Outlook Business Desk
Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick Airport, took off from Ahmedabad at 1:38 PM on June 12, 2025. Just 30 seconds later, the jet descended rapidly and crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel block. It was carrying 242 passengers including 12 crew members.
Air India confirmed that out of the 230 passengers on board, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British, seven were Portuguese, and one was Canadian. The airline is working closely with authorities to assist affected families.
British-Indian passenger Vishwash Kumar Ramesh (seat 11A) was the sole survivor of the crash. He miraculously escaped with injuries to his chest, eyes and feet. Recalling the moment, he said, “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”
Firefighters, NDRF teams ambulances and hospital staff responded swiftly to the crash site. Due to severe burns, DNA testing is being conducted to identify victims. A large-scale rescue operation is underway to support recovery and families.
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation into the crash. Teams from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) of the United Kingdom and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States have also joined the probe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the sole survivor in hospital, while home minister Amit Shah and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel visited the crash site. UK PM Keir Starmer, US Transport Secretary Jennifer Duffy, Boeing’s CEO and the Chairmen of Tata Trusts and Tata Sons expressed deep condolences to the victims and their families.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals. “We are actively working with authorities on all emergency efforts. A special team of caregivers is on the way to Ahmedabad to provide support,” he added.
Tata Group, the owner of Air India, announced ₹1 crore compensation for each victim’s family, full medical coverage for the injured and financial support to rebuild the BJ Medical College hostel damaged in the crash.
“A special team of caregivers from Air India has arrived in Ahmedabad to support our teams on the ground. We are working with local authorities to provide necessary assistance and are fully cooperating with investigators,” the airline said on X.