On June 12, 2025, India was struck by an unthinkable tragedy when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The catastrophic loss of all 242 passengers and crew, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens, has left a void that words cannot fill. Among the victims was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, a respected leader whose contributions to the state will long be remembered. The crash, which also claimed lives on the ground when the aircraft struck a doctors’ hostel in Meghani Nagar, has plunged countless families into grief and shaken the nation to its core.
This devastating incident, one of India’s worst aviation disasters, evokes memories of past tragedies, such as the 1988 Indian Airlines crash near Ahmedabad and the 1965 loss of Gujarat’s then-Chief Minister Balwantrai Mehta. The haunting farewell video of British passenger Jamie Ray Meek, who shared a serene goodbye from Ahmedabad airport, serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility. Each victim—whether a leader like Rupani, a traveler like Meek, or the medical students caught in the wreckage—leaves behind loved ones grappling with unimaginable sorrow.
We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, whose loss is shared by a grieving nation and the global community. Leaders from India, the UK, Russia, Nepal, and beyond have expressed solidarity, reflecting the universal pain of this tragedy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words,” while Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have mobilized swift rescue and relief efforts. The heroic response of the National Disaster Response Force, Central Reserve Police Force, and local authorities underscores the resilience and compassion that define India in times of crisis.
Yet, as we mourn, questions linger. The aircraft issued a mayday call minutes after takeoff, but contact was lost. Why did a modern Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, piloted by experienced Captain Sumit Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kunder, fail so catastrophically? Was it a mechanical fault, human error, or an external factor? The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched probes, with Boeing pledging support. We demand a thorough, transparent, and expedited enquiry to uncover the truth. The families of the victims, and the nation, deserve answers—not just to prevent future tragedies but to honor those lost by ensuring accountability.
This tragedy compels us to reflect on the safety of our skies. India’s aviation sector has grown rapidly, but incidents like this expose vulnerabilities that must be addressed. Rigorous maintenance checks, enhanced training, and stricter oversight are non-negotiable. The pain of the bereaved families must spur action to safeguard future travelers.
As we honor the memory of those lost—leaders, dreamers, and everyday heroes—we pledge to support the families left behind. The government must ensure comprehensive assistance, from financial aid to counseling, for those grappling with this loss. The Tricolour, which flew high after victories like Tololing, now bows in mourning. Let us unite in grief, resolve, and a commitment to justice, ensuring that the legacy of those lost inspires a safer, stronger future.
