Air India Flight Crashes near Ahmedabad Airport
It is very bad news for us. Air India Flight going Ahmedabad to London has crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Internation Airport in Ahmedabad. The Flight number is Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It happened when flight takeoff form Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Internation Airport and shortly crashes after takeoff.
According to the report, An Air India flight crashes shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Internation Airport in Ahmedabad which was going from Ahmedabad to London.
This accident happened today (Thursday) afternoon around 13:38 hrs. According to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA, there were 242 people onboard in aircraft, 232 passenger, 2 Pilots, and 10 cabin crew member.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was commanding the aircraft with first officer Clive Kundar.
According to the report flight was takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Internation Airport, Ahmedabad so that flight tank was heavily fueled for the long haul journey, due to that the intensity of fire and explosion broke out after crash.
Several lives are feared lost
According to the report, Flight has crashes into the residential Quarters of Doctors from the BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad Meghaninagar are burst into flames and due to that many people dead.
According to witnesses, news agency PTI reported that the plane lost height soon after takeoff and crashed into buildings inside a residential complex, causing serious damage.
People said several residents living near the airport were injured, although this has not been officially confirmed yet.
Eyewitness Haresh Shah said, “The plane was flying very low and crashed into the doctors’ residential quarters of the government-run college.”
Multiple fire trucks and ambulances rushed to the scene to carry out rescue operations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to start an official investigation. A technical team from Boeing may also join the probe.
So far, officials have not released a statement about what caused the crash.
Experts believe that because the flight was for an international route, the plane had a large amount of fuel, which made the fire worse after the crash and made rescue efforts more difficult.
Preliminary Investigation
A senior police officer said, “Based on the initial investigation, the London-bound Air India flight crashed into the doctors’ hostel. Within 2 to 3 minutes, police and other emergency teams reached the location. Around 70–80% of the area has been cleared. All agencies are actively working at the site.”
The UK government also issued a statement about the incident:
“We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working closely with local authorities in India to quickly find out what happened and to support those affected.
British nationals who need help or are worried about friends or family can call 02070085000 for consular assistance.”
Air India's Official Statement and Rescue Update
Air India released its first official statement saying,
“Flight AI171, flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are currently trying to gather full details.”
According to officials, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals on board the flight.
Emergency services — including fire trucks, ambulances, and city police — quickly arrived at the crash site.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) confirmed that three teams (about 90 members) from Gandhinagar were sent right away, and three more teams are on the way from Vadodara.
Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran issues statement
Tata Group announced that Tata group will provide RS 1 Crore as compensation to the family of each person who died in the crash.
“With deep sadness, I confirm that Air India Flight AI 171, 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 event.”
He added,
“Right now, our main priority is to support all those affected and their families. We are doing everything we can to help emergency response teams at the crash site and to offer full support and care to those impacted.
We will share more updates as we receive confirmed information. An emergency center has been set up, and support teams are available to help families looking for information.”
Meanwhile, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad also shared a statement about the situation:
“On June 12, 2025, Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff, outside the airport premises.
Passengers are requested to contact their airlines for the latest updates before coming to the airport. We ask for your cooperation and patience as authorities continue to manage the situation. More updates will be shared as soon as they are available,” said an SVPIA spokesperson.