Air India Flight 447 Crashes in Ahmedabad; All 242 Feared Dead

Ahmedabad, India – An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight 447, crashed just after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The flight, en route to London Gatwick Airport (LGW), carried 242 passengers and crew, all of whom are feared dead, according to local officials.

Tragic Details Emerge from Crash Site

The aircraft,designated for London as flight 447,departed Ahmedabad at 13:38 hrs local time. On board were 169 Indian nationals, 53 british nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals, according to a statement released by Air India. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik stated that there appeared to be no survivors.

The crash occurred in the meghaninagar area, near the airport. video footage showed the plane descending below the tree line, followed by an explosion and thick smoke. The Directorate General of civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the plane “fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter” promptly after departure.

Did you Know? The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has generally maintained a strong safety record since its introduction, with very few incidents involving passenger fatalities prior to this event.

India’s Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) released images showing civilians and emergency personnel battling the wreckage. One photo depicted the damaged tail of the aircraft partially inside a damaged building. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

Immediate Response and International Involvement

Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu directed aviation and emergency response agencies to coordinate swift action. Rescue teams were mobilized to provide medical aid and relief. Gujarat’s Governor Bhupendra Patel coordinated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to establish a “green corridor” for emergency vehicles.

GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer, activated its emergency response team and pledged support to the investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will send a team of U.S. investigators to assist, though the Indian government will provide all official updates.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his sorrow in a statement, saying, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.”

Flight Details and Reactions

FlightRadar24 data indicated the flight was scheduled to depart at 9:50 a.m. local time, with arrival in London at 18:25 p.m. Gatwick Airport acknowledged the scheduled arrival time in a statement. british Prime Minister Keir Starmer conveyed his condolences, stating his “thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”

According to the DGCA, the captain had 8,200 hours of flying experience, while the copilot had 1,100 hours. The aircraft’s registration was VT-ANB.

The crash is a stark reminder of the inherent risks of air travel, despite advancements in safety technology. According to the International air Transport Association (IATA), the global average accident rate is approximately 1.21 accidents per million flights as of 2023, highlighting the relative rarity of such events IATA.

The investigation into the Air India Flight 447 crash will likely involve detailed analysis of the aircraft’s black boxes, weather conditions at the time of the crash, and potential mechanical failures. Such investigations can take months or even years to complete.

Pro Tip: Stay informed by following official updates from the Indian directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and reputable news sources.

here’s a summary of the key details:

What safety measures do you think could be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future? How can international cooperation enhance aviation safety standards?