A Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner of Air India, flying as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed soon after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Within minutes of departure, the aircraft came down in the Meghani Nagar locality, filling the sky with heavy black smoke and drawing a rapid response from emergency teams.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft was carrying 242 people — 230 passengers, two pilots, and ten cabin crew members. The flight was commanded by Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar as co-pilot.
Since the aircraft was heavily fueled for its international journey, the crash led to a massive explosion and fire, making rescue operations more difficult. Several fire engines and ambulances were rushed to the site to manage the emergency.
So far, there has been no official confirmation regarding casualties. A formal investigation is expected to be launched by the DGCA, and a technical team from Boeing may also join the probe. Experts say the large fuel load could have intensified the fire, hampering immediate rescue efforts.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner to take stock of the situation. He assured the Centre’s full support to the state in handling the aftermath and investigation.
In its first official statement, Air India said, “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad– London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details.” Emergency teams, including police, fire services, and ambulances, were quick to arrive at the crash site.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) confirmed that three teams, comprising 90 personnel, were dispatched from Gandhinagar, with three more teams on the way from Vadodara.
The crash site is believed to be near the perimeter wall of the airport, close to residential areas. Access to the area has been restricted, with roads leading to the site closed off for rescue and investigation teams.
The flight took off at 1:30 pm and reportedly crashed into a building within two minutes. At least seven fire engines rushed to the scene. Visuals showing thick black smoke covering the area after the crash quickly appeared online.
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For assistance and inquiries related to the Air India crash, contact the helpline at +91 98214 14954 or the Air India hotline at 1800 5691 444.
Air India Passenger Name:
Former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was on the flight.
