Ahmedabad, India—June 12, 2025

Today, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed just moments after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, headed to London Gatwick, carried 242 souls—230 passengers and 12 crew members—when it went down near the Meghaninagar area at around 1:39 PM IST. The news has left families, friends, and an entire nation in shock and grief.

What Happened?

It’s hard to process the suddenness of this tragedy. The plane, registered as VT-ANB, lost contact with air traffic control less than a minute after leaving Runway 23, at just 625 feet in the air. Witnesses in the area described seeing thick black smoke and hearing a deafening crash as the plane came down in a residential neighborhood near the airport. The images shared on social media—of flames and scattered debris—are gut-wrenching, a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.

Emergency teams sprang into action right away. Fire brigades, ambulances, and rescue workers rushed to the site, working tirelessly to search for survivors and support the community. Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, ordered immediate relief efforts and opened a green corridor to get medical help to those in need as fast as possible.

A Devastating Loss

Air India’s Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, shared a heartfelt message on X: “Words can’t capture the sorrow we feel. Air India Flight 171 was involved in a tragic accident today, and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of everyone onboard.” The airline is doing everything it can to support those affected, from setting up helplines to working with rescue teams on the ground.

We know 53 British nationals were among the passengers, but details about others onboard are still coming in. The thought of so many lives—people with dreams, families, and stories—cut short is overwhelming. The pilots, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, were experienced, with thousands of hours in the air. They sent a desperate MAYDAY call, but after that, the plane went silent.

A Community in Mourning

This crash has shaken Ahmedabad and beyond. It’s the first fatal passenger plane crash in India since the 2020 tragedy in Kozhikode, and it’s a painful reminder of how fragile life can be. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu have expressed their deep sorrow, with the government mobilizing to support the response efforts. The airport has halted all flights for now, leaving travelers stranded but safe, as the focus remains on the crash site.

Investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are on their way to figure out what went wrong. Early reports hint at a critical failure right after takeoff, but it’s too soon to say for sure. For now, we’re left with questions, grief, and a shared hope for answers.

How to Help and Stay Informed

If you’re worried about a loved one who might have been on Flight AI-171, Air India has promised to release a helpline number soon—keep an eye out for updates. The airline and local authorities are working around the clock to support families and share information as it comes.

As we wait for more news, let’s hold space for those affected. This is a time to come together, to offer kindness, and to remember the preciousness of every life lost. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more about this heartbreaking event.

Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and communities touched by this tragedy. May they find strength in the days ahead.