Dreamliner crash brings fresh scrutiny on crisis-hit Boeing in wake of wave of fatal accidents and safety concerns

12 June 2025, 13:09 | Updated: 12 June 2025, 16:31

WARNING: Distressing content

A British man has survived the Air India flight crash, after the London-bound airplane carrying 242 passengers went down shortly after landing.

The aircraft, a 787 Dreamliner, becomes the latest from manufacturer Boeing to be involved in a fatal air disaster.

This deadly incident is likely to bring fresh scrutiny to the under-fire company, which has seen its stocks plummet in recent months amid a slew of controversies and fatal accidents.

But despite growing concerns over the safety of Boeing aircraft, it has emerged the model of plane that crashed in the Indian city of Ahmedabad had an immaculate safety record before today.

Footage shows moment plane crashes in Ahmedabad

Air India flight 171 careened back to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city, hitting doctors’ accommodation and a student canteen minutes after leaving the runway at about 1pm local time.

Pictures have emerged showing chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from a demolished building.

A pilot told LBC he believed it was a “tragic accident” and believed it was likely down to pilot error. An investigation is under way to establish the cause of the crash.

He said the 787 was a “phenomenal aeroplane” that was an “absolute dream to fly.”

“What we have to realise is errors, mistakes… can happen at any time and people are only human.”

“There is no single manufacturing process in the entire world which is flawless. Boeing will strive to do as much as they possibly can to iron out any errors.”

Experts have said that looking at footage of the plane’s final moments it appeared it may have been on the wrong flap setting which could have led to the crash.

Today’s incident marks just the latest disaster for scandal-hit Boeing.

In 2018 and 2019, 346 people were killed when two of the company’s Max 8 jets crashed.

Whistleblower John Barnett, who accused the company of mismanagement, was also found dead weeks after breaking his silence in 2024.

In January 2024, a brand-new 737 Max 9 jet was forced into an emergency landing following a terrifying cabin panel blowout.

No-one was injured during the incident.

53 Britons were aboard the flight at the time of the crash, Air India confirmed today.

Follow live: Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner heading for Gatwick crashes shortly after take-off

Column of smoke billows into the sky over Ahmedabad after plane crashes

In a statement on Thursday morning, Gatwick Airport confirmed: "We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25."

Footage emerging on social media shows dark plumes of smoke rising into the air in a built-up area close to the airport.

Further videos appearing to show the aircraft flying low over the city rooftops before disappearing has also emerged, with a fireball emerging in the distance after the jet goes out of sight.

According to flight tracking app Flightradar24, signal from the aircraft was lost at 10:08 local time.

The plane was reportedly flying at a height of 625 feet, less than a minute after take off, at the time signal was lost.

In a statement, Air India said: "Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick was involved in an accident on 12 June 2025.

"At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest opportunity."

Read more: Iran failing to comply with nuclear obligations for first time in almost 20 years, says UN watchdog

The flight's scheduled departure time was 09:50 local time, with a scheduled arrival time at London Gatwick of 18:25 GMT.

This Air India crash is the first time a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft has crashed in this way.

It comes as India's Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu says he is "shocked and devastated" following news of the crash.

Among names listed in the passenger manifest is that of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, listed as passenger number 12.

Shocking images show chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from buildings close to the crash site, as plumes of smoke emerge from a demolished building.

Horrifying footage from the scene also shows the injured on gurneys as paramedics wheel the injured away.

Dozens of members of the emergency services are currently on the scene, with mass injuries expected as a result of the densely populated crash site.

Officials are yet to comment on the total number of casualties and whether there are any survivors.

Smoke fills the sky after plane crash in Ahmedabad

Police have said the plane crashed into a "civilian area", adding the incident happened "outside the airport perimeter".

It's believed the plane came down on a building used to house doctors working in the region.

Air India confirmed that of the passengers aboard, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.

It comes as Buckingham Palace said the King is being kept updated on the developing situation after the Gatwick-bound plane crashed.

Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, India's aviation minister, added: "We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

"Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.

"My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."

The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.

The Airline has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.

The relatively new model of aircraft launched 14 years ago, with Boeing celebrating the fact the Dreamliner had hit a milestone - carrying 1bn passengers - just six weeks ago.

Following news of the crash, the plane maker's stocks tumbled during US pre-market trading, with shares falling more than 9%.