Air India Flight To London Crashes Minutes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad with 242 Onboard; Rescue Ops Underway
Air India Flight To London Crashes Minutes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad with 242 Onboard; Rescue Ops Underway
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – A major aviation tragedy unfolded on Thursday afternoon when an Air India flight AI171, headed to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed just five minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, carrying 242 people on board.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner departed from Runway 23 at 1:38 PM IST, but shortly after takeoff, the pilot issued a MAYDAY call to Air Traffic Control (ATC). Moments later, the aircraft lost all communication and crashed near Meghaninagar, just outside the airport perimeter.
Thick plumes of black smoke were seen billowing from the crash site, prompting an immediate emergency response. Fire brigades, ambulances, and disaster management teams rushed to the location. The Ahmedabad airport has been temporarily shut down as rescue and relief operations continue.
In an official statement posted on social media platform X, Air India confirmed the incident, saying:
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are currently ascertaining the details and will provide further updates at the earliest.”
The pilot, Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, was a seasoned flyer with over 8,200 hours of flight experience, while the co-pilot had logged 1,100 hours. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft failed to respond after the MAYDAY call and crashed outside the airport premises, sparking a massive fire.
As of now, no official confirmation has been provided regarding casualties or survivors. Authorities are actively working to assess the number of fatalities and injuries.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state’s home minister, and the Ahmedabad police commissioner, assuring full support from the Centre for rescue and relief operations.
Chief Minister Patel directed officials to take up relief efforts on a war footing, ensuring prompt medical attention for the injured and swift coordination of rescue efforts.
This is a developing story, and further updates are awaited from Air India, the Civil Aviation Ministry, and DGCA as investigations continue into the cause of the tragic crash.
