On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of 241 lives onboard and at least 28 fatalities on the ground. The aircraft crashed into a residential area housing medical students in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, causing widespread devastation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, visited the crash site to oversee rescue and recovery operations. They reviewed debris removal efforts and inspected damage to nearby structures. PM Modi also visited the civil hospital to meet the injured and spoke with doctors regarding their care.

The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national of Indian origin, was seated near an emergency exit and managed to escape the wreckage with minor injuries. He recounted hearing a loud noise shortly after takeoff before the crash occurred.

Aviation experts suggest that a potential loss of engine thrust and a possible bird strike could have contributed to the crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation, and one of the aircraft's black boxes has been recovered.

In response to safety concerns, the DGCA has ordered the grounding of Air India's entire Boeing 787 fleet until further inspections are conducted. This incident marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its commercial debut in 2011 and has prompted international condolences and a thorough investigation into aviation safety protocols.