Air India Ahmedabad Plane Crash Highlights: In one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in recent years, Air India flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon, killing 241 people on board. The airline confirmed the casualties on Friday morning.
PM Modi in Ahmedabad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site on Friday and also paid a visit to the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Multiple videos and pictures of the Prime Minister surfaced on social media where he was seen speaking to officials and taking stock of the situation. Watch:
The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had taken off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 pm with around 242 people on board. The lone survivor, Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, has been identified as a British national of Indian origin, and is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital. The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national.
Air India, in an official statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. “Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones,” the airline said.
A special team from Air India has reached Ahmedabad to assist with support and coordination efforts.
Air India plane crash survivors’ account
“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly… When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital,” Survivor Ramesh told the media.
Current situation at Medical college and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport
The plane was headed to Gatwick Airport when it crashed into onto a medical college hostel during lunch hour. A top state police officer Vidhi Chaudhary told Reuters that the number of casualties from the hostel are still being verified. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has resumed operations partially following the crash. At the Civil Hospital trauma centre, charred and unidentifiable bodies are still being brought in for examination. The impact of the crash also caused significant damage to the BJ Medical College hostel in Meghaninagar, injuring at least 20 medical students. Reports suggest that at least 4 students are dead.
Air India Helpline
To assist relatives and concerned individuals, Air India has set up a dedicated helpline. Families in India can call 1800 5691 444, while those abroad can reach out at +91 8062779200. The airline has also urged media personnel not to use these numbers and instead follow official updates via its X handle and website airindia.com.
More details are expected as investigations continue and officials begin recovery and identification procedures. Catch live updates here on the current situation surrounding the Air India plane crash:
Aviation giants pull back from Paris Airshow
Boeing and GE Aerospace have announced plans to scale back their presence at next week’s Paris Airshow in the wake of the devastating Air India plane crash that killed over 240 people. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London, went down shortly after take-off on Thursday, marking the deadliest aviation disaster in more than a decade.
Thirteen residents of Rajasthan were among those who lost their lives in the devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, officials confirmed on Friday. The victims hailed from seven families across the state, five each from Banswara and Udaipur, and one each from Barmer, Pali, and Bikaner districts.
Three of the families were en route to start a new chapter in London, their joy captured in photos taken just before boarding the ill-fated flight. That journey of hope ended in tragedy. Among them was Khushboo Rajpurohit from Balotara, who was heading to London to join her husband, Vipul. He had set up a business in Ahmedabad and was preparing to move his entire family abroad.
PTI
‘Tata Group must refine several critical aspects,’ says Former Civil Aviation Minister
Former Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel on Friday said the Tata Group must urgently refine several critical aspects of Air India’s operations—particularly aircraft maintenance—in light of the recent Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad.
“Three-and-a-half years after the Tata Group took over Air India, it is essential for the management to fine-tune key components of operating a world-class airline, especially maintenance,” Patel told reporters.
The tragic crash involved Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner (AI171), which was carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members. It went down in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, killing 241 individuals on board and several on the ground.
Indore Woman Who Delayed London Trip for Husband’s Birthday Killed
Harpreet Kaur Hora, a 28-year-old IT professional from Indore, was among the 241 passengers who lost their lives in Thursday’s tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. She had altered her travel plans to London, postponing her flight to June 13 so she could celebrate her husband’s birthday with family before departing.
The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, slamming into a building in Meghaninagar, a densely populated area of Gujarat’s largest city.
Harpreet, who was based in Bengaluru, was en route to join her husband Robbie Hora in London, where he works at an IT firm. Her father-in-law’s brother, Rajendra Singh Hora, shared the heartbreaking account with reporters in Indore.
PTI
DGCA Orders Enhanced Safety Checks on Air India’s Boeing 787 Fleet
A day after the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad claimed 241 lives, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered intensified safety inspections across the airline’s entire Boeing 787 fleet. The Tata Group-owned Air India currently operates 26 Boeing 787-8 and 7 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The aviation regulator has instructed the airline to immediately undertake additional maintenance actions on all Dreamliner aircraft fitted with Genx engines. These enhanced checks will be conducted in coordination with DGCA’s respective regional offices to ensure compliance and safety.
PTI
Air India and Tata Sons Chairman, N Chandrasekaran confirmed that investigative teams from the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) have arrived in Ahmedabad to assist in the ongoing probe into the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash.
“We built this Group on trust and care. It is a difficult moment, but we will not retreat from our responsibilities, from doing what is right. We will carry this loss. We will not forget,” Chandrasekaran said in a press statement.
‘Ran to the first floor, then jumped out of the building’: Black Box Recovered from Boeing 787 Wreckage
The black box of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, has been recovered from the wreckage. Officially known as the flight data recorder, the device is expected to provide crucial clues into what caused the deadly crash.The black box records key flight parameters including altitude, speed, engine performance, and cockpit audio—such as communication between pilots and air traffic controllers. Investigators rely on this data to reconstruct the final moments before a crash.
Despite the name, black boxes are actually painted bright orange to aid visibility during recovery. Engineered to endure extreme heat, water, and high-impact crashes, the recorder is built to preserve its data even in the harshest conditions.
‘Ran to the first floor, then jumped out of the building’: Google Displays Black Ribbon in Memory of Crash Victims
Tech giant Google paid tribute to the victims of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad by displaying a black ribbon on its search engine homepage. The ribbon, a symbol of mourning, appeared just below the search bar, drawing users’ attention as they accessed the site.
When users hover their cursor over the ribbon, a message reads: “In memory of the victims of the tragic plane crash.” The subtle yet powerful gesture is part of Google’s tradition of acknowledging global tragedies through symbolic visuals.
‘Ran to the first floor, then jumped out of the building’: BJ Medical College student recalls
Arun Prashant, a student at BJ Medical College, told ANI that he was in the hostel mess when the Air India plane crashed. Around 1:30 pm, while having lunch on the fifth floor, he heard a loud explosion, followed by thick smoke filling the area. He said that they he and others were unsure of what was happening and felt trapped by the smoke. Prashant then rushed to the first floor and jumped out of the building to escape. He said some families were inside the nearby buildings at the time. It was only after getting outside that they realised it was a plane crash. He added that rescue teams arrived about 15 to 20 minutes later.
#watch | Ahmedabad | A student of BJ Medical College, Dr Arun Prashant, who was in the hostel's mess at the time of the #airindiaplanecrash, says, "Yesterday, around 1:30 PM, we were having lunch on the fifth floor, and we heard a loud noise and explosion. Suddenly, smoke spread… pic.twitter.com/PSyvdVd8WQ
Local recalls horrifying scenes at crash site
A resident living just 100–200 metres from the AI-171 crash site said the fire was still raging when they reached the area. The scene was horrifying, with bodies either badly burnt or torn apart lying all over. They also mentioned that Meghani Nagar has busy roads, but it’s still unclear what happened to the people commuting through the area at the time of the crash.
Gujarat ATS recovers Digital Video Recorder from crash site debris
Gujarat ATS personnel on Friday said that a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) has been recovered from the debris at the crash site in Ahmedabad. “It’s a DVR, which we have recovered from the debris. The FSL team will come here soon,” the personnel said.
Temperature at crash site reached 1000 degrees Celsius, say officials
The temperature at the crash site of Air India aircraft soared to nearly 1,000 degrees Celsius, making rescue efforts extremely challenging, officials said on Thursday night, reported PTI. The intensity of the fire was so severe that even animals and birds in the vicinity could not survive, they added.
PM Modi meets Vijay Rupani’s wife at Ahmedabad Airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani’s wife at the AHmedabad airport today. Rupani passed away in the tragic Air India plane crash on Wednesday. He offered his condolences and interacted with the family for about half an hour, IE reported citing sources.
‘She was in India for the last month for dental treatment’: Victim’s father-in-law breaks silence
Families are coming forward revealing details of the victims who tragically passed away in the Air India plane crash on Wednesday.
#watch | Keenal Mistri from Gujarat's Anand was among 241 passengers who lost their lives in yesterday's #airindiaplanecrash.
In Ahmedabad, her father-in-law says, "We gave the blood sample, and it will take 72 hours (for DNA verification). She was in India for the last month… pic.twitter.com/sAxA2MQAtf
China’s Xi Jinping has sent his condolences to President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the tragic Air India plane crash that occurred on Wednesday, as per Reuters.
Congress Chief Kharge demands judicial probe in Air India crash
Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge has called for a judicial probe in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that killed 242 passengers onboard. While speaking to the media, Kharge said that the probe is necessary for transparency.
‘Can’t say anything for sure unless black box is recovered and examined,’ says serving commercial pilot
Arindam Dutta, a serving commercial pilot, told ANI that the exact cause of the crash can only be confirmed after the black box is recovered and examined. He added that according to the initial information that he received, the aircraft’s landing gear remained down after takeoff, when it should have been retracted at around 50 to 60 feet. The plane then reportedly lost altitude within 30 to 40 seconds. Given the large volume of aviation fuel on board, Dutta said that even a small spark could have triggered a massive explosion due to its highly flammable nature.
‘In touch with UK, Portugal and Canada’: S Jaishankar over Ahmedabad plane crash
Foreign minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that the Indian government is in touch with touch with UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affair, David Lammy, Foreign Minister of Portugal, Paulo Rangel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Anita Anand, regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash.
In touch with FS @DavidLammy of UK, FM @PauloRangel_pt of Portugal and FM @AnitaAnandMP of Canada regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash.
Expressed our profound condolences and offered fullest support in this hour of grief.
Has the Black box been recovered?
The reports of NSG recovering one black box from the crash site have been dismissed by Air India. According the media reports, its recovery is just speculation. Although if and when it is found, black box will give clue to the authorities as to what exactly went wrong. Black boxes contain all the flight data which can be tracked even in cases of tragic crashes.
Another Air India flight makes emergency landing
Amidst the ongoing devastation in Ahmedabad, another Air India flight made an emergency landing in Thailand today following a bomb threat. According to multiple media reports, around 156 passengers were on board when the bomb threat was received, officials at Phuket airport said.
Sundar Pichai breaks silence on Air India plane crash
Google CEO Sundar Pichai took to X and said, “Heartbroken for everyone who lost loved ones in today’s plane crash in Ahmedabad and grateful for those who rushed to help.” Pichai’s post comes after the tragic Air India crash that killed 242 passengers onboard. The total death toll has reached 265.
DNA sampling of deceased passengers currently underway
The DNA sampling for identification of deceased passengers is currently underway at the civil hospital in Ahmedabad. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had on Wednesday said that the authorities will handover the remains of the victims to their families after being thorough with the sampling of DNAs.
Another body recovered from Air India crash site: Report
According to a CNN report, another body has been recovered from the AIr India crash site. There has been no confirmation from the authorities about this report.
‘Alive when rescued but 2 died on the way to the hospital,’ reveals local resident near crash site
A man residing near the crash site told ANI that when the crash happened, all the injured at the BJ Medical College were being rescued by the locals. He said that many were alive when they were rescued but two individuals died on their way to the hospital.
PM Modi holds review meeting at Ahmedabad Airport – Watch
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a review meeting with the authorities at the Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday. The meeting was held after the PM visited the crash site and met injured at the city hospital.
#watch | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a review meeting with the officials at the airport in Ahmedabad in the wake of yesterday's #airindiaplanecrash.
(Source - DD) pic.twitter.com/V9M0B5RDsb
‘We stayed together’: Vijay Rupani’s neighbour remembers late BJP leader
Nayan Shah, a long-time neighbour and family doctor of former Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP leader Vijay Rupani, shared that they had lived next to each other for 35 years. He recalled how closely their families were connected, supporting each other through both good and difficult times, and celebrating all festivals together. He said Rupani’s memories would always remain with them. Rupani was killed in the fatal Air India crash on Wednesday.
Scenes from outside Captain Sumeet Sabharwal’s house
ANI shared a video of the scenes that are emerging from outside the home of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot of the ill-fated Air India flight AI-171. Sabharwal, known for his extensive experience, had logged over 8,200 hours of flight time, making him one of the airline’s most seasoned pilots.
VIDEO | Mumbai: Visuals from outside the residence of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot of the ill-fated Air India flight AI-171. Sabharwal was one of the most experienced pilots with 8,200 hours of flying experience.#ahmedabadplanecrash #airindiaplanecrash
(Full video… pic.twitter.com/O2jKnYKNVn
‘Scene of devastation is saddening’: PM Modi writes on social media post Ahmedabad crash site visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after visiting the crash site in Ahmedabad, took to X and gave an update on the current situation. He said that he met the officials and assured that the teams were working tirelessly.
Visited the crash site in Ahmedabad today. The scene of devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy. pic.twitter.com/R7PPGGo6Lj
Gujarat resident missed fatal flight due to late arrival, father says, ‘We requested, but they didn’t allow us’
A resident of Gujarat’s Bharuch, Bhoomi Chauhan, missed the Air India flight, which she was supposed to board on Wednesday. The flight AI-171 crashed and killed 241 of 242 passengers on board, including crew members. Bhoomi Chauhan’s father told ANI that they arrived at the airport late because of the traffic. “We requested, but they didn’t allow us. When we came out of the airport, we received the news that the plane had crashed,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the lone survivor of the Air India plane crash at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital today. The PM also met people who were injured in the crash. He spoke to the authorities and took stock of the situation at the crash site as well.
#watch | PM Modi visits Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad and meets the lone survivor of the Air India plane crash and other people injured in the accident pic.twitter.com/0OYwh90dNh