Ujwal Jalali
New Delhi
An Air India flight bound for London, carrying 242 passengers, crashed shortly after take-off in a residential area of Ahmedabad on Thursday.
The flight, AI 171, had just departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport when it reportedly went down near Forensic Cross Road in the Meghaninagar locality. The aircraft crashed around the IGB Ground, leading to panic among locals.
Related news: Ex-CM Vijay Rupani was on crashed plane, Gujarat BJP confirms
Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that the flight on its way to Gatwick Airport in London crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
"There were 242 persons on board the aircraft, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar," the DGCA said.
As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1.39 pm from runway 23 and 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 smoke was seen coming from the accident site," the official said.
Visuals from the site showed thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky as emergency services rushed to the scene. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by chaos and flames rising from the wreckage.
Also read: NDRF dispatches 3 teams to Ahmedabad crash site, Amit Shah speaks to Gujarat CM
Plane crash: Gujarat CM orders rescue operation on war footing, Shah assures full support
Fire brigade units, local police, and ambulances were deployed immediately, while teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have also been dispatched. Rescue efforts are currently under way, with officials yet to confirm the number of casualties or survivors.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and assured full support from the Centre. Authorities have cordoned off the area and urged people to stay away to facilitate rescue operations.
The cause of the crash remains unknown, but initial reports suggest the mishap occurred during take-off.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed shock over the incident and stated that the Ministry is on its "highest alert".
"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," the minister posted on X.
He further stated that rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. "My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families," he added.
Also read: Flight operations at Ahmedabad airport temporarily halted
(With inputs from PTI)
June 12, 2025 8:02 pm
DNA tests will be carried out to ascertain the identities of those who perished in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad city on Thursday afternoon, a senior Gujarat health department official said even as he refused to cite death toll figures.
June 12, 2025 8:02 pm
Multiple teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) apart from other central forces were deployed for rescue and relief operations at the aircraft crash site in Ahmedabad on Thursday, officials said.
June 12, 2025 5:56 pm
Terming the plane crash in Ahmedabad a heart-rending disaster, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said the nation stands with the affected people in this hour of indescribable grief. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said the plane crash has left the nation dealing with a devastating human tragedy.
June 12, 2025 5:38 pm
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will probe the Air India plane crash at the Ahmedabad airport, according to an official. AAIB Director General and Director of Investigation at the agency, among others, will be leaving for Ahmedabad, the official said.
June 12, 2025 5:34 pm
Flight safety protocols are being followed with utmost care, according to ministry's statement.
June 12, 2025 5:22 pm
The Air India plane bound for London crashed into residential quarters of BJ Medical College doctors in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar area, causing severe damage to buildings in the premises, eyewitnesses said.
June 12, 2025 5:19 pm
I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1933114590185025625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025
June 12, 2025 4:16 pm
Shocked to learn about the tragic Air India flight incident near Ahmedabad, with 242 passengers onboard.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder/status/1933107743788867747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. Hoping for the safety and well-being of every passenger and crew member.
June 12, 2025 4:13 pm
The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) https://twitter.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1933108640002588855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025
I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.
June 12, 2025 4:12 pm
Britain's King Charles is being kept updated about the Air India plane crash, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said. Reuters
June 12, 2025 4:11 pm
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) https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1933110947553681853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025
June 12, 2025 4:09 pm
At least 30 bodies have been recovered from a building at the site of a plane crash, rescue personnel at the site said. More people were trapped inside, the rescue workers said. Reuters
June 12, 2025 4:06 pm
In light of the AI171 crash, an Operational Control Room has been activated at the Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate all details. Contact: 011-24610843 | 9650391859
June 12, 2025 4:03 pm
Home Minister's chopper will land in Gandhinagar as Ahmedabad airport has been shut. TNS
June 12, 2025 4:01 pm
Soon after the takeoff, the pilot of ill-fated Air India aircraft gave a Mayday call to the Ahmedabad air traffic controller. However, thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC, aviation regulator DGCA said in a statement. At around 2 pm, the London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. Several casualties are feared.
June 12, 2025 3:54 pm
An Air India plane bound for London with 242 people on board crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad on Thursday, the airline and police said, and India's federal health minister said that "many people" were killed. Reuters
June 12, 2025 3:40 pm
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…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1933102380242882832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025
June 12, 2025 3:37 pm
गुजरात के अहमदाबाद में विमान हादसे में कई लोगों के हताहत होने का समाचार अत्यंत ही दु:खद है।
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) June 12, 2025
इस दु:खद घटना को लेकर गुजरात भाजपा प्रदेश अध्यक्ष व केंद्रीय मंत्री श्री https://twitter.com/CRPaatil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CRPaatil</a> जी और प्रदेश के स्वास्थ्य मंत्री श्री @irushikeshpatel से बात की और स्वास्थ्य सुविधाओं एवं राहत कार्य की…
June 12, 2025 3:34 pm
The flight also had 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese passengers, besides two pilots and 10 crew members.
June 12, 2025 3:26 pm
Gujarat BJP has confirmed that former state chief minister Vijay Rupani was on board the ill-fated Air India Dreamliner and had indeed boarded the plane. Yagnesh Dave, Gujarat BJP spokesperson told The Tribune on phone that Rupani was on the plane as per his travel plans. "However we have no news about the whereabouts of Vijaybhai Rupani" Dave told the Tribune correspondent in the first official confirmation that the former CM was on board the plane where most passengers are feared dead. TNS
June 12, 2025 3:22 pm
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.
— Tata Group (@TataCompanies) https://twitter.com/TataCompanies/status/1933091363874086933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025
At this moment, our…
June 12, 2025 3:21 pm
All flight operations have been temporarily suspended at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport following the crash of an Air India flight. "As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice," a spokesperson of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport said in a statement.
June 12, 2025 3:14 pm
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and took stock of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. The PM was briefed on the situation and instructed the Civil Aviation Minister to rush to the crash site and oversee the ongoing rescue and relief operations. "The PM also directed that all necessary assistance be extended to those affected without delay and emphasised the need for regular updates on the evolving situation," a senior official said. TNS
June 12, 2025 3:13 pm
Shah also reached out to Gujarat CM Patel and assured full support from the Centre. “NDRF teams and other central agencies are being deployed to assist in the rescue and relief operations,” Shah said, adding that every possible effort will be made to aid those affected by the tragedy. Three NDRF teams, comprising of 90 personnel, have been moved from Gandhinagar to the plane crash site, while a total of three more teams being moved from Vadodara, an official spokesperson of the force said. TNS
June 12, 2025 3:11 pm
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered rescue and relief operations to be carried out on a war footing. Immediately after receiving news of the incident, the CM spoke to Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi and senior officials, directing them to mobilise all resources without delay. He instructed the administration to establish a green corridor to expedite the transfer of injured passengers to nearby hospitals and to ensure that all necessary medical arrangements were made on priority. TNS
June 12, 2025 3:08 pm
Stunned and profoundly shocked to know of the most tragic Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad today. It is a most sad news for all of us, even while we anxiously wait for survivors details and pray for survival of all.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1933091591482474953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025
The crash during take- off of the London- bound plane has…
June 12, 2025 3:04 pm
June 12, 2025 3:00 pm
Aircraft involved in crash was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, according to Flightradar24. Reuters
June 12, 2025 2:51 pm
Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad.
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) https://twitter.com/RamMNK/status/1933088489706578159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025
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…
June 12, 2025 2:44 pm
June 12, 2025 2:43 pm
"Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on http://airindia.com and on our X handle," Air India posted on X.
June 12, 2025 2:32 pm
Plane which crashed near Ahmedabad airport was an Air India aircraft with 242 passengers on board and was going to London: Police. PTI
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