On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick. The plane, carrying 242 people from several nationalities, lost thrust at just 625 feet in the air. The pilot issued a mayday call reporting “no thrust” and an inability to lift before the aircraft crashed into the BJ Medical College campus, just four miles from the runway. The impact was catastrophic—at least 241 people were killed, including passengers, crew, and individuals on the ground. In a miracle, one passenger, 40-year-old British national Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, survived with minor injuries. His brother, who was also onboard, perished in the crash. Vishwas recalled waking up amid wreckage and running from the scene before being taken to a hospital.

The crash is under active investigation, with early speculation pointing to possible engine failure, bird strikes, or landing gear issues. One black box has been recovered, and international agencies, including the FAA, NTSB, and the UK’s AAIB, are supporting Indian authorities in uncovering the cause. Heartbreaking details have emerged, such as a farewell video recorded by British passengers Fiongal and his partner, moments before takeoff, where they expressed happiness about returning home—unaware it would be their last message. Leaders across the globe, including India’s Prime Minister, the UK Prime Minister, and King Charles, have expressed their condolences, while Air India and Boeing have pledged full cooperation in the investigation.