Air India AI171 Crash Near Ahmedabad: Expert Takeaways

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, near the Meghani Nagar area. 
  
The Air India Dreamliner aircraft was carrying 169 of the 230 passengers were Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

The Dreamliner’s once seen as a symbol of next-gen aviation, has faced persistent issues—from 2013 battery fires that led to a global grounding, to ongoing production flaws since 2019, including fuselage gaps, faulty shimming, and debris inside aircraft.

Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion, flames engulfing the plane, and debris falling into a densely populated neighbourhood. 

Thick black smoke was visible from miles away. According to reports, two Air India captains had earlier raised concerns about faulty oxygen cylinders on the aircraft.

The DGCA issued a show-cause notice regarding the equipment and reportedly recommended grounding the plane. 

However, Air India allegedly continued operations, placing profit over passenger safety.

The lone survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national, was on AI 171 with his brother Ajay Kumar Ramesh when it crashed 50 seconds after takeoff. 

He recalled, “There was a loud noise, then the crash. I saw bodies and debris everywhere. Someone got me into an ambulance and to the hospital.” 

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was also on board.

The Aviation Ministry activated a control room and issued helpline numbers. Government agencies have mobilized all resources for relief efforts. The pilots issued a distress call shortly after takeoff, followed by a rapid descent. Early investigation points to a possible technical malfunction or engine failure. Weather was reported as normal, and there is no indication of pilot error or sabotage. Investigations continue as the nation mourns this rare and tragic aviation disaster.

Ms. S Mohini Ratna - Editor VARINDIA