241 Dead In Ahmedabad Plane Crash, Confirms Air India; Lone Survivor Identified

Air India has officially confirmed that 241 people were killed in the plane crash involving Flight AI171 near Meghani Nagar, just 15 kilometres from the Ahmedabad airport. The aircraft, a 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, had taken off for London Gatwick on Thursday afternoon, but crashed shortly after departure.

Taking to social media platform 'X', the airline said the flight had 242 people on board, comprising 230 passengers and 12 crew members. “Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident,” the airline wrote.

“The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital," the statement added. 

According to the airline, the passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. A lone survivor has been identified, Ramesh Vishwaskumar, a British national of Indian origin, who was reportedly seated in seat number 11A. He is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. 

Offering condolences to those affected, Air India said,“Air India offers its deepest 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 has also deployed a team of caregivers to Ahmedabad to provide support to grieving families and coordinate with local authorities. “A team of caregivers from Air India is now in Ahmedabad to provide additional support. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident," the official statement added. 

In its statement, the airline added that a dedicated helpline has been set up to assist families and relatives seeking information. “Air India has also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Those calling from outside India can call on +91 8062779200.”

Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM IST on Thursday.

The aircraft, heavily fuelled for its long-haul flight, caught fire after it crashed near the Meghaninagar area, reportedly slamming into a section of the B. J. Medical College’s student hostel.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members. "As per ATC, the aircraft departed at 13:39 IST from Runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY call to ATC, but no further response was received. The aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter and was seen emitting heavy black smoke,” the DGCA said in an official statement.

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar serving as co-pilot. The tragic crash marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s recent history. An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway.