A Boeing 787 Dreamliner, headed for London with 242 passengers, crashed into a residential area shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday.
Social media footage seemed to show the aircraft descending, followed by an explosion and a thick cloud of smoke, marking what looks to be the first deadly crash involving a Boeing Dreamliner.
Ahmedabad’s Police Commissioner G.S. Malik informed The Associated Press that it seems “there are no survivors” from the crash, but there were some unverified reports indicating that at least one person aboard may have survived.
According to Malik, 204 bodies have been retrieved from the site.
The signal from Air India Flight 171 was lost at around 1:38 p.m. local time, less than one minute post-takeoff, as reported by flight-tracking service FlightRadar24.
The flight’s destination was London Gatwick Airport.
A view captures the rear section of an Air India plane after it crashed in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025.
Central Industrial Security Force | Via Reuters
Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, expressed his condolences in a video shared on social media, stating, “This is a challenging day for all of us, and our focus is now fully on assisting our passengers, crew, and their families.” He confirmed that those injured were taken to a nearby hospital.
The flight consisted of 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including 169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian national, Wilson noted.
Initial data on the flight’s path indicates that the plane reached a maximum height of 625 feet (the airport’s elevation is about 200 feet) before descending at a rate of 475 feet per minute, according to Flightradar.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is a popular large aircraft designed for long routes and was delivered to Air India in 2014, as per Flightradar24 records.
The reason for the crash and the rapid loss of altitude remains unclear and may take months to investigate. Typically, the country where the accident occurred conducts the investigation, alongside representatives from the aircraft manufacturer and engine makers.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board announced it would send a team of investigators to India.
Rescue teams work at the crash site of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025.
Amit Dave | Reuters
Wilson added, “We recognize that people are seeking answers, and we assure you will provide updates as soon as possible.”
The aircraft involved was over 11 years old, with approximately 41,000 flight hours and nearly 8,000 takeoffs, which are average figures for its model and production year, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Boeing stated, “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and are ready to provide any needed assistance. Our thoughts remain with the passengers, crew, first responders, and everyone affected.”
The plane was equipped with two GE Aerospace engines.
A spokesperson from GE offered their condolences, stating, “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all affected families. Our emergency response team has been activated, and we are ready to assist our customer and the investigation.”
In the aftermath of the crash, flights at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport temporarily ceased operations but resumed a few hours later, as reported by India’s government press office.
India’s aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, mentioned in a post on X, “A thorough investigation will be carried out. We will leave no stone unturned to determine the cause and ensure accountability.”
The landing gear of the aircraft at the crash site of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Siddharaj Solanki | Bloomberg | Getty Images
This tragedy occurred just before the significant Paris Air Show, where both Boeing and its competitor Airbus were set to announce numerous aircraft orders.
Boeing has been striving to recover from previous safety and quality issues and has made progress, although it’s unclear if there were any quality concerns linked to the crash in India.
In afternoon trading, Boeing’s shares fell over 4%.
Air India has also been actively modernizing its fleet and enhancing its onboard experiences in recent years.
This story is ongoing and will be revised as new information becomes available.
