A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people, including 53 British nationals, has crashed near Ahmedabad airport in India, triggering a major emergency response and widespread international concern.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Crashes Seconds After Take-Off
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when it went down shortly after departure at 1:39pm local time (9:09am BST) on 12 June 2025. Air traffic control confirmed that the aircraft gave a “Mayday” call moments after lifting off from runway 23. Contact was lost seconds later.
The aircraft crashed in a densely populated civilian area just outside the airport perimeter. Eyewitnesses reported thick black smoke rising from the site, with visible plumes seen over a kilometre away. Panic gripped local residents as emergency services rushed to the scene.
First Crash of a Boeing 787 Aircraft
This is the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft since the model was introduced in 2009. Over 1,000 Dreamliners have been delivered to airlines worldwide, and the aircraft has had an exemplary safety record until now.
The aircraft involved, registration VT-ANB, had 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. According to initial passenger manifest data:
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169 passengers were Indian nationals
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53 were British citizens
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7 were Portuguese
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1 was Canadian
Official Statements and Rescue Efforts
Air India confirmed the crash in a statement:
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are ascertaining the details and will share updates as they become available.”
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Air India’s parent company Tata Group, said:
“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171… was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected.”
India’s aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed his grief and assured a full-scale emergency response:
“I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are rushed to the site.”
British Nationals Among the Dead
The UK Foreign Office has confirmed that it is liaising with Indian authorities and local officials in Ahmedabad to establish the status of British nationals on board. A spokesperson said consular support is being offered to families and next of kin.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties, but the impact zone and subsequent fire suggest that the chance of survivors is minimal. Rescue operations are ongoing amid dense smoke and debris, and a full investigation into the crash has been launched.
Further updates will follow as emergency services and aviation authorities provide more details.
