London-bound Air India plane crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. The plane was carrying 242 passengers.
A tragic aviation disaster unfolded in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI 171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed moments after takeoff. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down near a residential locality, Meghani Nagar, shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m.
Eyewitnesses reported plumes of thick black smoke rising above the neighborhood. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing as emergency teams work tirelessly at the crash site. Several casualties are feared, though officials have yet to confirm exact numbers.
International Passengers on Board the Crashed Air India Flight
The ill-fated Air India plane had a global passenger list. Of the 242 onboard, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were from the United Kingdom, 7 from Portugal, and 1 Canadian. The passengers were en route to London’s Gatwick Airport.
The flight was piloted by Captain Sumit Sabharwal, with Clive Kunder as the co-pilot. Both were experienced flyers. Shortly after takeoff from runway 23, the pilots sent a MAYDAY distress call to Air Traffic Control (ATC). However, communication abruptly ceased soon after.
MAYDAY Call Ignites Emergency Response
According to sources from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the distress signal was the last communication received. “After the MAYDAY call, the aircraft didn’t respond to repeated attempts by ATC,” an official reported.
The Boeing 787 crashed five minutes into its flight, just beyond the airport’s perimeter. The DGCA has launched an official investigation, and the black box retrieval is a top priority.
Residential Impact and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The plane crashed into a densely populated residential zone. Debris was scattered across buildings, and local residents were the first to respond before rescue teams arrived. Injured passengers and civilians have been rushed to nearby hospitals.
Rescue operations are ongoing, and emergency teams continue to search for survivors. Authorities say chances of survival are slim, though every effort is being made to locate and save anyone trapped.
UK Embassy Monitoring Situation Closely
With 53 British nationals aboard, the United Kingdom embassy in India is closely monitoring the crash developments. In a statement, the embassy said, “We are working with local authorities to urgently establish facts and support those affected.”
Consular support has been extended to families of British passengers, and updates are being provided regularly through diplomatic channels.
Prime Minister Modi Orders Immediate Action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern and reached out to Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu. The minister has flown to Ahmedabad to personally oversee rescue efforts.
“All relevant agencies are on high alert,” stated the Prime Minister’s Office. “The Minister has been directed to ensure swift and full-scale support to affected families and to keep the Prime Minister updated.”
Air India, Tata Group Express Condolences and Assure Support
Air India confirmed the crash via its official channels. “We are currently ascertaining details and will update the public via our website and X handle,” the airline posted.
Tata Group Chairman, N. Chandrasekaran, expressed deep sorrow on social media:
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Flight AI171 has suffered a tragic accident. Our hearts go out to all those affected. We are fully supporting rescue teams and prioritizing assistance for the families.”
An emergency response center has been activated by Air India. Families seeking updates or assistance can now contact the helpline set up by the airline.
Investigation Underway Into Cause of Crash
The exact reason behind the Ahmedabad plane crash remains unknown. Officials confirm that the aircraft gave no response following its distress signal. Aviation experts believe a technical failure may have occurred, but concrete evidence is pending.
Search for the aircraft’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder is underway. These will be crucial in understanding what went wrong just moments after takeoff.
The Ahmedabad Air India plane crash is one of the gravest aviation tragedies in recent memory. With over 240 lives affected, the nation mourns and prays for the victims and their families. Investigations continue, and updates will be shared as authorities uncover more information.
