Tragic Crash: Air India Boeing 787‑8 in Ahmedabad

Tragic Crash: Air India Boeing 787‑8 in Ahmedabad

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI‑171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, took off from Ahmedabad airport en route to London Gatwick. Just 30 seconds after liftoff, the plane crashed into a hostel block at B.J. Medical College, killing 241 people onboard, plus at least 28 on the ground, making it India's deadliest aviation incident in decades.

Only one passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national seated at an emergency exit, survived by using the exit to escape.

The crash also claimed the life of Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Emergency Response & Investigation

Rescue operations lasted through the night. Teams from the NDRF, BSF, CISF, and Indian Air Force joined local authorities to clear debris and search for victims.

One of the black boxes—either the flight data or cockpit voice recorder—was recovered quickly and will help investigators with the AAIB, supported by the NTSB (US) and UK AAIB.

Eyewitnesses and data show the pilots issued a Mayday call, and the aircraft flew with landing gear down but flaps retracted, an unusual configuration for takeoff.

Boeing & Tata Group Reactions

This marks the first-ever fatal crash of a Dreamliner 787 since its introduction.

Following the crash, Boeing’s stock dropped nearly 8% pre-market, then closed around 5% down, reflecting market concerns.

Both Boeing and GE Aerospace (787 engine maker) have pledged their full cooperation.

Meanwhile, Tata Group, owner of Air India since 2022, announced ₹1 crore (approx. US $118,000) compensation per victim and pledged to rebuild the destroyed hostel.

What “Mayday” Means

When pilots say "Mayday", it signals a serious emergency requiring immediate attention and priority handling by air traffic control. Flight AI‑171’s brief Mayday call suggests the crew encountered an unusual, possibly technical problem, though details remain unclear.

Boeing & Indigo Shares Update

• Boeing (BA) shares fell sharply—down about 8% in pre-market, then 5% by market close.

• No recent major moves in Indigo’s share price related to the crash.

Local Impact: Ahmedabad & Gujarat

The crash struck a doctors’ hostel at B.J. Medical College, triggering major damage in the Meghani Nagar area. Gujarat’s current CM Bhupendra Patel, alongside PM Narendra Modi, visited the site as local authorities continue rescue efforts.

Ahmedabad airport operations were temporarily halted and have since resumed with caution.

About Air India & Boeing 787

• Air India, now a Tata Group company, merged with Vistara in 2024.

• The Dreamliner 787‑8, introduced in 2011, was being refurbished as part of a ₹400 crore modernization of its fleet.

• Boeing is under scrutiny as this is its first Dreamliner crash ever