Air India Flight AI171 Bound for London Crash: 242 Onboard Including 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian

Air India Flight AI171 Crash 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday. Authorities suspect there are no survivors, though rescue operations are ongoing. The London-bound Flight AI171 plunged into the densely populated Meghaninagar area, striking a residential doctors’ hostel and intensifying the devastation.

UPDATE: Air India confirmed that 229 passengers and 12 crew members died in the crash of a flight bound for London Gatwick. There is one sole survivor who is a British national and of Indian origin. The passengers included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian.

The crash occurred at approximately 1:38 PM IST, mere minutes after departure. Witnesses reported seeing flames and thick smoke engulfing the area. Fire and rescue teams, along with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, were quickly deployed to the scene. Police Commissioner G.S. Malik stated that authorities fear there are no survivors among the passengers or crew. Additionally, fatalities and injuries were reported on the ground, including five deaths in the hostel.

The aircraft, operated by highly experienced pilots, issued a distress call before losing contact with Air Traffic Control. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials are analyzing flight data and voice recordings, with Boeing representatives expected to assist in determining the circumstances leading to the accident.

The incident has prompted a wave of international condolences. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “heartbreaking beyond words,” expressing solidarity with victims’ families. Leaders from the UK, the European Union, and other countries also extended their deepest sympathies. The flight carried passengers from various nationalities, including 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

Air India has set up a 24-hour helpline and is providing support to the victims’ families while coordinating with authorities for updates. Meanwhile, flights at Ahmedabad’s airport were temporarily suspended but have since resumed operations.

Video from Air India CEO

As emergency services continue their efforts, the scale of the loss has left India and the international community in mourning, awaiting further clarity on the tragedy.

 

Statement from Air India

UPDATE: Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident.

The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew.

The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital.

The passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and 1 Canadian national. The survivor is a British national of Indian origin.

Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.

A team of caregivers from Air India is now in Ahmedabad to provide additional support. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.

Air India has also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Those calling from outside India can call on +91 8062779200.

Regular updates will continue on Air India’s X handle ttps://x.com/airindia) and on http://airindia.com as further information comes to hand.

Note to Editors: Air India requests media persons not to call the dedicated passenger hotline number.

 

air india plane crash a171 june 12 2025