Air India flight crash -Air India Flight AI171 to London Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport, 30 Dead, 242 Onboard
In a devastating incident, Air India Flight AI171, operating a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The aircraft was en route to London Gatwick Airport and had 242 individuals onboard, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight took off at 1:39 PM from runway 23 and crashed within five minutes in the Meghani Nagar area, a densely populated neighborhood near the airport. Visuals shared online show thick plumes of smoke rising from the crash site.
Confirmed Casualties and Rescue Operation
As per CNN-News18, 30 fatalities have been confirmed so far, while several injured passengers have been rushed to nearby hospitals. Emergency response teams, including the fire department, NDRF, and police, have been deployed at the site, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Residents from the nearby locality were among the first to reach the spot and assist in initial relief efforts.
Key Official Responses and Developments
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Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel immediately left Surat to reach Ahmedabad and oversee relief operations.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat CM, state Home Minister, and the Police Commissioner, assuring full central government assistance.
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Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu expressed deep shock over the incident and confirmed that all aviation and emergency agencies have been instructed to act swiftly.
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Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran extended his condolences and stated that an emergency center has been activated, with support teams assisting families of passengers.
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The Gujarat government has created a green corridor to transport the injured swiftly to hospitals for immediate treatment.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also spoken with Shah and Naidu, asking them to ensure all necessary support reaches the affected.
Details of the Flight and Investigation
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Flight AI171 was scheduled to land at London Gatwick at 6:25 PM local time, according to a statement released by Gatwick Airport.
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The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kunder as co-pilot.
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The DGCA confirmed the crash and noted that initial findings indicate a technical failure shortly after takeoff.
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Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has temporarily suspended all flight operations until further notice.
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The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) director general and his team are en route to Ahmedabad for an in-depth investigation into the crash.
Statements from Authorities
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu posted on X:
“Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. All rescue efforts are being made. My thoughts and prayers are with the passengers and their families.”
Air India’s official post on X read:
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, June 12, 2025. We are working to gather more information and support affected individuals.”
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