London-bound Air India Plane crashes near Ahmedabad Airport, 242 passengers onboard

A major air tragedy struck Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon after an Air India flight bound for London reportedly crashed near the airport, triggering a massive emergency response. The aircraft, Flight AI171, was on its way from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when the incident occurred close to the Meghaninagar area, just outside the airport perimeter.

Reports stated that the aircraft was an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the crash site, prompting immediate deployment of fire tenders, ambulances, police, and disaster response units. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud blast, followed by visuals of the aircraft engulfed in flames. Emergency services rushed to the scene and began rescue operations as local authorities cordoned off the area.

LIVE VIDEO

Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today#Ahmedabadplanecrash #london #planecrash #Ahmedabad #AirIndia pic.twitter.com/XFKVYVPf5k

— Vijaykumar Desai (@KumarVijayDesai) June 12, 2025

#WATCH | Thick smoke billows from the Air India plane crash site in Gujarat's Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/NsCGenhPGw

— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

222 Passengers Reportedly Onboard

Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft was carrying 222 passengers, though Air India has not yet confirmed the official count. The number of crew members is also unverified at this time. "The plane caught fire after crashing, and we deployed multiple fire tenders to douse the blaze," said Jayesh Khadia, a senior officer from the Ahmedabad Fire Department.

#WATCH | Debris at Air India plane crash site in Ahmedabad; Fire Services and other agencies present at the site pic.twitter.com/z9XsemwDnx

— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik confirmed that a plane had gone down near the airport. However, he noted, "It is not yet clear what type of plane it was." Authorities are still verifying the aircraft model and the exact circumstances that led to the crash.

Flight AI171 Involved, Confirms Air India

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Air India acknowledged that Flight AI171, operating the Ahmedabad–London Gatwick route, was involved in an incident on June 12, 2025. "At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest," the airline said.

The statement did not provide information on casualties, survivors, or possible causes.

Update: Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to Gatwick) has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

National Leaders Respond

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep concern over the crash and said he had spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the State Home Minister, and Police Commissioner G.S. Malik. He also assured all necessary assistance from the Central government in managing the emergency and its aftermath.

Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are expected to arrive at the site soon to begin a full-scale inquiry. Local hospitals have been alerted to prepare for mass casualties, though no official figures have yet been released.

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Area Secured, Further Updates Awaited

Roads leading to the crash site have been sealed off to prevent traffic congestion and facilitate rapid rescue. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other emergency teams are engaged in clearing debris and searching for survivors. As of now, no confirmed fatalities or injuries have been announced.