Ahmedabad Air India Crash: The Full Story – From Pre-Flight to Tragedy

June 12, 2025, will be remembered as one of the darkest days in Indian aviation history. At 1:38 PM local time, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (registration VT-ANB), crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The aircraft was bound for London Gatwick, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The crash claimed the lives of over 200 people on board and dozens more on the ground, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history.

The Flight and Its Passengers: Who Was Aboard?

Flight AI171 was a routine international service, popular among business travelers, families, and students. The passenger manifest included a diverse group of people from around the world:

• 169 Indian nationals: Among them were families returning from holidays, students heading abroad for studies, and professionals traveling for work.

• 53 British nationals: Many were of Indian origin, returning to the UK after visiting relatives or attending family events.

• 7 Portuguese citizens: Primarily business travelers and tourists.

• 1 Canadian citizen: A solo traveler with ties to both India and Canada.

Initial confusion arose when reports suggested that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers. However, this was later clarified as incorrect, with Mr. Rupani confirming he was not on the flight.

The crew consisted of two pilots and ten cabin crew members, all highly trained and experienced in international operations.

The Crew: Pilots and Cabin Staff

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was at the helm of Flight AI171. With over 8,200 flying hours, Captain Sabharwal was a Line Training Captain for Air India, responsible for mentoring new pilots on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. His experience and calm demeanor were well-regarded among his colleagues.

First Officer Clive Kundar was the co-pilot, having recently transitioned to Dreamliner operations after accumulating 1,100 flying hours on other aircraft. The cabin crew included ten professionals, each with years of experience in handling international flights and emergency situations.

Pre-Flight: Routine Checks or Missed Warnings?

Flight AI171 was scheduled to depart from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 9:50 AM local time but took off later, at approximately 1:39 PM, after some delays. The aircraft was heavily fueled for its long-haul journey to London, carrying over 100,000 liters of fuel—enough to turn any accident into a catastrophic inferno.

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registration VT-ANH, delivered to Air India in 2014.

• Passengers: 230 passengers (169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian), plus 12 crew (2 pilots, 10 cabin crew).

• Crew: Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar.

Was there anything unusual before takeoff?
Reports suggest no immediate concerns were flagged during pre-flight checks. However, the Dreamliner has a history of safety concerns, including FAA investigations into manufacturing and software issues. Were these risks overlooked in the rush to get the flight airborne?

Takeoff and the Mayday Call: The First Signs of Disaster

At 1:39 PM, AI171 roared down Runway 23 and lifted off. Within moments, something went terribly wrong.

• Altitude: The plane reached only 625–825 feet before stalling and descending rapidly.

• Mayday Call: The pilot issued a mayday call to air traffic control, signaling a critical emergency.

• No Further Communication: After the mayday, there was no response to repeated calls from the tower.

Why did the crew lose control so quickly?
Takeoff and landing are the most dangerous phases of flight, with little time for pilots to react if something fails. The Dreamliner’s advanced systems are meant to prevent such disasters—so what failed?

The Crash: A Minute-by-Minute Account

At 1:38 PM, Flight AI171 began its takeoff roll on Runway 23. Witnesses described the aircraft struggling to gain altitude, its nose lifting but the landing gear remaining down. Video footage from the airport and nearby buildings showed the plane climbing to about 625–825 feet before stalling. The aircraft’s speed maxed out at 174 knots, well below the required threshold for a safe climb.

A Mayday call was issued at 1:39 PM, signaling an emergency. The plane then descended rapidly, crashing into the BJ Medical College doctors’ hostel in the Meghani Nagar area—a densely populated residential zone near the airport. The impact was catastrophic. The aircraft, carrying over 100,000 liters of fuel, exploded into a fireball, engulfing the hostel and surrounding buildings. The hostel’s dining area was completely destroyed, and the fire spread rapidly, making rescue operations extremely difficult.

The Crash Area: Meghani Nagar and BJ Medical College Hostel

Meghani Nagar is a bustling residential neighborhood in Ahmedabad, home to many students, medical professionals, and families. The area is known for its vibrant community and proximity to several educational and medical institutions.

The BJ Medical College doctors’ hostel is a multi-story building housing medical students and doctors. The crash caused significant structural damage, trapping many inside. The explosion and ensuing fire created a scene of utter chaos, with thick black smoke visible for miles.

Ground casualties were substantial. In addition to the passengers and crew, at least 75 people on the ground were killed or injured, most of them hostel residents and local residents caught in the fire. The tragedy left the community in shock, with many families losing loved ones in an instant.

Rescue and Response: Heroes in the Chaos

Local police, firefighters, and emergency medical teams rushed to the scene within minutes. The scale of the disaster was overwhelming, with flames and smoke making it difficult to reach survivors. Despite the danger, rescue workers braved the inferno to pull people from the wreckage.

Six teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and two from the Border Security Force (BSF) were deployed to assist with rescue and recovery. A special emergency route, known as a “green corridor,” was established to transport the injured to nearby hospitals.

The airport was immediately shut down, with all flights diverted or cancelled. Passengers were advised to check the status of their flights and seek alternative arrangements.

Government and Public Reaction: A Nation in Mourning

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock and sadness, stating, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered immediate rescue and relief operations, emphasizing the need for urgent medical care for the injured. He visited the crash site and met with survivors and families, offering condolences and support.

Air India set up a dedicated hotline (1800 5691 444) for families seeking information. The airline also announced that it would provide financial assistance and counseling to the families of the victims.

The Survivor: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national, was the only passenger found alive in the wreckage. He was rushed to a nearby hospital with severe burns and is currently in critical condition. His survival is being described as a miracle, given the scale of the destruction.

Eyewitnesses described the moment the plane crashed. “It was like a nightmare,” said one hostel resident. “The sound was deafening, and then there was fire everywhere. We tried to help, but it was impossible to get close.”

Investigation and Possible Causes: Seeking Answers

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with multiple agencies involved, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and technical experts from Boeing.

Possible causes under scrutiny include:

• Engine Thrust Failure: The aircraft’s engines did not generate enough power, preventing the plane from achieving the necessary speed and altitude. Experts noted that the landing gear remained down, increasing drag and making it even harder for the plane to climb.

• Bird Strike: The monsoon season had led to increased bird activity near the runway, raising concerns about possible engine ingestion. Aviation experts pointed out that grass growth near the runway attracts insects, which in turn attract birds.

• Overloading or Miscalculation: There is speculation about incorrect weight or fuel calculations, exacerbated by high temperatures that reduce air density and lift. Pilots are provided with charts and data to calculate the necessary speeds for takeoff, but any miscalculation can have catastrophic consequences.

• Technical Issues: The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, while generally safe, has faced scrutiny in the past for battery and fuselage defects. Though this is the first fatal crash involving the Dreamliner, past incidents have raised questions about the aircraft’s reliability.

• Human Error: The investigation will examine pilot actions and decisions during the critical moments after takeoff. Takeoff and landing are the most dangerous phases of flight, and even minor errors can lead to disaster.

Expert Commentary: What Went Wrong?

Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, told NDTV: “The take-off was perfect and just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending, which can happen only in case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift. Obviously, the investigation will reveal the exact reason.”

Abhay Pashilkar, Director of CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), explained: “The odds of both engines failing simultaneously during take-off are quite small or about one in a billion. A plausible scenario was the plane being overloaded. This meant an incorrect estimate of the combined weight of the loaded airplane and the quantity of available fuel. This, along with the external temperature, determines the speed at which the plane must attain to keep rising, and a misjudgment on that can cause the plane to stall and drop.”

Captain Mohan Ranganathan, an aviation expert, added: “I suspect bird ingestion may have happened. And from the footage that we have seen, the landing gear did not retract. If that happened, the aircraft could have climbed higher and traveled further and possibly would have crossed the residential areas.”

The Human Cost: Stories of Loss and Resilience

The tragedy has left families devastated, both in India and abroad. Many are still awaiting news of their loved ones, hoping against hope for a miracle. The community in Meghani Nagar has come together to support the survivors and the families of the victims, offering food, shelter, and comfort.

The crash has also raised questions about airport safety and emergency preparedness in densely populated urban areas. The proximity of the airport to residential neighborhoods has long been a concern, and this disaster has brought the issue to the forefront.

Why This Crash Matters: Lessons for the Future

This disaster highlights the inherent risks of aviation, especially during takeoff and landing—phases where even minor errors can have catastrophic consequences. It also raises questions about airport safety, aircraft maintenance, and emergency preparedness in densely populated urban areas.

The Ahmedabad Air India crash is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of rigorous safety standards. As investigations continue, the world watches, hoping for answers and justice for the victims and their families.

Conclusion: A Call for Action and Reflection

The Ahmedabad Air India crash is a tragedy that will be remembered for years to come. It has exposed vulnerabilities in the aviation system and highlighted the need for greater vigilance, better training, and stronger safety protocols.

The stories of the victims, the heroism of the rescuers, and the resilience of the survivors will inspire us to do better. As we mourn the lives lost, we must also commit to ensuring that such a disaster never happens again.