A Boeing 787-8 aircraft operated by Air India, on flight AI-171, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The plane was en route to Gatwick Airport in London and had 242 people on board, including crew members.
This incident marks the first fatal air disaster involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, globally recognized for its fuel efficiency, advanced technology, and passenger comfort.
Flight tracking website FlightAware reported that the aircraft took off at 1:55 PM, 45 minutes behind schedule, and crashed just minutes after departure. Eyewitnesses around the crash site reported hearing a loud explosion followed by thick black smoke. Scenes from the crash site showed debris scattered across the Meghaninagar area near the airport. Rescue teams, fire services, and ambulances rushed to the scene.
Air India confirmed the incident in an official statement on platform X, noting that details of the crash are still being verified and will be announced later.
Minister of Civil Aviation expressed shock at the incident, stating he is closely monitoring the situation, urging relevant authorities to take necessary urgent and coordinated measures, and accelerating rescue operations while providing medical and logistical support to the injured and families of the victims.
This crash represents a new chapter in the ongoing challenges associated with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, despite its reputation as one of the most advanced aircraft in the world. In 2013, all aircraft of this model were grounded globally due to battery fire incidents, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to suspend operations until the system was redesigned.
In 2024, doubts surrounded the aircraft again after engineer Sam Salehipour, an employee at Boeing, testified before the U.S. Senate warning of potential structural weaknesses due to assembly defects. The Federal Aviation Administration has since launched an investigation that is ongoing.
This model has previously experienced several technical malfunctions, including an incident involving a LATAM aircraft in March 2024 that injured dozens due to a pilot seat malfunction. Pilots have repeatedly reported issues such as engine freezing and fuel leaks, but these had not previously resulted in fatal accidents.
The crash of flight AI-171 rekindles concerns over the safety of the Dreamliner and places Boeing under scrutiny once again by aviation authorities and international markets.
