On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-171 crashed just five minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, en route to London Gatwick. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, issued a Mayday distress call before losing all communication with Air Traffic Control. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal’s final transmission marked the start of a tragedy that would unfold over the Meghani Nagar neighborhood.
The aircraft went down in a densely populated area, sparking a massive fire that led to widespread damage on the ground. Emergency services responded quickly, but no survivors were found among the passengers or crew. Several people on the ground were also injured, including students at a nearby medical college, adding to the scope of the disaster.
Flight data shows the plane only reached about 625 feet before disappearing from radar. Investigators are now focused on analyzing the flight recorders to determine the cause. This marks the first major crash involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, prompting renewed scrutiny of the aircraft’s safety and performance.
World leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and King Charles III, shared their condolences. Air India and government agencies continue to provide assistance to the victims’ families as a full investigation unfolds. The aviation world mourns a loss that has shaken both nations.