Air India Flight AI-171 Crashes Minutes after Take-off from Ahmedabad, 242 on Onboard

Moneylife Digital Team 12 June 2025

Economy & Nation

In a devastating aviation tragedy, Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed into a residential neighbourhood in Meghani Nagar shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad at 1:38pm. The flight was carrying 242 individuals, including 230 adult passengers, two infants and 12 crew members.

The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control within minutes of departure from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, crashing around 15km from the runway. The impact sent thick smoke and flames billowing over the area, causing severe damage to homes and infrastructure in the densely populated locality.

The flight was piloted by captain Sumeet Sabharwal and first officer Clive Kundar. As of now, the airline has not released details on casualties, but rescue and relief operations are ongoing on a war footing.

Air India confirmed the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an incident. We are ascertaining details and will share further updates."

Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. 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…
— Air India (@airindia) [June 12, 2025](twsrc%5Etfw)

The Gujarat police confirmed that the aircraft went down in a residential block of Meghani Nagar, far from the airport’s usual flight path, raising questions about the aircraft’s trajectory in its final moments.

The cause of the crash remains unclear. Preliminary information from directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) confirms that contact was lost within five minutes of take-off. Whether the crash was due to technical failure, human error, or other factors will be known only after a detailed analysis of the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.

Three teams from the national disaster response force (NDRF) have reached the scene and are assisting in search-and-rescue efforts, with debris being combed through for survivors and victims. Injured passengers are being moved to hospitals even as a DGCA-led probe into the cause of the crash is underway.

All flight operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have been temporarily suspended following the crash, the airport authorities confirmed.

This is the most serious aviation disaster in recent years for Air India and one of the worst to strike the region in over a decade. With families awaiting news and emergency teams racing against time, the nation watches anxiously for updates.

Gujarat chief minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel expressed profound anguish over the crash and directed officials to launch immediate rescue and medical efforts. A green corridor has been established to expedite the transport of the injured to hospitals, with all emergency medical services in the city activated and hospitals placed on high alert.

Fire brigade units with three engines were deployed to the site, along with police teams and local authorities. Eye-witnesses described scenes of panic and devastation, but also acts of heroism, as residents rushed to help pull survivors from the wreckage.

Union home minister Amit Shah reviewed the situation and has assured full support from the Centre. Minister of civil aviation Ram Mohan Naidu rushed to Ahmedabad to personally oversee the response.

Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad.

We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all…
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 12, 2025

Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow in an official statement: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad–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. 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 and provide necessary care. An emergency centre has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information.”

A helpline has been set up by Air India for relatives of passengers. More information is expected to be released in the coming hours.

In light of the AI171 crash, an operational control room has been activated at the Union ministry of civil aviation to coordinate all details.

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Nahom

4 weeks ago

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