Air India Dreamliner crashes after take-off in Ahmedabad, killing scores

An Air India passenger plane carrying 242 people crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, 12 June, leaving a trail of devastation near the airport and raising fears of large-scale fatalities.

The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as flight AI171, was bound for London Gatwick Airport. According to Air India, the flight departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.39pm local time (0809 GMT). Within minutes, the crew issued a “Mayday” emergency call before all contact was lost.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that after the distress call, no further communication was received. The aircraft then crashed into a doctors’ hostel near the airport perimeter, striking a densely populated area.

Television broadcasts showed thick black smoke rising from the wreckage, with flames engulfing debris and surrounding buildings. Rescue workers and firefighters rushed to the site, ferrying injured passengers and residents to nearby hospitals.

Officials said emergency teams were able to clear roughly 70% to 80% of the impacted area by Thursday evening, with full clearance still ongoing. The proximity of the crash to residential buildings has raised concerns about additional casualties among locals.

Air India released details of the passenger manifest, confirming 217 adults and 11 children were on board, along with two infants and crew members. Passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.

India’s federal health minister stated that “many people” had been killed, although the exact toll has not yet been confirmed. Rescue operations remain active, with authorities still searching through the wreckage.

Flight tracking data indicated the Dreamliner lost signal seconds after departure. The aircraft reached an altitude of 625 feet before entering a sharp descent at a vertical speed of -475 feet per minute, according to Flightradar24.

Boeing confirmed it was aware of the accident and said it was gathering more information. The company’s share price fell 6.8% to US$199.13 in pre-market trading on news of the crash.

The UK Foreign Office said it was working closely with Indian authorities to clarify the facts and provide assistance to British citizens affected by the tragedy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a native of Gujarat, expressed sorrow and directed the civil aviation ministry to mobilise all resources for rescue and relief. “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has left the nation in shock. Every possible step will be taken to support victims and their families,” Modi said.

India’s aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, said he was devastated by the loss and pledged full support for rescue operations.

Airport authorities suspended all flight operations in Ahmedabad indefinitely, urging passengers to check with airlines before travelling.

Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani Group, which operates Ahmedabad airport, extended condolences. “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss,” he posted on X.

The Tata Group, which acquired Air India in 2022 and merged it with Vistara in 2024, activated an emergency response centre. Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said the company was providing full support to authorities and families.

This crash marks India’s deadliest air accident since 2020, when an Air India Express Boeing 737 overshot the runway at Kozhikode International Airport, killing 21 people.

Investigations are now under way to determine the cause of the Ahmedabad crash. Authorities confirmed that multiple agencies are working to recover flight data and cockpit voice recorders to piece together the aircraft’s final moments.