12 June 2025

A tragic aviation disaster unfolded on June 12, 2025, when an Air India flight AI 171, bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, Western India. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 people, including passengers and crew. Among those confirmed dead is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. His death was confirmed by Union Minister C.R. Patil.

Rupani, 68, served as the chief minister of the western Indian state in 2016-21. He was a member of the governing BJP party. 

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft issued a mayday call shortly after takeoff before crashing into structures near B.J. Medical College. The impact resulted in the deaths of at least five medical students and injuries to nearly 50 others. Part of the aircraft reportedly landed on a dining facility used by medical staff.

Local authorities have recovered 204 bodies so far. It remains unclear how many of the deceased were onboard the aircraft versus those on the ground. DNA identification efforts are underway at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, with relatives asked to provide samples to aid the process.

Only one survivor has been confirmed: Ramesh Vishwaskumar Bucharvada, who was seated in 11A—an economy-class window seat located in the first row. Speaking to media, he described hearing a loud noise just 30 seconds after takeoff, followed by the crash. He is currently receiving treatment in hospital.

Air India reported that the passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. The crash has drawn international reactions, with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the UK’s King Charles III offering condolences. King Charles expressed his ‘deepest sympathy’ and praised the efforts of emergency responders.

This incident marks the first-ever crash involving a Boeing 787 aircraft. Aviation experts are investigating the cause, with early focus on whether the aircraft’s slats and flaps were properly configured during ascent. Aviation safety consultant John M. Cox indicated that preliminary images suggest the aircraft may not have generated sufficient lift, but emphasized that any conclusions remain speculative pending a full investigation.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has expressed readiness to assist in the investigation, should Indian authorities request support.

The crash comes just days ahead of the Paris Air Show, a major aviation industry event. It casts a shadow over Air India’s recent transformation efforts under Tata Group ownership, including a multi-billion rupee investment in fleet renewal and brand modernization.

This devastating event has left families in multiple nations grieving and raised urgent questions about aircraft safety and operations.