Kathmandu, 29 Jestha (12 June 2025) – Air India has confirmed that 242 passengers were on board a plane that crashed near Ahmedabad Airport in the Indian state of Gujarat. The Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff at 1:38 PM Indian Standard Time.

Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad Carries 242 Passengers

The aircraft was being operated by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar. According to Indian media, citing the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India, Captain Sabharwal had 8,200 hours of flying experience, while co-pilot Kundar had 1,100 hours.

Air India shared via its X handle that the plane was carrying 242 people, including 2 pilots, 10 cabin crew members, and 230 passengers. Among the passengers, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British, 7 were Portuguese, and 1 was Canadian.

Indian media reports have also confirmed that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers on the ill-fated flight.

Rescue operations are currently underway, and no details regarding the extent of damage or casualties have been made public yet.

Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – A catastrophic incident occurred today when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, en route to London Gatwick. The flight, carrying 242 individuals, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed into the densely populated Meghani Nagar area, sparking a massive fire and thick black smoke. The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours.

Key Details

• Passengers and Crew: The flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national.
• Crash Details: The plane departed at 1:39 PM IST and issued a MAYDAY call moments after takeoff, indicating a critical emergency. Air Traffic Control (ATC) lost contact shortly after, and the aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter, approximately nine minutes after receiving clearance.
• Crash Site: The plane went down in Meghani Nagar, impacting a doctors’ hostel at BJ Medical College, causing significant damage. Dense smoke and fire have complicated rescue efforts.
• Casualties: While official figures are pending, reports indicate significant loss of life, with some sources estimating at least 40 to 133 fatalities. Rescue operations are ongoing, with injured passengers being transported to nearby hospitals.

Official Statements and Reactions

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “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.” Modi has spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, directing them to oversee relief efforts in Ahmedabad.
• President Droupadi Murmu: “I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief.”
• Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu: “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.”
• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
• Air India: “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.” The airline has established a dedicated passenger hotline: 1800 5691 444 for families seeking information.
• Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran: “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight, AI171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.”

Current Situation

• Rescue Operations: Emergency services, including six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Gandhinagar and Vadodara, firefighters, ambulances, and police, are actively engaged at the crash site. Over two dozen ambulances have been deployed, and a green corridor has been established to facilitate the transport of the injured. The Western Railway’s Disaster Management Team is also assisting, with plans for extra trains from Ahmedabad to Mumbai and Delhi based on demand.
• Airport Closure: SVPIA has suspended all flight operations until further notice, impacting regional air travel. An IndiGo flight from Kolkata to Ahmedabad (6E-318) returned to Kolkata after the airport’s closure.
• Investigation: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have dispatched teams to investigate the cause of the crash. A technical team from Boeing is expected to assist, given this is the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner globally. The aircraft’s heavy fuel load for the long-haul flight likely intensified the fire, complicating rescue efforts.
• Market Impact: Boeing shares fell 8% in pre-market U.S. trading, while Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet stocks also saw declines.

Notable Developments

• Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani: Reports suggest Rupani was among the passengers, listed as passenger number 12. Official confirmation is awaited.
• Global Condolences: Leaders including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the Dutch ambassador have expressed grief and solidarity. The British Embassy is coordinating with local authorities to support British nationals, with a consular assistance line: 020 7008 5000.
• Eyewitness Accounts: Witnesses reported the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before crashing, with debris and bodies scattered across the site. Videos circulating on social media show thick black smoke and flames engulfing the wreckage.

Ongoing Updates

• The DGCA noted the MAYDAY call was issued at 1:39 PM IST, with no further response from the aircraft. The plane reached only 625 feet before descending rapidly at 475 feet per minute.
• Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has directed officials to prioritize rescue and medical treatment, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah assuring full central government support.
• Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urged party workers to assist victims and their families.

The nation and the world are closely monitoring this tragic event as rescue operations continue and investigations begin to uncover the cause of this unprecedented disaster. Stay tuned for further updates.

Sources: Information compiled from statements by Air India, DGCA, and news reports from NDTV, The Hindu, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, and Reuters.