An Air India plane, en route from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed minutes after take-off on June 12 afternoon. The flight was carrying 242 people when it went down near Ahmedabad Airport in the Meghaninagar area. The crash occurred minutes after its take-off at 1.38 PM on Thursday, when the aircraft, reportedly, lost altitude after take-off.
Air India Ahmedabad-London Plane Crashes Near Minutes After Take-Off
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…
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
AI 171, Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was flying from Ahmedabad to London. The flight had 242 people onboard, consisting of 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national, 7 Portuguese nationals, 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew, when it crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. Visuals circulating online show huge billows of smoke emanating near Meghaninagar. The crash is said to have happened in a densely populated area.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India confirmed the crash. Reportedly, the aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. An Air India spokesperson said, “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 on our website and on our X handle.”
Just heard about the absolutely HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY of the Air India Flight AI171, Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying an estimated 242 people from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashing shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad Airport. Precious lives hang in the balance in Meghaninagar… pic.twitter.com/GAildMfE0A
— Tehseen Poonawalla Official 🇮🇳 (@tehseenp) June 12, 2025
Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu took to X and said, “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on 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.”
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Rescue Work Underway
As soon as the news about the Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad airport broke out, emergency responders reached the site promptly. They have launched an intensive rescue, evacuation, and firefighting operation. Fire brigade and medical teams also rushed to the airport for rescue work. As per the latest update, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (Ahmedabad airport) has been shut down after this incident.
N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Air India, also expressed his sorrow about the plane crash and said, “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 people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.”
The dedicated passenger hotline number, set up by Air India, is 1800 5691 444.
The crash is reported to have hit BJ Medical College and initial reports suggest of casualties at hostel site as well. The injured are being rushed to nearby medical facilities.
More updates about this incident are awaited.
Kindly refrain from spreading misinformation and only trust verified news via official channels only.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@nagraj_sarp & X/@themdsharique
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