An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India on Thursday, prompting a major emergency response as rescue teams rushed to the scene.
Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed minutes after taking off with 242 people on board, including 232 passengers and 12 crew members. The aircraft took off at 1:39 PM local time from Runway 23 and issued a Mayday distress call before all communication was lost.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner went down in the Meghani Nagar neighbourhood near the airport perimeter, with thick black smoke seen rising from the crash site. The incident triggered a large fire, likely intensified by the aircraft’s full fuel load.
Air India confirmed the incident in a brief statement: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details”. The airline said it would provide updates through its website and social media channels.
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he was “shocked and devastated” by the crash. “I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action,” he stated. “Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.”
According to The Journal, The crash prompted a large-scale emergency response, with multiple fire and rescue units deployed to the scene. The number of casualties or survivors has not yet been officially confirmed, with authorities working to secure the area and assist any injured individuals.
A Mayday call is the highest-priority international distress signal used by aircraft in serious trouble, indicating the crew was aware of a critical situation before the crash occurred.
If confirmed fatal, this would mark the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by Indian aviation authorities, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Boeing expected to conduct a thorough inquiry.
This is a developing story and details continue to emerge as rescue operations remain underway.