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A Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Air India crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12.
The aircraft, which was headed for London, fell in the Meghani district of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, resulting in thick columns of black smoke and prompting an emergency response for rescue efforts.
As reported by the Times of India, there were 242 individuals on board, comprising 230 passengers, 10 crew members, and 2 pilots.
The Economic Times noted that the flight was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar assisting.
It has been reported that the aircraft was heavily laden with fuel for its long-duration flight, which may have exacerbated the explosion and subsequent fire during the crash.
241 deaths confirmed in the Air India tragedy
Following the disaster, Air India reported that out of the 242 people onboard, there were 241 confirmed fatalities, leaving only one survivor. The airline mentioned that it has dispatched a dedicated support team to Ahmedabad to assist its personnel on the ground. Furthermore, Air India is collaborating closely with local authorities for necessary aid and is fully cooperating with the agencies investigating the incident.
The passengers included 169 individuals from India, 53 from the UK, 7 from Portugal, and 1 from Canada, with the sole survivor being a British national of Indian descent.
UPDATE: Air India has confirmed that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025, was involved in an accident.
The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 took off from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew.
The aircraft crashed shortly…
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
Tata Group confirms the Air India crash
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, verified the crash via a post on social media on June 12.
With deep sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones of all affected by this devastating event.
— Tata Group (@TataCompanies) June 12, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India expressed his condolences and shock through a tweet regarding the tragedy.
The tragedy in Ahmedabad has shocked and saddened us. It is deeply heartbreaking. In this difficult time, my thoughts are with everyone affected. I have been in contact with ministers and officials who are working to provide assistance to those impacted.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed his devastation regarding the accident, sharing updates on social media.
I am shocked and devastated to hear about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on high alert. I am personally overseeing the situation and have instructed all aviation and emergency response agencies to act swiftly and in coordination.
Rescue teams have been mobilized, and all…
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 12, 2025