Air India confirmed on Thursday that its flight AI171, bound for Gatwick, London, was involved in an accident shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The airline stated that the Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed at 13:38 IST, carrying 242 passengers and crew members. The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese citizens. Injured individuals have been transported to nearby hospitals. Air India has also set up a dedicated hotline (1800 5691 444) for passengers and their families seeking more information. The airline is fully cooperating with authorities investigating the incident.
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is currently closed, and all flight operations have been suspended until further notice, the airport confirmed.
Earlier today, an Air India aircraft from Ahmedabad to London crashed in the Meghaninagar area near the airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has dispatched a team to the site for further investigation.
According to a senior DGCA official, “On June 12, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed immediately after takeoff. There were 242 people aboard, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.” The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who has 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 flying hours.
The aircraft took off from runway 23 at 13:39 IST (08:09 UTC) but issued a mayday call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) shortly after departure. Unfortunately, there was no further response from the plane. The aircraft subsequently crashed outside the airport perimeter, and thick black smoke was seen rising from the site.
Firefighters and emergency teams have reached the location, where heavy plumes of smoke are visible.
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed his shock and sadness upon learning of the crash. “I am devastated by the news of the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on high alert. I am personally overseeing the situation and have instructed all relevant agencies to coordinate and act swiftly. Rescue teams have been deployed, and medical support is being sent to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with those aboard and their families,” he said. The minister, who was in Vijayawada for the NDA Government’s first anniversary events, immediately traveled to Ahmedabad upon hearing the news.
In response to the crash, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has set up an Operational Control Room to manage coordination and provide ongoing updates.
