Air India Remembers AI 171 Tragedy One Year Later

One year has passed since the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI 171, which claimed 260 lives shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The Air India team held a moment of silence to honor the victims, while officials reflected on the swift rescue operations that followed the disaster. This article delves into the details of the incident, the ongoing investigation, and the heartfelt tributes paid to those lost. Discover how the community came together in the aftermath of this devastating event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 17:55 IST

Commemoration of AI 171 Crash

The Air India team observed a moment of silence for Flight AI 171 at the Air India Training Academy, marking the one-year anniversary of the tragic incident. The unfortunate flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when it met with disaster just 32 seconds after takeoff. The aircraft crashed shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

During a press conference held to commemorate the crash, Banchanidhi Pani, the Commissioner of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, paid tribute to the victims and reflected on the rescue and relief efforts that took place immediately following the incident.

Tributes and Rescue Efforts

Pani expressed, "It has been a year since this tragic plane crash. We pray for the peace of the souls who are no longer with us." He noted that on that fateful day, the fire, health, and engineering departments of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, along with senior officials, coordinated swiftly with state and central government authorities.

He further mentioned that over 90 ambulances, 60 fire units, and heavy machinery were deployed. Walls were broken down to retrieve bodies and rescue medical students from a nearby hostel. Pani stated that the investigation into the crash was ongoing under the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) with full support from the municipal corporation. He added that the families of the victims received immediate assistance with death certificates and DNA sampling, facilitated through collaboration between the central government, state government, and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. This tragic event resulted in the loss of 260 lives, making it one of the most severe aviation disasters in the region, including 229 passengers and 12 crew members aboard, along with 19 individuals on the ground who also perished when the aircraft fell.