreckage, have been taken to hospitals with severe injuries.
Among the 242 people on board, Air India confirmed the nationalities as follows: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian. London’s Gatwick Airport confirmed that the aircraft was scheduled to arrive at 18:25 local time (17:25 GMT).
India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed shock and devastation over the crash. He further stated that rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.
