Tragedy Strikes Ahmedabad: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes, Over 200 Feared Dead
AHMEDABAD, INDIA – June 13, 2025 – A devastating aviation tragedy unfolded yesterday in Ahmedabad, India, as Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The catastrophic incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 12, has claimed the lives of over 200 people onboard, with civilian casualties also reported on the ground as the aircraft plunged into a densely populated residential area. Only one survivor from the flight has been reported.
The flight, carrying 242 passengers and crew members, was just minutes into its journey when it encountered severe difficulties. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary data suggest the plane struggled significantly to gain altitude after departing from Ahmedabad. A “Mayday” call was issued from the cockpit, signaling an emergency, before all contact was lost. Footage authenticated by various media outlets depicted the aircraft flying low over residential neighborhoods before a massive explosion and subsequent fire erupted upon impact.
The crash site, located in areas including a medical college hostel, has become a scene of immense devastation, with rescue teams working tirelessly amid the debris and smoke. Authorities have confirmed a high number of fatalities, including many medical students who were tragically in the dining area of the hostel at the time of the impact.
Investigation Underway into Cause
While a comprehensive investigation has been immediately launched, several theories are emerging regarding the cause of the unprecedented crash. Aviation experts and initial reports point to a potential combination of factors. Speculation includes a possible pilot decision to inappropriately raise the aircraft’s nose in an attempt to climb, which could have disrupted airflow over the wings and led to a catastrophic stall. The extremely rare possibility of a double engine failure is also being considered.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the aircraft’s flaps not being extended during takeoff—a critical component for generating lift at lower speeds. This issue, coupled with the scorching 40°C temperatures in Ahmedabad on Thursday, which demand higher flap settings and greater engine thrust, could have severely hampered the plane’s ability to achieve stable flight. The airport vicinity is also known for bird strikes, another potential, though less likely, contributing factor if both engines were affected. Investigators from India, the US, and the UK are expected to meticulously examine the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder to ascertain the precise sequence of events leading to the disaster.
International Condolences Pour In
The passenger manifest for Flight AI171 included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. As of now, there has been no indication or report of any Sri Lankan or New Zealander citizens being onboard the ill-fated flight.
The international community has extended its heartfelt sympathies to India. Among the world leaders offering condolences was Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who expressed profound sadness over the tragic incident. In a statement, President Dissanayake conveyed his deepest sympathies to the government and people of India, and particularly to the families who have lost loved ones in the crash. He acknowledged the heartbreaking loss of lives both onboard the aircraft and among the civilians on the ground, including the promising young medical students whose futures were tragically cut short. “At this moment of deep sorrow, the people of Sri Lanka stand in solidarity with India. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted,” the President’s message conveyed.
The aviation community and nations worldwide await the findings of the ongoing investigation, hoping to understand the factors that led to this horrific event and to prevent such a tragedy from recurring.
The video was taken by News 18 website.
