In one of the worst air disasters India has witnessed in nearly three decades, an Air India Boeing Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew members crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on the afternoon of 12 June 2025. The London-bound flight, AI-171, crashed within five minutes of departure, around 1:39 PM, plunging into a densely populated area near the airport.
Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the crash site, with visuals flooding social media. Residents nearby rushed to the scene to assist rescue operations before emergency teams arrived.
The flight that departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 hrs with 242 passengers & crew on a Boeing 787-8 tragically met with a #PlaneCrash crashing into the BJ Medical College UG Hostel mess. God knows how many lives were lost, Prayers for everyone's safety.🙏 pic.twitter.com/WdrsQWqfka
— Hail Prabhas (@HailPrabhas007) June 12, 2025
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 with registration VT-ANB. It was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder. Onboard were 242 individuals, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens, along with 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his grief on social media platform X, said, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.” He has directed Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu to travel to Ahmedabad to oversee relief and response efforts.
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
Air India confirmed the crash and activated an emergency control center. The airline has set up a dedicated passenger helpline — 1800 5691 444 — to assist families and provide information. Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed condolences and assured that all possible support was being extended to the victims’ families.
Home Minister Amit Shah, en route to Ahmedabad, said on X, “Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site.” Shah has spoken with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and senior state officials to coordinate relief operations.
Chief Minister Patel, returning urgently from Surat, stated that he has instructed officials to begin rescue efforts on a war footing and ordered a green corridor for swift medical evacuation of the injured. He assured full medical treatment and support for those affected.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has suspended operations at Ahmedabad airport until further notice. Gatwick Airport, the flight’s intended destination, confirmed that the aircraft was scheduled to land in London at 18:25 local time.
An investigation has been launched, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) team en route to the crash site. A control room has been activated for coordination. Contact numbers: 011-24610843 and 9650391859.
(With inputs from Money Control)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
