AHMEDABAD, Jun 12— In a devastating tragedy, the Air India Ahmedabad crash has left the nation in shock. A Boeing Dreamliner aircraft bound for London, carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, crashed just minutes after takeoff from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash has triggered a massive rescue and investigation operation.
What We Know So Far About the Air India Ahmedabad Crash
The ill-fated Air India Flight AI171 departed from Ahmedabad at 1:39 PM on June 12, 2025. Within five minutes, it crashed in a densely populated area near the airport, causing massive fires and destruction. Eyewitnesses reported a thunderous sound, followed by thick smoke and flames.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight was being operated by pilots Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder. The Air India Ahmedabad crash is among the most serious aviation incidents India has witnessed in recent years.
Location and Ground Situation
The crash site, located near residential colonies, has become the center of rescue operations. Visuals from the scene show firefighters, emergency medical teams, and local volunteers scrambling to douse flames and pull out survivors.
All flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport have been suspended until further notice. The airport authorities have urged passengers to avoid the premises and check with airlines for the latest updates.
“We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation,” said an airport spokesperson.
Key Details of the Air India Ahmedabad Crash
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight Number | AI171 |
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB) |
| Departure | Ahmedabad Airport (Runway 23) |
| Destination | London Gatwick Airport |
| Onboard | 242 (232 passengers + 10 crew members) |
| Time of Crash | ~1:44 PM IST |
| Airport Status | Temporarily Suspended |
Confirmed Details So Far
- Aircraft: Air India B787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB)
- Pilots: Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder
- Total Onboard: 242 (232 passengers + 10 crew)
- Crash Time: ~1:44 PM (5 minutes after takeoff)
- Airport Status: All operations suspended at Ahmedabad Airport
Leadership Responds
🔹 Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025
PM Modi has spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, urging immediate action and all possible assistance to victims and their families.
Amit Shah Reacts to Air India Ahmedabad Crash
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is currently en route to Ahmedabad, expressed deep sorrow over the Air India Ahmedabad crash. In a post on X, he wrote:
“Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation.”
Shah emphasized that rescue efforts are underway and that the central government is fully committed to providing every possible support to the victims and their families.
“Shocked and saddened by the crash. Rescue teams have been mobilized. Emergency medical aid is being rushed. Monitoring the situation personally,” Shah posted on X.
Gujarat Government’s Response
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel has rushed to Ahmedabad and instructed:
- Immediate rescue and relief work
- Green corridors for transporting injured to hospitals
- Priority hospital care for victims
He added that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured full support from the Centre.
Air India’s Statement
In an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), Air India confirmed the crash of flight AI171:
“We regret to confirm that AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick met with an incident post takeoff. Our immediate priority is the safety and well-being of passengers and crew. We are coordinating closely with emergency services.”
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow and assured full support to families of the victims. Emergency control rooms and helplines have been activated.
Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
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…
Investigation Launched
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has dispatched a high-level team to the crash site. Black box retrieval and cockpit voice recorder analysis will begin once it’s deemed safe to access the wreckage.
Global Reaction
Gatwick Airport, where the flight was due to land at 6:25 PM (UK time), acknowledged the crash in a post:
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected. We are working with authorities and Air India for support and updates.”
What’s Next?
Rescue operations are ongoing. The DGCA and AAIB will soon release an official report on the probable cause. For now, authorities remain focused on saving lives, identifying victims, and securing the crash site.
Ministry of Civil Aviation Sets Up Control Room
In response to the Air India Ahmedabad crash, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has activated a dedicated operational control room to handle the situation. The control room will coordinate with:
- Emergency response agencies
- Air India teams
- Local administration
- Medical and disaster management units
The aim is to streamline updates and provide accurate, timely information to the families of passengers and the media.
The ministry has also dispatched senior officials and investigators to Ahmedabad, and efforts are underway to ensure transparency in the investigation and relief coordination.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has established an operational control room to coordinate details and aid families of victims.
Contact numbers:
- 011-24610843
- 9650391859
Ahmedabad plane crash live: Indigo issues travel advisory
“Following the incident near Ahmedabad Airport and the resulting runway restrictions, flight operations are impacted.” Our thoughts are with the families of those affected. We seek your kind understanding, as these are truly challenging times for everyone. If your flight is impacted, you may rebook or claim a full refund via our website. Our teams remain on standby across all channels to support you,” Indigo posted on X
Stay tuned to Taaza Wire for the latest verified updates on the Air India Ahmedabad crash.
Taaza Wire extends heartfelt prayers to the passengers, crew, and families affected by this devastating incident.
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[…] Air India Flight to London Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport: 242 Onboard, Major Rescue Underway […]
[…] woke up to one of its darkest aviation tragedies in over a decade as Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly […]