Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — A London-bound Air India flight with 242 people onboard tragically crashed just minutes after takeoff near the Ahmedabad airport, in the densely populated Meghani Nagar locality of Gujarat.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 PM. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), it went down roughly five minutes later, triggering a massive emergency response. Dramatic footage circulating online shows thick black smoke billowing from the crash site.
Key Developments So Far:
Flight AI-171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after departure. The DGCA has confirmed the aircraft involved was Air India’s B787 model with registration VT-ANB.
The flight had 242 individuals onboard, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. It was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kunder assisting.
The incident occurred in a heavily inhabited area not far from the airport, prompting an immediate response from nearby residents and local authorities to aid rescue operations.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has returned to Ahmedabad from Surat to oversee emergency measures. He instructed officials to prioritize medical treatment for survivors and has implemented a green corridor for swift hospital transfers.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has contacted state officials and the Police Commissioner. He assured full support from the central government.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu expressed shock on social media and stated he is closely monitoring the situation. He confirmed that emergency teams and rescue agencies have been activated to manage the aftermath.
Air India, in a public statement on X, acknowledged the crash and stated that efforts are ongoing to verify all details. The airline’s chairman N Chandrasekaran offered his condolences and confirmed that an emergency response centre has been set up, along with dedicated support teams to assist families.
Flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have been halted temporarily. An airport representative confirmed that services will remain suspended until further notice.
London Gatwick Airport also issued a statement via X, acknowledging that the downed aircraft was scheduled to arrive at 18:25 local time.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is deploying a special investigative team, led by the Director General, to the crash site for a detailed probe into the incident.
More updates are expected as rescue and investigation efforts continue.