Air India Crash 2025: AI-171 Dreamliner to London Crashes in Ahmedabad, All 242 Feared Dead

DXB News Network | International Desk
Location: Dubai / Ahmedabad

Devastation in Ahmedabad: Air India Flight AI-171 Crashes Shortly After Takeoff, All 242 Feared Dead

Ahmedabad – A massive tragedy struck Indian skies today as Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing all 242 people on board.

The aircraft took off at approximately 1:38 PM IST, and within five minutes, issued a Mayday distress call while at a dangerously low altitude of around 625 feet. Seconds later, it crashed into a doctors’ hostel building near BJ Medical College, located in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area. The impact caused an enormous explosion, setting off a fire that engulfed the surrounding buildings and vehicles.

Authorities have confirmed that none of the passengers or crew survived. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Border Security Force (BSF), along with local fire and emergency services, launched a massive rescue operation at the site. As of this hour, over 30 bodies have been officially recovered, many severely charred, and search teams are continuing efforts in and around the collapsed structure.

Passenger Profile and International Response - The flight manifest listed 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian among the passengers. Emergency helplines have been activated by several embassies and consulates. The British and Canadian governments have expressed concern and are working with Indian authorities to provide assistance to the victims’ families.

This crash has sparked a wave of grief across the globe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the event “a national heartbreak,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer referred to the incident as “deeply devastating.” Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran stated that the airline is “fully cooperating” with Indian aviation regulators and is offering immediate support to relatives of the deceased.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a full inquiry. Flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been located and are being analyzed. Investigators are looking into technical failure, human error, and operational lapses.

The aircraft involved, tail number VT-ANB, was an 11-year-old Boeing 787 Dreamliner, recently cleared after maintenance. Experts believe that a full fuel load for the long-haul flight may have contributed to the intensity of the post-crash fire.

This tragedy marks the first-ever fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model known for its high safety record since its debut in 2011.

Flight operations at Ahmedabad airport were briefly suspended following the crash, with only limited services restored by late evening. Ground casualties are yet to be confirmed, but several medical college students and residents in the hostel were reportedly injured or unaccounted for.

Vigils are being held across India and in Indian diaspora communities across the UAE, United Kingdom, and Canada. In Dubai, where many relatives of passengers reside, local Indian associations are organizing community support programs and grief counselling.

DXB News Network’s Statement

As this tragedy unfolds, DXB News Network extends its deepest condolences to the families and communities affected by this heartbreaking loss. We are committed to delivering verified, respectful, and timely coverage as investigations continue and the global community comes to terms with this terrible disaster.
 

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This report is prepared by the International Desk of DXB News Network. For exclusive, verified global coverage — stay with us.