NEW DELHI/AHMEDABAD— A Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operated by Air India Flight 171, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad on June 12, resulting in one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history.
Among the 242 passengers and crew on board, 241 perished, along with at least 29–33 individuals on the ground who were struck when the aircraft hit a hostel near B.J. Medical College. The confirmed survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national of Indian origin, escaped with minor injuries and credits quick action that allowed him to exit the burning wreckage.
Recovery teams have retrieved both flight recorders. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, supported by the U.S. NTSB and UK counterparts, has launched an extensive investigation expected to take up to three months.
Preliminary visual evidence shows the aircraft climbed to around 198.12 meters, trailing the runway perimeter with gear still extended, before rapidly descending, suggesting potential technical malfunction or other anomaly.
In response, India’s aviation regulator has grounded and ordered inspections of all Air India and IndiGo Boeing 787s to inspect engines, landing gear, and takeoff procedures.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with international leaders, has expressed deep condolences. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson confirmed that the airline is fully cooperating and providing family support services.
The crash marks the first fatal incident involving the Dreamliner and addresses broader concerns about flight safety amid India’s rapid aviation expansion. Investigators say that final conclusions will await black‑box data analysis and a comprehensive technical review.
