Tragedy in the Skies: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes Shortly After Takeoff in Ahmedabad

 In a devastating incident that has shaken the nation, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff today, leading to fears of massive casualties and extensive damage in a densely populated neighbourhood.

What We Know So Far...

According to early reports from aviation authorities and eyewitnesses, the aircraft lost altitude rapidly just moments after takeoff, reaching only about 625 feet before it crashed into the densely populated Meghani Nagar area, barely 2 km from the airport runway.

The crash resulted in a massive explosion, sending fireballs and thick black smoke billowing into the sky. The impact has caused widespread damage to residential buildings and sparked panic in the area. Emergency services, including the fire brigade, police, ambulances, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were immediately deployed to the site.

Number of People Onboard

Official statements from Air India have yet to confirm the final count, but sources indicate that the flight had between 230 and 242 passengers and crew members onboard. Emergency responders rushed to the site immediately, with fire brigades, ambulances, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) arriving within minutes.

The area has been cordoned off, and massive rescue operations are underway. Search dogs, cranes, and local volunteers are assisting in efforts to pull people from the debris.

Flight and Aircraft Details

• Flight Number: AI171

• Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

• Route: Ahmedabad (AMD) – London Gatwick (LGW)

• Scheduled Departure: Early morning, June 12

• Passenger Count: 230–242 people (includes passengers and crew)

The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, considered one of the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient wide-body planes in commercial aviation. It’s still unclear whether the crash was due to technical failure, pilot error, or external factors like bird strikes or weather anomalies.

Reactions and Statements

Air India, in its initial statement, said:

“We regret to confirm that AI171 operating from Ahmedabad to London has been involved in an incident shortly after takeoff. Emergency services are on the scene, and we are working closely with the authorities. Further details will be provided once verified.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences, tweeting:

“Deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India AI171 in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Rescue operations are underway and being monitored closely.” 

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has begun a full-scale investigation in collaboration with Boeing and local aviation safety teams.

Video footage circulating on social media shows the aircraft nosediving in a fiery trail before the explosion. Several bystanders captured the scene on mobile cameras, though graphic content is being withheld out of respect for those affected.

As the nation waits for official casualty figures and a cause of the disaster, questions around aircraft maintenance, pilot communication, and airport safety protocols are already being raised.

The incident also raises concerns about the aging fleet of Indian carriers and whether sufficient upgrades or maintenance checks are being conducted regularly.

This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of air safety, despite massive advancements in technology. It also highlights the courage and quick response of emergency services and local civilians who put their lives at risk to help those in need.

Let us hope that the investigation reveals the truth and helps prevent such heartbreak in the future.

🙏 Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.