In brief
The Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route to London Gatwick Airport when it went down, leaving uncertainty regarding the number of passengers onboard.
At 3:11 p.m. on June 12, 2025, news broke of a devastating incident involving an Air India aircraft in Ahmedabad. The flight, designated as Flight 171, had taken off for London Gatwick Airport but met a tragic fate shortly after ascent, as reported by India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. Air India confirmed the occurrence, noting that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was involved in an "incident". While the flight was scheduled to arrive in London by 6:25 p.m., the number of passengers onboard remains unclear. The Boeing 787-8 is configured for either 256 or 259 passengers, according to Air India's specifications released last year.In response to the disaster, aviation minister Naidu stated that rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site. He expressed his shock and devastation over the news, assuring the public that authorities are on high alert.Tata Group, which owns Air India, issued a statement confirming the tragic accident and extending their condolences. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of Air India, emphasized the company's commitment to supporting those affected and assisting emergency responders at the crash site.As the situation continues to evolve, further updates regarding the rescue operations and the fate of those on board are anticipated.
