On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171, en route to Gatwick Airport, London, crashed minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, tragically went down near BJ Medical College in Meghani Nagar, striking a student hostel.
In this devastating incident, 279 people lost their lives, including 241 passengers and crew aboard the flight and 38 local residents. Among the deceased were 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian.
Remarkably, only one person survived the crash — Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British citizen, who is currently receiving medical care.
The aircraft’s black box has been recovered, and a joint investigation is underway by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner: First Major Accident
Experts have confirmed that this is the first major accident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a model previously praised for its safety record. However, the broader safety history of Boeing aircraft has come under renewed scrutiny following this disaster.
According to the 2018–2023 ICAO Safety Report, Boeing aircraft have been involved in more fatal accidents compared to Airbus during this period.
Boeing vs Airbus: Safety Statistics (2019–2023)
| Year | Boeing Accidents | Boeing Fatalities | Airbus Accidents | Airbus Fatalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 26 | 72 | 23 | 0 |
| 2022 | 21 | 133 | 13 | 2 |
| 2019 | 27 | 229 | Data Not Stated | Data Not Stated |
These figures highlight a consistent pattern of higher fatalities in Boeing aircraft incidents, despite both companies maintaining high safety standards.
The Boeing 737-800 model has been repeatedly involved in accidents, according to ICAO. In contrast, the 787 series had no major crash history prior to the Ahmedabad disaster.
Boeing vs Airbus: Key Differences
Boeing is based in the United States, while Airbus is a European multinational corporation. The two companies differ significantly in design philosophy:
- Control Systems: Boeing aircraft use a traditional yoke control system; Airbus uses side-stick controllers.
- Automation: Airbus is more advanced in fly-by-wire technology and cockpit automation; Boeing offers more manual control, appealing to some pilots for its “hands-on” approach.
- Cockpit Experience: Airbus cockpits are highly automated, while Boeing designs are often described as more pilot-centric.
While both manufacturers adhere to rigorous global safety standards, the flying experience, control systems, and design philosophies vary considerably — which also affects how pilots interact with the aircraft.
This crash has reignited a global conversation about aviation safety and raised critical questions for regulators. Authorities in India and worldwide are now closely monitoring the investigation’s findings to determine the cause of the tragedy and evaluate broader safety implications.