Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025: A catastrophic aviation disaster struck Ahmedabad today as Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM IST. The London Gatwick-bound flight, carrying 242 people—including 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew—plummeted into a residential area in Meghaninagar, sparking a massive fire and raising fears of significant casualties.
The flight, registered as VT-ANB, reportedly issued a mayday call moments before crashing, with preliminary reports suggesting the aircraft’s rear struck a tree during takeoff, causing it to lose control. Flightradar24 data indicates the plane reached a maximum altitude of 625 feet before descending rapidly at 475 feet per minute. The impact site, near the airport perimeter, was engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke visible across the city. Visuals from the scene show charred wreckage and debris scattered across the residential neighborhood, complicating rescue efforts.
Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was traveling in business class. While official casualty figures are yet to be confirmed, sources estimate over 100 fatalities, with some reports suggesting up to 200 deaths due to the severity of the crash and fire. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched probes to determine the cause, with a technical team en route to the site.
Emergency response was swift, with 90 National Disaster Response Force personnel, 12 fire brigades, and teams from Vadodara deployed. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered immediate rescue operations and a green corridor for medical treatment of any survivors. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is overseeing efforts on the ground, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are closely monitoring the situation. Ahmedabad airport remains closed, with all flight operations suspended indefinitely.
Air India issued a statement expressing grief: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. The flight, which departed at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew. We are ascertaining details and will share updates on our website and X handle.” The airline has set up a hotline (1800 5691 444) for affected families.
The crash has sent shockwaves across India and beyond, with leaders like External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and industrialist Gautam Adani expressing condolences. London Gatwick Airport confirmed the flight was due to land at 6:25 PM local time and is coordinating with authorities. As rescue operations continue, the nation mourns, awaiting clarity on the full extent of this tragedy.”
