Air India flight to London with 242 passengers crashes near Ahmedabad airport
A major air tragedy struck Gujarat on Thursday as an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, in the Meghani area near the city. The aircraft, identified as a Boeing Dreamliner, was operating as Flight AI171 with 242 people on board, according to news agency ANI.
What We Know So Far:
- The incident occurred minutes after the plane took off for London Gatwick.
- Visuals from the crash site show thick plumes of smoke rising from a densely populated area, sparking panic among local residents.
- Locals rushed to the scene to aid in rescue and relief efforts before official emergency services arrived.
- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has reportedly left Surat for Ahmedabad to personally oversee the situation.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah has held discussions with CM Patel and has assured the Gujarat government of full central support, according to an IANS report.
- Air India issued a brief statement on X (formerly Twitter):
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are currently ascertaining further details.”
Rescue teams, including firefighters, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units, and medical personnel, are currently at the scene. Authorities have yet to release official information about casualties or survivors.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed shock over the incident
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said, “Extremely shocked and saddened by the news of the flight crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
Aircraft Details
- Type: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Registration: VT-ANB
- Operator: Air India
- Flight Number: AI-171
- Route: Ahmedabad (India) → Gatwick (UK)
- Date of Incident: 12 June 2025
- Crash Location: Immediately after takeoff from Runway 23, Ahmedabad Airport, Gujarat
Onboard Manifest
- Total People on Board: 242
- Passengers: 230
- Pilots: 2
- Cabin Crew: 10
Cockpit Crew
- Captain: Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal (LTC), with 8,200 hours of flying experience
- First Officer: Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours of flying experience
Timeline of Events (IST)
- 13:39 – Flight AI-171 departs from Runway 23, Ahmedabad
- Shortly After Takeoff – Mayday call issued by the cockpit
- Moments Later – Aircraft crashes just outside the airport perimeter
- Post Mayday – No further communication from the crew received by ATC
Preliminary Status
- Visuals: Witnesses and media footage confirm thick black smoke at the crash site
- DGCA: Investigation has been launched; preliminary probe underway
- Casualties: Status of passengers and crew is not yet officially confirmed
- Rescue Ops: NDRF teams, firefighters, and medical personnel are engaged at the site
- Central Assistance: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured all support from the Centre
- State Response: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel is monitoring the situation from Ahmedabad
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel instructs officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel said, “I am deeply saddened by the incident of the Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. I have instructed the officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing. I have also instructed to arrange for a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all arrangements for treatment in the hospital on priority basis. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to me and assured full cooperation…”
PM Modi speaks to Civil Aviation Minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, and took stock of the Air India flight crash incident in Ahmedabad. The Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground. The Prime Minister has directed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation. All relevant agencies are on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway, as per the Office of Rammohan Naidu.
Official Statement by N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Air India
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident today.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.
At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected individuals and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to ensure all necessary support and care is provided to those impacted.
Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information.
An emergency centre has been activated, and support teams have been set up for families seeking information and assistance.”
— N. Chandrasekaran
Chairman, Air India
Air India says, “The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information…”
Boeing stock falls after Air India plane crash in Gujarat
Ahmedabad plane crash LIVE: Boeing shares fell to 7.8% to $197.3 in premarket trading on Thursday, reports Reuters, This fall in shares comes after an Air India aircraft with 242 passengers crashed five minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport.
Naveen Patnaik anguished to learn about Air India flight crash
“Deeply anguished to learn about the disastrous crash of the Ahmedabad- London Air India flight with hundreds of people onboard. My thoughts and prayers are with the families deeply affected in the tragic plane crash,” said BJD President Naveen Patnaik.
Further updates will follow as the investigation continues and more details become available.
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