New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has revealed that the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025, had completed its Paris–Delhi–Ahmedabad leg without any operational issues prior to the fatal flight to London.

At a government press briefing, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha provided a minute-by-minute breakdown of the crash involving Flight AI-171, which was en route to London Gatwick. He confirmed that the aircraft issued a MAYDAY call at 1.39 pm — seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad airport — before losing communication with air traffic control and crashing near Meghani Nagar, approximately two kilometres from the runway.

The flight had 242 individuals on board, including 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew. According to Sinha, "The plane took off at 1.39 pm. At a height of around 650 feet, it began to descend rapidly. The pilot issued a MAYDAY call, signalling full emergency. ATC lost contact almost immediately. Within one minute, the aircraft crashed."

The aircraft was captained by Sumit Sabharwal, with Clive Sundar serving as First Officer.

In response to the crash, Ahmedabad airport’s runway was closed at 2.30 pm and reopened for limited operations after 5.00 pm, following emergency protocol clearance.

The aircraft crashed into the hostel block of BJ Medical College, causing a devastating fire intensified by the plane’s full fuel load. At least 270 people are feared dead, including passengers, crew, and students on the ground. Only one passenger survived — a man seated on 11A.

Emergency services, including six NDRF teams, fire engines, medical units, and local police, were immediately mobilised. DNA identification of the deceased is ongoing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, posting on X, called the crash "heartbreaking beyond words", and stated he has been in contact with ministers and rescue authorities.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recovered the black box and continues to analyse it to determine the exact cause. Investigators are examining whether a mechanical failure such as engine malfunction, flap defect, or possible bird strike led to the crash.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has constituted a multi-agency probe panel and promised transparency and regular updates to the public.