Tragedy in the Skies: Air India Dreamliner Crashes Minutes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD, INDIA – In one of the worst aviation disasters in recent years, an Air India Boeing Dreamliner bound for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed just five minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad early Thursday morning, killing all but one of the 230 people on board. The sole survivor, currently in critical condition, is being treated at a local hospital under heavy medical supervision.

The flight, carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian citizen, lifted off shortly after 6:10 a.m. from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Tracking data indicates the aircraft began its ascent normally before experiencing a sudden and catastrophic failure, leading to an uncontrollable descent and fiery crash in an open field just outside the city limits.

Witnesses described a deafening roar followed by an earth-shaking explosion as the aircraft hit the ground. “There was a flash in the sky, and then the ground trembled like an earthquake,” said Rekha Joshi, a resident of a nearby village. “We ran toward the fire, but what we saw was beyond anything we’ve ever experienced. It was horrific.”

The scene was chaotic, with first responders battling flames and thick black smoke to reach the wreckage. The intense heat and scattered debris hampered early rescue efforts. Despite these challenges, one critically injured survivor—a woman, identity withheld for privacy—was pulled from the wreckage by emergency crews and transported to a trauma center.

Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, often hailed as a modern engineering marvel, now faces renewed scrutiny. While the aircraft has been widely used for long-haul routes with a strong safety track record, this catastrophic failure has already triggered a full-scale investigation. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded all 787s in domestic service pending preliminary findings.

“This is a moment of profound sorrow,” said Air India’s CEO in a somber press briefing. “Our hearts are with the families of the victims. We are fully cooperating with aviation authorities to determine the root cause of this unimaginable tragedy.”

Boeing also released a statement offering condolences to the families of those lost and confirming that a technical team is en route to assist in the investigation. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and aviation regulators from the U.K. and Europe are also expected to join the international probe.

Gatwick Airport in the U.K., where the flight was scheduled to arrive, has set up support teams to assist relatives. “We are deeply saddened by this incident. Our thoughts are with everyone affected,” the airport said in a public statement.

Foreign governments are mobilizing consular support for their citizens who perished in the crash. The British High Commission in India confirmed the deaths of 53 U.K. nationals and pledged to assist families during the repatriation process. Portugal’s foreign ministry is coordinating with Indian officials regarding the seven Portuguese victims. Canada’s Global Affairs Office has identified and reached out to the family of the lone Canadian passenger.

The exact cause of the crash remains unknown. Preliminary data suggests a possible mechanical or systems failure, though sabotage or external interference has not been ruled out. Aviation experts caution against speculation, noting that the full investigation could take months.

As India—and the world—grapples with the scope of this tragedy, tributes have begun to pour in for the victims. Candlelight vigils are being planned in Ahmedabad and in London, while social media has been flooded with messages of grief and solidarity.

Air India has activated an emergency hotline for those seeking information about loved ones who may have been on board: +91 22 2279 6141.

This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as investigators begin to piece together the final moments of Flight AI-171.