An Air India-171 Ahmedabad-London flight crashed at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad during take-off on Thursday evening.
According to preliminary information, within just two minutes of take-off, the rear portion of the aircraft reportedly collided with a tree, causing it to veer off course and crash into a nearby airport structure. The impact was severe, resulting in injuries to several passengers and crew members. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the scene.
As per ATC, “Aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft Immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site,” the statement added.
PM Modi expresses grief over the tragic accident
“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,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Gujarat CM Patel said, “I am deeply distressed by the passenger aircraft accident of Air India in Ahmedabad. I have directed officials to immediately carry out rescue and relief operations on a war footing, and to ensure prompt medical treatment for the injured passengers. Instructions have also been given to arrange a green corridor for quickly transporting the injured to hospitals and to ensure all necessary medical facilities at the hospitals on a priority basis. Union Home Minister Shri Amitbhai Shah has also spoken with me and assured full support from the Central Government, including deployment of NDRF teams for rescue and relief operations in this air accident”.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to X, “Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation.”
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, crashed minutes after taking off in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Of the 230 passengers, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.
Following the crash, Air India set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide information. The state government has set up a control room at the State Emergency Operation Center in connection with the Ahmedabad plane crash. The concerned can contact the control room on phone no. 079-232-51900 and mobile no. 9978405304.
As the plane crashed near BJMC Boys Hostel, 15 junior doctors have been injured and taken to the hospital.
Ahmedabad airport suspends flight operations
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) officials here on Thursday said that all flight operations remain temporarily suspended until further notice.
An SVPIA spokesperson said that “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational”.
“All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport,” said the spokesperson.
“We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation. Further updates will be provided as soon as available,” said the spokesperson.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah left for Ahmedabad following the unfortunate incident.
As of now, the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, though officials fear significant loss of life. The DGCA has launched a full investigation into the crash, and a team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been dispatched to the site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, as per reports.
Minister of Home for Gujarat Harsh Sanghavi tweeted shortly after.
As per reports, Flight Commander Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, First Officer Clive Kundar and other 11 crew members were on board. The initial reports claim that flight’s mayday call was unanswered.
At least 20 passengers have been feared dead in the deadly crash near Ahmedabad airport.
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, Gujarat Home Minister and CM Patel have left for Civil Hospital where injured have been shifted.
Air India said, “Flight AI, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details”.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly had a telephonic conversation with Guajrat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
As per unconfirmed reports, former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was on the plane.
An Air India-171 Ahmedabad-London flight was crashed at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad during take-off on Thursday evening. As per preliminary information, the incident occurred during routine operations on the tarmac, prompting an immediate emergency response.
The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services Department deployed more than five fire-fighting vehicles to the site. Officials confirmed that fire tenders were swiftly mobilised following the alert, and emergency teams are currently engaged in response and assessment operations.
“A team of over five fire vehicles from various city divisions has reached the location. Fire control measures are being carried out as a precaution,” a senior fire department official said.
As per reports, Passengers capacity of the plane was 300 and there were 242 boarded inside the plane. Several people has been reported injured.
As per reports, para military force, NDRF, and NSG rushed the spot for rescue.
According to residents of Meghaninagar, three loud explosions were heard followed by smoke.
The cause of the incident and the extent of damage to the aircraft are yet to be officially confirmed. Airport authorities have initiated an internal inquiry, while a technical team is assessing the situation.
Currently, roads leading to airport have been closed for movement after the incident.
Further updates are awaited from both Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).