Ahmedabad/New Delhi: The Indian government has launched a formal investigation into the devastating crash of Air India Flight 171, which claimed the lives of 241 people, including 12 crew members, in Ahmedabad.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), a division under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is leading the probe, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed.
In a parallel move, the US-based National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed that it is dispatching a team of investigators to India to assist with the crash investigation.
Following the tragic incident in Ahmedabad, a formal investigation has been initiated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in line with international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Additionally, the Government is…
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 12, 2025
As the aircraft involved was a US-manufactured Boeing 787-8, international collaboration is in line with ICAO’s Annex 13, which mandates cooperative efforts in accident investigations. However, it clarified that all official information will be released solely by the Indian government.
Flight AI171 was operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when it crashed shortly after takeoff at 13:39 IST on June 12. The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carried 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Tragically, only one person, a British national of Indian origin survived and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Ramesh Viswashkumar, who police said was in seat 11A near the emergency exit and managed to squeeze through the broken hatch, was filmed after Thursday’s crash limping on the street in a blood-stained T-shirt with bruises on his face.
The NTSB will be leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday.
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) June 12, 2025
According to Air India, the flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. A dedicated passenger support helpline has been established:
- India: 1800 5691 444
- International: +91 8062779200
The aircraft crashed into a resident doctors’ hostel near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, leaving a trail of devastation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that shortly after departing from Runway 23, the aircraft issued a Mayday call, but communication was lost soon afterward.
Piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with over 8,200 flight hours and assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar (1,100 flight hours), the aircraft reportedly experienced a critical failure during ascent.
In response to the tragedy, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹1 crore to the families of each deceased passenger and crew member. “We will also cover medical costs for the injured and provide support to rebuild the BJ Medical College hostel impacted by the crash,” he said.
We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171.
No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured.
Tata Group will…
— Tata Group (@TataCompanies) June 12, 2025
The Gujarat government has deployed seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams comprising 90 personnel from Gandhinagar to the site for search, rescue, and recovery operations.
Emergency services continue to clear debris and recover remains, as authorities urge the public to stay clear of the area.
