What's happened
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, killing at least 279 people, including 241 on board and 38 on the ground. Investigators are examining the recovered black boxes to determine the cause of the disaster, which is the first fatal incident involving a Dreamliner.
What's behind the headline?
Investigation Focus
- The investigation is primarily centered on:
- Engine failure
- Issues with wing flaps and landing gear
- Pilot training records and aircraft maintenance history
Implications for Air India
- Air India has been ordered to conduct additional maintenance checks on its fleet of Boeing 787s, which may impact operations.
- The crash has raised questions about the safety protocols in place for modern aircraft, especially given that this is the first crash of a Boeing 787 since its introduction in 2011.
Broader Context
- The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in aviation safety, particularly in regions with rapidly growing air travel demands. The response from Indian authorities and international aviation bodies will be crucial in restoring public confidence in air travel.
What the papers say
The Independent reported that the black boxes recovered from the crash site will provide crucial data for investigators, with Amit Singh, an aviation expert, emphasizing their importance in understanding the sequence of events leading to the crash. The Guardian noted that the investigation is focusing on potential engine failure and issues with the aircraft's landing gear, while also highlighting the emotional toll on families awaiting news of their loved ones. Bloomberg and SBS provided details on the crash's aftermath, including the recovery of bodies and the ongoing investigation into the causes of the disaster. The New Arab and Gulf News emphasized the scale of the tragedy, marking it as one of the worst aviation disasters in recent history.
How we got here
The crash occurred shortly after the aircraft took off for London Gatwick, issuing a mayday call moments before losing altitude and crashing into a residential area. This incident marks a significant aviation disaster in India, raising concerns about aircraft safety and emergency protocols.
Go deeper
- What caused the Air India Flight AI171 crash?
- How are the families of the victims being supported?
- What safety measures are being implemented after the crash?
Common question
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What Caused the Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad?
On June 12, 2025, an Air India flight tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in the loss of all 242 people on board. This incident has raised numerous questions about the causes, safety measures, and ongoing investigations. Below, we address some of the most pressing inquiries surrounding this devastating event.
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Stay informed with the latest developments in significant news events, from tragic accidents to market trends. This page covers the most pressing stories, including the Air India crash, Tesco's sales growth, Manchester United's new signing, and Hollywood's ongoing remake debate. Read on to find out how these events are shaping our world today.
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What are the latest innovations in air travel safety?
As air travel continues to evolve, safety remains a top priority for airlines and regulatory bodies. Recent incidents, such as the tragic Air India flight crash, highlight the importance of ongoing innovations in aviation safety. This page explores the latest advancements, regulatory measures, and how passengers can stay informed and safe while flying.
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What caused the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad?
The recent crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad has raised numerous questions about aviation safety and regulations. With over 240 lives lost, this incident marks one of the worst aviation disasters in a decade. Below, we explore the causes, implications, and ongoing investigations surrounding this tragic event.
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What Happened in the Air India Crash and Who Survived?
The tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 has raised numerous questions about aviation safety and the miraculous survival of one passenger. As investigators delve into the causes of this disaster, many are left wondering about the details surrounding the incident and the experiences of those involved. Below, we explore key questions related to the crash and its aftermath.
More on these topics
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Ahmedabad is the largest city and former capital of the Indian state of Gujarat. It is the administrative headquarters of the Ahmedabad district and the seat of the Gujarat High Court.
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Air India is the flag carrier airline of India, headquartered at New Delhi. It is owned by Air India Limited, a government-owned enterprise, and operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft serving 102 domestic and international destinations.
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India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.
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Narendra Damodardas Modi is an Indian politician serving as the 14th and current Prime Minister of India since 2014. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, and is the Member of Parliament for Varanasi.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Gujarat is a state on the western coast of India with a coastline of 1,600 km – most of which lies on the Kathiawar peninsula – and a population of 60.4 million. It is the fifth largest Indian state by area and the ninth largest state by population.
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The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an American wide-body airliner developed and manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
After dropping its unconventional Sonic Cruiser project, Boeing announced the conventional 7E7 on January 29, 2003, which focused largel