In a tragic incident, an Air India passenger aircraft operating as Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The flight was en route to London Gatwick Airport.
According to official reports and FlightRadar24 data, the aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. It was carrying 242 passengers on board at the time of the incident.
The scheduled departure time for the flight was 09:50 AM IST, with an expected arrival in London at 06:25 PM local time. However, the last recorded signal from the aircraft was received at 10:08 AM IST—just seconds after takeoff—when the plane was flying at an altitude of only 625 feet.
The crash occurred in a civilian residential area near the Meghani locality of Ahmedabad, close to the airport. Emergency services rushed to the site, and rescue operations are currently underway.
In a statement released by Air India, the airline confirmed:
> “Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are currently working to gather more information and will share updates as soon as possible.”
Flight tracking services have confirmed that the aircraft lost communication very shortly after takeoff, suggesting a possible technical failure or other emergency.
Unconfirmed Reports:
Some local media sources, including TV9, have reported that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani may have been on board the aircraft. However, this information has not yet been confirmed by the authorities.
Aircraft Details:
Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Flight Number: AI171
Route: Ahmedabad (India) – London Gatwick (UK)
Passengers on Board: 242
Air India Flight AI171 Crash: Official Statement and Details
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Air India aircraft was being flown by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who has over 8,200 hours of flying experience and holds the position of Line Training Captain (LTC). The First Officer on board was Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours of flight experience.
As per Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft took off from Ahmedabad at 1:39 PM IST (08:09 UTC) from Runway 23. Shortly after takeoff, the crew sent a “MAYDAY” distress call, but the aircraft did not respond to any further calls from ATC. The plane crashed just outside the airport perimeter moments after departure. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site.
Tata Group has activated an emergency center and set up a special support team to help families looking for information after the Air India flight crash.
India’s Aviation Minister’s Office said all key agencies are on high alert and working together in a coordinated manner.
The minister’s office also confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed officials to ensure all necessary help and support is provided without delay.
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran released a statement, saying:
> “With deep sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of everyone affected by this terrible incident.”
> “At this time, our main priority is to support all those impacted and their families. We are fully assisting emergency teams at the site and doing everything possible to provide care and support.”
Update
According to the passenger list of Air India Flight 171, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also on board.
The flight that crashed in Ahmedabad, India, had 217 adults and 11 children on board, according to sources.
Among the passengers were 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese citizens.
Initial ADS-B data from Flightradar shows that Air India Flight 171 reached an altitude of 625 feet after takeoff (with the airport’s elevation around 200 feet), but then began descending at a speed of 475 feet per minute.
Adani Group’s Gautam Adani on India’s air crash said they are working closely with all authorities and providing full support to the families affected on the ground.
According to police, the Air India plane crashed into a hostel building meant for doctors.
This is a developing story, and more updates are expected soon.
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