Air India Flight AI-171 Crashes Shortly After Takeoff from Ahmedabad

Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in one survivor among 242 passengers. In light of this tragedy, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated immediate safety inspections on the airline's Boeing 787-8/9 fleet. The pilot and co-pilot had significant flying experience, but the incident has raised concerns about aviation safety protocols. The DGCA's directive includes comprehensive checks and maintenance actions to prevent future accidents. Read on for detailed insights into the crash and the subsequent safety measures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 13, 2025, 18:39 IST

Tragic Incident Involving Air India Flight

The Boeing Dreamliner 787-8, designated as AI-171, tragically crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad International Airport on Thursday, en route to Gatwick, London. Reports indicate that out of the 242 passengers aboard, only one individual survived the incident. The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumit Sabharwal, who boasted 8,200 hours of flying experience and served as a line training captain. Assisting him was First Officer Clive Kunder, who had accumulated 1,100 hours of flight time.

In response to this unfortunate event, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated a comprehensive safety inspection of the Boeing 787-8/9 fleet operated by Air India.

The DGCA's directive stated, "On June 12, 2025, Air India’s B787-800 aircraft encountered an accident while operating flight AI-171 (Ahmedabad-Gatwick). As a precautionary measure, the DGCA instructs Air India to implement additional maintenance procedures on B787-8/9 aircraft equipped with Genx engines immediately, in collaboration with the relevant regional DGCA offices."

The announcement further detailed that, "Maintenance actions must be concluded promptly based on the assessment of recurring issues observed over the past 15 days on B787-8/9 aircraft. A one-time inspection is required before any flight departs from India starting June 15, 2025, at 00:00 hours. This includes checks on fuel parameter monitoring, cabin air compressor systems, electronic engine control tests, operational tests of engine fuel-driven actuators, hydraulic system serviceability, and a review of take-off parameters.

Additionally, a 'Flight Control Inspection' will be incorporated into transit inspections until further notice, with power assurance checks to be completed within two weeks. The findings from these inspections must be submitted to the DGCA for evaluation. This directive has been issued with the approval of the appropriate authority.