Air India Flight Crashes in Ahmedabad‘s Meghani area: On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck just minutes after takeoff when Air India Flight AI 171—a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner—crashed into the Meghani Nagar residential area near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. With 230 passengers and 12 crew members aboard, the London‑bound flight’s sudden descent shocked India and the world. This blog explores the facts, responses, causes, and implications of this unfortunate event.
Air India Flight crashes in Ahmedabad’s Meghani area – what happened?
At approximately 13:38 IST, the Dreamliner took off from runway 23. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke rising because the aircraft made a mayday call and vanished from radar at around 625 feet altitude, just moments later crashing into the Meghani Nagar neighborhood.
Once it had misplaced strength, it rapidly descended into a densely populated place, substantially intensifying the fireball and rescue situations. Ahmedabad’s heart brigades, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, and ambulances arrived swiftly, setting up a green corridor to transport survivors to hospitals.
Who was on board?
The passenger manifest listed:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British
- 7 Portuguese
- 1 Canadian
Additionally, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was believed to be on board, although official confirmation has not yet been issued.
The flight crew comprised Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (with around 8,200 flying hours) and First Officer Clive Kundar (around 1,100 hours).
Emergency response and current status
Airport operations: All flights at Ahmedabad’s SVPI Airport were temporarily halted following the crash.
Rescue mission: At least six NDRF teams totaling ~95 personnel were dispatched from Gandhinagar, Vadodara, and beyond to assist ground teams.
Medical assistance: A green corridor expedited critical patients to local hospitals. Firefighters battled expanding flames aggravated by a large fuel load.
Helpline and information: Air India launched a dedicated hotline (1800‑5691‑444), and central/state officials continue to update the public.
Official statements and condolences
- Air India: Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed deepest condolences and assured full cooperation with rescue efforts.
- DGCA: Confirmed the Mayday call post‑takeoff and disclosed that the aircraft went off the radar at just 625 feet. A full investigation, including black box retrieval, was announced.
- Government: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, PM Narendra Modi, and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel mobilized resources and pledged support.
- International reaction: The UK and Portuguese governments confirmed citizens were on board; Gatwick Airport confirmed the flight arrival plans. PM Keir Starmer described the incident as “devastating”.
Why did it crash? Early indicators and investigation
Though investigations are still underway, current factors under scrutiny include:
1. Mechanical or engine malfunction: Boeing 787 aircraft have had isolated issues in the past regarding engine performance.
2. Pilot distress: ATC received a “mayday” distress call from the flight indicating an emergency before radar contact was lost.
3. Fuel load impact: The heavy fuel required for London amplified the post-crash explosion, complicating rescue and increasing damage.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and DGCA, with Boeing’s support, are leading a thorough technical probe, analyzing flight data and cockpit voice recordings.
Broader implications and historical context
- This marks the first hull loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2009.
- It is Air India’s first major crash since Flight 182 in 1985—a devastating terrorist bombing off the coast of Ireland.
- Ahmedabad had previously faced a major air tragedy in 1988 with Indian Airlines Flight 113, which crashed. During the approach, 133 lives.
Safety, reforms, and future outlook
Regulatory recalibration: Expect DGCA and global stakeholders to conduct audits on Boeing 787 safety systems and emergency procedures.
Infrastructure readiness: SVPI Airport and Ahmedabad’s emergency services are likely to enhance runway safety protocols and disaster readiness.
Public trust and perception: Such incidents can shake confidence in air travel, pushing airlines and regulators to raise transparency and safety standards.
Conclusion
The plane crashes in Ahmedabad’s Meghani area are a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel. As investigations continue, the focus remains on supporting victims, learning from the tragedy, and improving aviation safety. The resilience of emergency teams, regulatory bodies, and international coordination offers hope for enhanced preparedness and accountability.
