An Air India plane headed for London with 242 passengers on board crashed into a residential area in Ahmedabad's Meghani Nagar during takeoff on Thursday afternoon (June 12, 2025). The accident has sparked fears of mass casualties, with rescuers currently involved in the rescue efforts.
The doomed flight AI-171, which was flown by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. local time. The aircraft was headed to Gatwick Airport, London, with 230 passengers and 12 staff members aboard, including Captain Sumit Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kunder.
Reports emerging from the Police Control Room and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) initially stated that the plane had sent out a 'MAYDAY' distress signal soon after leaving Runway 23. But air traffic control heard nothing more from the cockpit after that.
On 12th Jun, 2025, M/s Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, has crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad," a DGCA official said. "It made a 'MAYDAY' Call to ATC, but thereafter, no signal was received by the aircraft for the calls made by ATC. Shortly after departing from Runway 23, the Aircraft came down on the ground outside the periphery of the airport.". Black heavy smoke was observed emerging from the crash site.
The nationalities of the passengers on board comprised 169 Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese passengers.
In a statement posted on its X handle (formerly Twitter), Air India confirmed the incident:
"Flight AI171, flying Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At present, we are confirming the details and will post further updates at the earliest on http://airindia.com and on our X handle."
Witnesses close to the scene of the crash said they heard a blast and subsequently thick black smoke. Firefighters and emergency medical responders were sent to the site instantly. The extent of the casualties, both on board and on the ground, is still not officially confirmed.
The authorities are carrying out a full investigation, and further information is expected as rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing.
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