AHMEDABAD, INDIA / MOGADISHU, SOMALIA – June 12, 2025 – An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick from Ahmedabad, India, tragically crashed today, just minutes after takeoff, resulting in a devastating loss of life. As rescue efforts intensify at the crash site, the Federal Government of Somalia has promptly expressed its deepest condolences to the Government and people of India, standing in solidarity with all nations affected by the tragedy.
The horrific incident occurred around 1:38 PM local time (08:08 GMT) from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. Carrying 242 passengers and crew, the aircraft lost flight tracking data less than a minute after becoming airborne, having reached an altitude of approximately 625 feet (190 meters). The Dreamliner then plummeted into Meghani Nagar, a densely populated residential area adjacent to the airport, with reports indicating it struck a doctors’ hostel, compounding the human impact of the disaster. All operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have been suspended indefinitely following the crash.
Authorities on the ground have indicated there appear to be no survivors from among those aboard the aircraft. The Ahmedabad police chief confirmed the recovery of over 200 bodies, and a grim possibility of additional casualties among residents in the densely populated crash zone. The nationalities of the victims aboard the flight include Indian, British, Portuguese, and Canadian citizens, reflecting the international nature of the loss. Emergency services, including firefighters and rescue teams, swiftly converged on the site, battling the immediate aftermath. India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have conveyed their profound sorrow, directing all relevant agencies to coordinate rapid response efforts.
The exact cause of the crash remains unknown, with investigations already underway. Reports indicate that the pilot issued a “Mayday” call shortly before all contact with the aircraft was lost. Boeing, the manufacturer of the Dreamliner, has acknowledged the incident, stating they are in direct communication with Air India and are prepared to offer full support, extending their thoughts to all those impacted by this terrible event.
In Mogadishu, the Federal Government of Somalia quickly reacted to the news, conveying heartfelt sympathies. A statement from the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali people extended “deepest condolences to the Government and people of India following the tragic accident.” The message further articulated profound sadness over the heavy casualties, sharing grief with the victims, their families, and all who lost loved ones. Somalia emphasized its firm stance of solidarity with India and all other nations affected by the catastrophe, a gesture that highlights the global interconnectedness and shared humanity in times of crisis.
The international community watches closely as investigations proceed, seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding this devastating aviation disaster and offering support to those grappling with its profound consequences.
