Air India Boeing 787 Crashes

An Air India Boeing 787 has crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad.

The wide-body aircraft bound for London Gatwick had 242 passengers aboard. Regarding the information on those aboard, the flag carrier confirms that 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British nationals, there was 1 Canadian national, and 7 were from Portugal.

Available flight data shows the specific aircraft involved was VT-ANB, a 787-8 with a serial number of 36279. The particular Air India aircraft involved in the accident was first delivered to the flag carrier in January 2014.

Imagery of smoke clouding the air shows that the aircraft came down in the Meghani area. First responders confirmed that they were on the scene and were making every effort to ensure that necessary medical aid and relief support were provided to the crash victims.

Unfortunately, Reuters reporting indicates that the plane went down in a highly populated area, which was also home to a Medical College hostel filled with students.

In its written statement, Air India confirmed that Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident on 12 June 2025. 

Additionally, it stated that it was currently ascertaining the details and would share further updates as soon as possible.

Air India’s 787 Reliance

Air India heavily relies on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is arguably one of its most critical wide-body aircraft.

Based on the latest fleet data, the carrier has 23 of the 787-8s to its name; three additional units are also listed as parked. The aircraft that has crashed today is a 787-8 model.

Air India also operates the 787-9; however, its place in the airline is smaller, comprising only seven units in service.

The company also has many other 787 Dreamliners on order, with the importance of the series simply incapable of being overstated.

A Pristine Record For The 787

Despite having niggles in quality control, since entering the aviation industry more than a decade and a half ago the next-generation Boeing 787 has not been involved in a fatal crash.

The series boasts a fantastic safety record and is renowned as one of the best wide-body planes on the market, offering airlines efficiency and flexibility. These traits, among others, are the reason why so many units have been ordered.