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Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India flight AI-171, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport with 242 passengers and 12 crew members on board, crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday.  According to preliminary reports, 40 people have lost their lives in the accident.

A green corridor has also been established to bring passengers quickly to the hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu following the air crash. He has directed both ministers to visit Ahmedabad and ensure that all possible assistance is provided to those affected by the tragedy.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to Gujarat Chief Minister and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner following the plane crash. The Centre has assured all necessary assistance to the state. Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has also left for Ahmedabad to take stock of the situation.

In a post on X, Air India confirmed the crash and mentioned that the flight was operating between Ahmedabad and London’s Gatwick Airport. The post from 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 http://airindia.com and on our X handle."

Air India chairman, too, put out a statement saying: “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India fligh, AI 171 operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. 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 chairman added that further updates will be shared as and when the aviation company gets more verified information.
 

An emergency centre has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information, said N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Air India.

Reacting to the heart-wrenching incident, Aviation Minister Naidu said: “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on the highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action."

Thick plumes of smoke from the crash site were visible as far as Vastrapur, prompting panic in surrounding areas. Emergency response teams, including the fire brigade, immediately rushed to the scene. Authorities are yet to confirm the extent of the damage or casualties, and further details are awaited.

Initial reports suggested that the Air India aircraft crashed in a densely populated area near the airport. In the moments following the crash, residents rushed to the site to help passengers and assist with rescue efforts.

DGCA On Crash

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that an Air India Boeing 787 aircraft, bearing registration VT-ANB and operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.

“There were 242 persons on board the aircraft, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," the DGCA said in a statement. The aircraft was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain (LTC) with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 flying hours.

According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 13:39 IST (08:09 UTC) from Runway 23. It issued a MAYDAY call shortly after takeoff, but there was no further response to ATC communications. The aircraft crashed just outside the airport perimeter moments later. Eyewitnesses and officials reported thick black smoke rising from the crash site.