Air India 787 crashes during takeoff at Ahmedabad, more than 241 killed

An Air India Boeing 787-8 en-route to London Gatwick Airport crashed during takeoff at Ahmedabad Airport.

By: Yu Le

Published on: 14 June 2025, 4.45am

The Air India 787 was 11 years old. Photo: Ken Fielding/Flickr

On 12 June 2025, an 11-year-old Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered VT-ANB and operating flight AIC171/AI171, crashed just seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad. This is the first fatal accident involving the Dreamliner series, and also the first hull loss for the type.

Out of the 242 passengers and crew on board, there was only one survivor. Vishwash Kumar, a British national of Indian origin, managed to escape the burning wreckage as he was sitting on the side of the plane which was closer to the ground. 241 passengers, as well as dozens of medical students on the ground, were killed in the crash.

The aircraft was scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to London Gatwick Airport. Its highest recorded altitude on radar was 625ft, before it disappeared on Flightradar24. The aircraft made a “mayday” call before hitting a hostel which housed doctors from Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College and Civil Hospital.

One black box has since been recovered, and investigations are underway. Both the British and the Americans have sent investigators to assist with efforts by the Indian authorities. Aviation experts have stated that a bird strike is a possible cause. 

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is Boeing’s flagship long haul aircraft, and first came into service in 2011. It has had no prior fatal incidents, making this incident a first for the aircraft type. Project AeroFlight sends our sincerest condolences to the families of the victims involved.