Air India Plane Crash: London-Bound Flight With 243 Passengers Crashes At Ahmedabad Airport

An Air India flight bound for London, carrying 243 passengers, crashed near Ahmedabad airport. The incident occurred on Thursday, with emergency services quickly arriving at the scene. A thick plume of smoke was visible from the crash site as rescuers and fire brigade personnel worked to assist those affected.

The aircraft involved in the crash was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. It was en route from Ahmedabad to London when the accident happened shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhai International Airport. The crash site is located in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad.

Details of the Incident

The plane reached an altitude of 625 feet before losing its signal. At that time, it was travelling at a speed of approximately 174 knots. Debris from the crash landed near the airport's outer boundary wall, prompting immediate relief efforts.
The Indian Air Force and Army have joined rescue operations to aid those impacted by the tragedy. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sent an accident investigation team to examine the cause of the crash.

Air India Releases Official Statement

Air India released a statement regarding the incident: "Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest." This statement highlights their commitment to providing timely information as more details become available.

As rescue operations continue, emergency responders are working tirelessly to transport injured individuals to nearby hospitals for medical attention. The situation remains fluid as authorities strive to manage relief efforts effectively.

This tragic event has prompted swift action from various agencies to ensure all necessary support is provided. As investigations proceed, more information is expected to emerge about what led to this unfortunate accident.

Rescue Operation Underway

Gujarat's Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, has directed immediate rescue and relief efforts following the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. He instructed officials to prioritise the treatment of injured passengers. Upon learning about the incident, he contacted Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi and senior secretaries to arrange a green corridor for swift medical assistance.

An official statement from Air India confirmed that Flight AI171, operating between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick, was involved in an incident on 12 June 2025. "Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates as soon as possible on airindia.com and our X handle (x.com/airindia)," said an Air India spokesperson.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah In Touch With Gujarat CM

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been in touch with Gujarat's Chief Minister, Home Minister, and Police Commissioner regarding the crash. He assured that the central government would provide necessary assistance. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that Air India's B787 Aircraft VT-ANB crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad while operating flight AI-171 to Gatwick.

The aircraft had 242 people on board, including two pilots and ten cabin crew members. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was in command with First Officer Clive Kundar assisting. Captain Sabharwal has accumulated 8,200 hours of flying experience, while the copilot has logged 1,100 hours.

Air India Ahmedabad Plane Crash: What Has Happened So Far?

According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) using runway 23. It issued a MAYDAY call but did not respond to subsequent ATC communications. The plane crashed just outside the airport perimeter immediately after takeoff from Runway 23. Witnesses reported seeing heavy black smoke rising from the crash site.

Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed his shock over the incident: "Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on the 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 situation is being closely monitored by authorities as rescue operations continue at full pace. The focus remains on providing immediate medical care to those affected by this tragic event.