Air India Plane Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport, Many Feared Dead

Air India Plane Crash: Flight AI171 to London Crashes, Probe Launched

A London-bound Air India flight, AI 171, crashed into the Meghani Nagar residential area near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, moments after taking off at 1:38 p.m. IST on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The tragic incident has prompted a massive emergency response, with rescue operations underway to assist victims and assess the extent of the disaster. Thick black smoke and flames were reported at the crash site, indicating a severe impact intensified by the aircraft’s heavy fuel load for the long-haul journey.

The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner twin jet, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, totaling 242 individuals on board. The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with over 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kunder, who had logged approximately 1,100 hours. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the plane issued a MAYDAY call shortly after takeoff, before all communication was lost.

Air India Plane Crash: Air India Issues Statement

Air India issued a statement on X, saying, “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 http://airindia.com and on our X handle (https://x.com/airindia).” 

Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.

The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are…

— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025

In a subsequent post on X, Air India provided further details: “Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.” 

With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.
At this moment, our…

— Tata Group (@TataCompanies) June 12, 2025

Air India Plane Crash Cause Unknown, Tata Group

The Tata Group, which owns Air India, released a statement through its chairman, N. Chandrasekaran: “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated, and a support team has been set up for families seeking information.” 

Further details confirmed by credible sources indicate that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANB, crashed just outside the airport perimeter after reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 625 feet, according to Flightradar24 data. The aircraft departed from Runway 23, and air traffic control received a distress call before losing contact seconds later. Eyewitnesses in Meghani Nagar reported hearing multiple explosions, followed by thick plumes of smoke, as the plane plunged into a densely populated area, sparking a massive fire. Emergency services, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, fire engines, ambulances, and police units, were swiftly mobilised. The DGCA has launched a formal investigation, with Boeing expected to assist in determining the cause, which remains unknown. The crash marks the first major incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011. Airport operations at Ahmedabad have been suspended until further notice, and high-level officials, including Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, are closely monitoring the situation.

Air India has faced ongoing scrutiny over its maintenance practices and operational reliability, with this tragedy likely to intensify public and regulatory focus. In recent years, the airline has been criticised for frequent technical issues, flight delays, and cancellations attributed to poor maintenance. For instance, a 2023 report highlighted an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that experienced repeated diversions due to hydraulic leaks and flap malfunctions, leading to multiple cancellations over a 25-day period.

The Tata Group, which reacquired Air India in January 2022, has been under pressure to overhaul the airline’s operations and restore its reputation. Despite significant investments, including fleet modernisation and staff training, Air India has struggled to overcome its legacy of inefficiencies. The Tata Group’s role as Air India’s parent company places it at the center of accountability. The group faces a challenging road ahead in addressing public distrust and ensuring stricter oversight of maintenance and safety standards.