Air India Crash: 169 Indians, 53 British Nationals Among 242 Onboard London-Bound Flight from Ahmedabad
Air India Crash: 169 Indians, 53 British Nationals Among 242 Onboard London-Bound Flight from Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — A tragic air accident struck Ahmedabad on Wednesday afternoon when Air India Flight AI171, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff, carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British passengers, one Canadian and 7 Portugal citizens.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, had departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) and crashed within minutes of becoming airborne. Onboard were two pilots and 10 cabin crew members in addition to the passengers.
Air India issued a brief statement confirming the incident: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today. We are in the process of verifying the facts and will provide updates as soon as possible.”
In response, the airline has activated an emergency hotline — 1800 5691 444 — to assist families and provide further information regarding the passengers.
Rescue operations remain ongoing, with thick smoke at the crash site making it difficult for first responders. The airport has been shut down until further notice, and a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is on its way to assist in operations.
The aircraft reportedly went down about nine minutes after takeoff, and authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash.
