Air India Confirms 241 Dead in Ahmedabad Plane Crash, One Survivor Reported

Ahmedabad, India – A devastating tragedy unfolded Thursday afternoon as Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing at least 241 people. The airline confirmed there was one survivor, a British national of Indian origin, who is being treated at a local hospital.

The flight, which departed Ahmedabad at 1:38 PM local time, was en route to London Gatwick Airport carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Video footage posted on social media shows the aircraft descending rapidly before a fiery explosion sent a large plume of black smoke into the sky.

The crash marks the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Local authorities later reported that additional casualties occurred on the ground. “Approximately 294 people have died, including some students who were in the building struck by the aircraft,” said Vidhi Chaudhary, a senior police official.

Preliminary Flight Data and Aircraft History

According to FlightRadar24, the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 625 feet before descending at a vertical rate of -475 feet per minute. The Dreamliner, which was delivered to Air India in 2014, had logged over 41,000 flight hours and nearly 8,000 takeoffs.

The cause of the crash remains unknown and could take months to determine. Under international protocol, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will lead the inquiry, supported by representatives from Boeing, GE Aerospace (which supplied the engines), and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The NTSB has announced it is dispatching a team of investigators to India to assist in the probe.

Airline and Manufacturer Statements

“This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India,” said CEO Campbell Wilson in a public statement. “Our efforts are now focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, and their families.”

Wilson confirmed the nationalities of those on board:

• 169 Indian nationals

• 53 British nationals

• 7 Portuguese nationals

• 1 Canadian national

The sole survivor is a British citizen originally from India.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg issued a statement expressing condolences and confirmed that a team from the manufacturer will support the investigation. “We must not speculate about the accident and will follow all international protocols to ensure a fact-based inquiry,” Ortberg stated.

Boeing executives canceled their attendance at the upcoming Paris Air Show to focus on the aftermath of the crash. Boeing shares declined nearly 5% following the news.

GE Aerospace, whose engines powered the aircraft, activated its emergency response team and also postponed its upcoming investor event. “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all affected families,” a GE spokesperson said.

Government Response and Ongoing Efforts

India’s Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu assured the public of a full investigation, stating:

“A thorough investigation will be conducted. No stone will be left unturned in uncovering the cause and ensuring accountability.”

Flights at Ahmedabad’s airport were temporarily suspended and resumed a few hours later, the government confirmed.

Broader Implications

The crash occurs just days before the Paris Air Show, a key global aerospace event where both Boeing and Airbus were expected to announce major orders. It also comes during a critical period of fleet modernization at Air India, which has been investing heavily in upgrading aircraft and passenger experience.

While the exact cause of the crash remains unclear, it reignites focus on aviation safety, fleet reliability, and the operational pressures of aging aircraft. Investigators are urging the public and media to avoid speculation until conclusive findings are released.