Air India Flight AI171 Crash Near Ahmedabad: 242 Passengers, PM Modi Mourns Tragedy
Air India Flight to London with 242 Passengers Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport; PM Modi Expresses Grief
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – A catastrophic incident struck Gujarat today as Air India Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down in the Meghaninagar area at approximately 1:40 PM IST, just minutes after departing at 1:38 PM. The crash has left the nation reeling, with emergency services rushing to the scene amid reports of heavy smoke and widespread devastation.
According to initial reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft, piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, issued a distress call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) moments after takeoff. Communication was lost shortly after, and the plane plummeted outside the airport perimeter, triggering a massive fireball and thick black smoke visible across the city. The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was carrying 230 passengers, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens, along with 12 crew members.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, stating on X, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.” The Prime Minister has personally coordinated with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah, both of whom are en route to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief efforts.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who departed from Surat to reach the crash site, directed officials to establish a green corridor for swift transport of the injured to hospitals. “I am deeply saddened by this tragic incident,” Patel said on X. “Rescue and relief operations are underway on a war footing, and we are ensuring immediate medical care for those affected.” The state government has set up a control room at the State Emergency Operation Centre, with contact numbers 079-232-51900 and 9978405304 for families seeking information.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene. “There was a deafening sound, and when I looked outside, the sky was filled with smoke,” said Anil Patel, a resident near Meghaninagar. “Debris was everywhere, and it was chaos as ambulances and fire trucks arrived.” Reports indicate that the crash site, which includes a doctors’ hostel, has been cordoned off by police to facilitate rescue operations. Over two dozen ambulances and fire brigades are actively engaged, with some injured passengers already transported to nearby hospitals.
Air India issued a statement on X: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on airindia.com and our X handle.” The airline has activated a dedicated hotline, 1800 5691 444, for passenger inquiries. Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
The crash has prompted the temporary suspension of all operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has dispatched a team to probe the cause of the incident, with preliminary data from Flightradar24 indicating the plane reached an altitude of 625 feet before rapidly descending. Weather conditions were reported as stable, with clear visibility and light winds at the time of the crash.
Global leaders have also responded to the tragedy. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the scenes “devastating,” noting the significant number of British nationals on board. The UK government has issued a consular assistance hotline, 020 7008 5000, for concerned families. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other political leaders across India have expressed solidarity, urging swift action to support victims and their families.
As rescue operations continue, the nation awaits further details on casualties and survivors. The incident marks a somber moment for Indian aviation, with authorities pledging a thorough investigation to uncover the cause of this tragic event.