Air India Flight AI171 Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport: 242 On Board, Rescue Operations Underway
AHMEDABAD, INDIA (June 12, 2025) – A major tragedy struck when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft plunged into the Meghani area, a residential locality near the airport, triggering a massive explosion and fire due to its heavy fuel load.
#BREAKING : Exclusive footage of Vijay Rupani Boarding Pass.
— upuknews (@upuknews1) June 12, 2025
Ex Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was on crashed Air India Plane in Ahmedabad.#Ahmedabad #Gujarat #PlaneCrash #Crash #AI171 #AirIndia #VijayRupani pic.twitter.com/gZ5RYkepyD
Flight Details and Casualties
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight had 242 people on board—230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members. The aircraft was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar as the co-pilot.
The passenger manifest included:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 1 Canadian national
- 7 Portuguese nationals
As of now, there is no official confirmation on casualties, but rescue operations are underway.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
Multiple agencies, including firefighters, ambulances, police, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), rushed to the crash site. Three NDRF teams (90 personnel) from Gandhinagar were deployed immediately, with three more teams en route from Vadodara.
A senior police officer stated:
“As per preliminary information, the London-bound Air India flight crashed near the doctors’ hostel. Within 2–3 minutes, police and other agencies reached the spot. Almost 70–80% of the area has been cleared. All agencies are working here.”
Government and Airline Response
- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed deep sorrow and directed officials to expedite rescue operations. He assured immediate medical care for survivors and the creation of a green corridor for swift hospital transfers.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with CM Patel, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, and State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, assuring full central government support.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and MoS Murlidhar Mohol to visit Ahmedabad and oversee relief efforts.
- Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran issued a statement expressing “profound sorrow” and confirming the activation of an emergency support center for affected families.
Air India Flight crashed in Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad, Gujrat.
— Sumit (@SumitHansd) June 12, 2025
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Around 232 people were on the
🇮🇳Ahmedabad-London🇬🇧 flight when the plane crashed
Prayers 🙏 #Gujarat #PlaneCrash #Ahemdabad pic.twitter.com/EzrPGgNPLh
Note from Air India
Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. 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. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident. Air India will release further information via regular updates on its X handle (https://x.com/airindia) and on http://airindia.com. Note to Editors: Air India requests media persons not to call the dedicated passenger hotline number.
International Reactions
The UK government responded, stating:
“We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support. British nationals requiring consular assistance should call 020 7008 5000.”
Airport Operations Suspended
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport suspended all flight operations post-crash. A spokesperson said:
“Passengers are advised to check with their airlines before proceeding to the airport. Further updates will be provided soon.”
Investigation Underway
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has dispatched a team to probe the crash. Flightradar24 data indicated the aircraft reached 625 feet altitude before descending rapidly at -475 feet per minute. Aviation experts suggest the heavy fuel load for the long-haul flight may have intensified the fire.
Condolences Pour In
- Gautam Adani (Adani Group Chairman): “Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families.”
- Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu: “Rescue teams mobilized. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims.”
- Union MoS Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol: “Devastated by the crash. Coordinating with rescue teams to ensure all possible aid reaches survivors and families.”
As the nation mourns this tragic incident, authorities continue their efforts to provide answers and support to those affected.
