Air India is grappling with the aftermath of the tragic crash of Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, on June 12, 2025. The aircraft, which had departed from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London's Gatwick Airport, crashed into the BJ Medical College and Hospital in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff, exploding in flames upon impact. The devastating incident claimed a total of 270 lives, including 241 passengers and crew members on board, and 29 individuals on the ground.

In response to the catastrophe, Air India's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Campbell Wilson, has reached out to customers to reaffirm the airline's unwavering commitment to safety. In a heartfelt letter, Wilson expressed profound sorrow for the families and loved ones affected, acknowledging the immense suffering and trauma caused by the crash. He assured that the company is fully dedicated to supporting the impacted families and is actively collaborating with authorities to determine the cause of this tragedy. Wilson emphasized that safety remains the airline's paramount priority, especially during such a challenging period for both the company and its patrons.

Addressing concerns regarding aircraft maintenance, CEO Wilson stated that the crashed Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was well-maintained. He detailed that its last major check was conducted in June 2023, with the next scheduled for December 2025. Furthermore, the aircraft's right engine underwent an overhaul in March 2025, and the left engine was inspected in April 2025. Wilson affirmed that both the aircraft and its engines were regularly monitored, showing no issues prior to the ill-fated flight. The airline, along with the entire aviation industry, awaits the official investigation report to gain a comprehensive understanding of the incident.

The human toll of the crash is immense, with numerous families mourning their loved ones. Among the victims were Indian siblings Shubh Modi and Shagun from Udaipur, who were traveling to London for a vacation. Shubh, a Chemical Engineering graduate from a UK university, and Shagun, who completed her certification at PDEU in Gandhinagar, were part of a well-known family whose relative described the news as "devastating and heartbreaking." Another tragic loss involved Dhir and Heer Baxi, UK-based Indian sisters in their early twenties, who had traveled to India to surprise their grandmother for her birthday. Heer was a product manager, and Dhir pursued fashion design. On the ground, Akash Patni, a teenage boy resting near his family's tea stall, was also tragically killed, while his mother, Sita, survived with injuries but remains unaware of her son's death.

Eyewitnesses have recounted the terrifying moments of the crash. Mohan Bahadur Kshatriya, a resident living just 500 meters from the crash site, described hearing a "loud bang" that felt like an earthquake before witnessing smoke and fire engulfing the area. He quickly joined Army personnel in rescue efforts, successfully pulling five injured medical students from the debris, although they were in critical condition, and later discovering a body. Another eyewitness, Pekha Kshtriya, also recounted the earth-shattering noise and the violent shaking of her house, initially mistaking it for a bomb blast, before realizing a plane had crashed.

In the wake of the disaster, Air India has initiated the disbursement of interim compensation to the affected families. An initial payment of ₹25 lakh has begun reaching families, with three having received the amount as of a recent update. This sum is in addition to the ₹1 crore (approximately GBP 85,000) previously pledged by the Tata Sons group. The airline is also committed to supporting bereaved families through the complex DNA identification process, necessitated by the severe condition of many victims' remains. As of recent reports, 247 victims have been identified through DNA testing, and 232 bodies have been returned to their families. Identified victims include 187 Indians, 52 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. The identification process continues to face challenges, with some families asked to provide new DNA samples due to failed matches, underscoring the ongoing efforts by authorities and Air India to provide closure and support in the aftermath of this profound tragedy.