Air India Boeing 787-8 crashes in Ahmedabad: What we know so far
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London-Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff, triggering a massive explosion and fire. The aircraft was carrying 242 people. Rescue operations are underway and the airport has suspended all flights.
A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registration VT-ANB, operated by Air India, crashed to the ground shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport (AMD), in western India, at around 1:38 PM local time (8:08 GMT).
The aircraft was headed to London-Gatwick, operating flight AI171, when, according to data from FlightRadar24, it lost signal at just 625 feet of altitude. At that point, it was fully loaded with fuel, which caused a massive explosion and fireball upon impact.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation of India (DGCA) reported that 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members were on board. At this time, there is no official information regarding their condition, although news agencies have quoted the local police chief as saying that there was only one survivor.
Air India issued a brief statement at 8:58 AM GMT, confirming the accident and stating: "At this moment, we are verifying the details and will share further updates as soon as possible on airindia.com and our X account (https://x.com/airindia)."
Later, at 9:58 AM GMT, Air India provided additional details, indicating that of the 242 passengers, 169 were Indian citizens, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian. The statement did not clarify the number of casualties or survivors but added that "the injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals."
"Air India is fully cooperating with the authorities investigating this incident," the airline concluded.
The fact that the crash site is in a densely populated area adds complexity to rescue efforts and to distinguishing between victims who were onboard and those on the ground. Reports from Indian media indicate that it crashed onto a university.
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Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran personally issued a statement saying:
"With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight AI171 has been involved in a tragic accident. Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. We are focusing all our efforts on supporting the emergency teams and providing the utmost care and assistance to those impacted."
"Due to the crash of flight AI171 shortly after takeoff, the airport is currently non-operational. All operations have been temporarily suspended. We urge passengers to check with their airlines before proceeding to the airport."
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport also announced that all operations are currently suspended.
The British government also released a statement, saying:
"We are aware of an air crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working closely with Indian local authorities to urgently establish the facts and support those affected. British citizens in need of consular assistance or who have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000."
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Before the Ahmedabad–London flight, the Boeing 787 VT-ANB had operated a flight from Delhi, landing at 5:46 AM GMT.
This is the first total hull loss accident involving a Boeing 787 in the 14 years of service of the aircraft family.
According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, the Boeing 787-8 involved in Air India Flight AI171’s accident took its first flight on December 14, 2013, and was delivered to the airline on January 28, 2014. The aircraft was 11.5 years old and was manufactured in Seattle. It featured a configuration of 18 business class seats and 238 economy seats. By the time of the incident, it had accumulated over 41,000 flight hours and nearly 8,000 takeoff and landing cycles, including around 700 in the past year — figures considered average for its production year.
Globally, there are 1,148 Boeing 787 variants in active service, with an average age of 7.5 years. At the time of the crash, Air India operated 34 Boeing 787s, including the one involved, and had 20 more on firm order, along with a letter of intent for 24 additional aircraft. The airline’s total fleet consists of 190 aircraft, with an average age of 8.4 years, according to Cirium.
Images circulating on social media show parts of the aircraft on nearby buildings, as well as the rescue efforts underway by emergency teams.
At 11:03 GMT, Boeing issued a brief statement saying they are in contact with Air India regarding the Flight 171 accident and are ready to provide support. “Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected,” the statement concluded.
The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also issued a statement minutes later, announcing that it will lead a team of U.S. investigators who will travel to India to assist local authorities. The agency clarified that, in accordance with international protocols under ICAO Annex 13, it will be the Government of India that provides all official information related to the investigation.
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Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline. Base: ROS Origen: RES
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