Air India Flight AI171 Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad: Boeing 787 Dreamliner Under Scrutiny Again
Ahmedabad, India — In a tragic aviation incident on Thursday morning, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, raising fresh concerns about the long-haul aircraft's safety record. The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 10 crew members, at the time of the crash. Rescue operations are underway, and authorities are yet to confirm the number of casualties.
The crash has cast a renewed spotlight on Boeing’s Dreamliner series, which, despite its reputation for cutting-edge technology and fuel efficiency, has faced a string of technical and safety-related controversies over the past decade.
A History of Safety Concerns
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner family, especially the 787-8 variant, has been hailed as a revolutionary aircraft due to its lightweight composite structure and long-haul efficiency. However, it has not been without problems:
- 2013 Battery Fires: In a major global safety scare, the entire Dreamliner fleet was grounded in 2013 after two separate incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires. One occurred on a parked Japan Airlines jet in Boston; another triggered a mid-air emergency in Japan. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stepped in to halt operations worldwide until Boeing reengineered the battery systems.
- 2024 Whistleblower Revelations: In April 2024, Sam Salehpour, an engineer at Boeing, testified before the U.S. Senate, revealing alleged structural defects in the 787’s fuselage. According to Salehpour, improperly aligned fuselage sections and gaps during assembly could lead to early wear and potential structural failure. The FAA launched a formal investigation, which remains ongoing.
- Recurring Mid-Air Incidents: As recently as March 2025, a Boeing 787-9 operated by LATAM Airlines suffered a sudden altitude drop mid-flight, injuring more than 50 passengers. Investigations later linked the issue to a malfunctioning cockpit seat—a problem not isolated to LATAM or the 787-9 model.
Flight AI171: What We Know So Far
According to data from Flightradar24, the aircraft involved in Thursday's crash was first flown in 2013 and delivered to Air India in January 2014. The flight departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick when it lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff.
Eyewitnesses near the airport reported hearing a loud noise followed by a plume of smoke rising in the distance. Emergency crews, fire brigades, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units were quickly dispatched to the crash site.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a full investigation into the crash, alongside an internal probe by Air India. Boeing has also been contacted for technical support.
Government Response and Rescue Operations
The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed the crash in an official statement and assured the public that all resources are being deployed for rescue and relief efforts. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia tweeted:
"Deeply saddened by the tragic incident involving AI171. We are coordinating closely with Air India and DGCA. My prayers are with all those affected."
Local hospitals have been put on high alert. As of the latest updates, casualty figures have not been confirmed, though fears persist of a high fatality count.
Experts Question Dreamliner’s Track Record
Aviation safety experts and former pilots have voiced renewed concerns about the Dreamliner's reliability. While the 787 is statistically safer than many older jets, a number of reported incidents over the years have raised eyebrows:
- Engine icing and shutdowns
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Fuel leaks
- Onboard generator failures
- Cabin pressurization issues
A senior Indian pilot, speaking anonymously, said:
“The Dreamliner is a technically brilliant plane, but its margin for error is thin. If even small defects go unnoticed, the consequences can be catastrophic.”
Boeing’s Ongoing Troubles
Boeing has struggled in recent years to regain public confidence following several high-profile incidents, particularly with the 737 MAX series, which was grounded worldwide for nearly two years after two fatal crashes.
The 787 Dreamliner, once seen as a symbol of Boeing’s next-generation ambition, is now increasingly seen as a platform under technical stress. The U.S. FAA and global aviation bodies have ramped up scrutiny, with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also expressing concerns following Salehpour’s 2024 testimony.
What Happens Next?
As investigators work to determine what led to Thursday’s crash, attention will inevitably turn toward Boeing's production standards, Air India's maintenance protocols, and regulatory oversight in India.
Preliminary findings from the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR)—if recovered—will likely provide crucial clues.
For now, grieving families and a nation await answers.
In Summary
- Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London.
- The aircraft carried 242 people, including 10 crew members.
- Boeing 787’s safety record is under renewed scrutiny.
- Past issues include battery fires, structural concerns, and mid-air system failures.
- Investigations are underway by Air India, DGCA, and possibly international regulators.
- The casualty count remains unconfirmed, but fears of mass fatalities persist.