In brief
Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed in Ahmedabad shortly after departing for London, with evacuation efforts underway as the aviation community processes the shocking news.
June 12, 2025, 5:41 a.m. ET — In a harrowing incident that has shocked the nation, Air India Flight 171, operated by the country's flagship carrier, crashed shortly after its departure from Ahmedabad destined for London Gatwick Airport. The incident occurred on Thursday, with preliminary reports yet to disclose the number of passengers onboard. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, in distress shortly after takeoff. The airline confirmed the occurrence and described it as a "tragic event." The flight was originally scheduled to arrive in London at approximately 6:25 p.m.A significant concern remains the uncertainty surrounding the number of people aboard the flight, as Air India's Dreamliner jets generally accommodate between 256 to 259 passengers based on their specific configurations. Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, conveyed his shock and sadness regarding the accident via social media, stating that rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the site. The Tata Group, which manages Air India, expressed deep condolences for those affected by the tragedy. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of the airline, emphasized that the organization is dedicated to providing assistance to both the victims and emergency teams responding to the crash. In light of this catastrophic occurrence, the aviation sector remains on high alert as further developments unfold.
