On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff. Below, we break down the key facts, including passenger details, aircraft model, and flight disruptions.
Flight Overview
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Flight Number: AI171
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Aircraft: Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, registration VT‑ANB
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Route: Ahmedabad → London Gatwick
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Takeoff Time: 13:38 IST (08:08 UTC) on June 12, 2025
Passenger & Crew Breakdown
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A total of 242 individuals were on board the aircraft.
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This included 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
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Among the passengers, 169 were Indian nationals.
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53 passengers were from the United Kingdom, making it the second-highest group by nationality.
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There were also 7 Portuguese nationals onboard.
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Additionally, 1 Canadian national was confirmed to be among the passengers.
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Tragically, all individuals on board are presumed to have lost their lives in the crash.
Crash Details & Site
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner reached approximately 625 feet before losing contact with air traffic control. It crashed into a residential area named Meghani Nagar, near a doctors’ hostel connected to B.J. Medical College. The full fuel load used for the long-haul flight caused a severe explosion and fire, complicating rescue responses
Investigation & Aftermath
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This marks the first-ever fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner .
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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), has launched a comprehensive probe.
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Early assessments suggest that all airport operations at Ahmedabad were temporarily suspended as emergency services and medical aid mobilized.
Flight Cancellations and Disruptions
In the wake of the crash:
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Ahmedabad airport halted all arrivals and departures, as a safety precaution.
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IndiGo and other carriers issued travel advisories, warning of potential delays and recommending that passengers reconfirm flights.
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Air India set up emergency helplines and family assistance centers to provide updates and support.
Support & Condolences
Both Indian and international leaders responded swiftly:
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PM Narendra Modi described the accident as “heartbreaking beyond words,” confirming constant communication with officials to help the families
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and UK High Commission offered condolences and assistance, especially given the 53 British nationals aboard
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Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, and Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu both expressed deep sorrow and have pledged full support during the investigation
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Tragically, all 242 occupants—230 passengers and 12 crew—lost their lives. Among them were individuals from India, the U.K., Portugal, and Canada. For now, flights are on hold at Ahmedabad, and investigations into the cause continue. Through these difficult times, Akbar Travels extends heartfelt condolences and practical guidance to travelers affected by this tragedy.
