The crash of Air India flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, has elicited widespread shock and grief across India and beyond. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed near the Meghaninagar area close to Ahmedabad Airport, prompting immediate responses from government officials, political leaders, and the aviation industry.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his profound sorrow, stating he was "pained beyond words" by the tragic accident. He immediately spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and the Commissioner of Police in Ahmedabad to assess the situation and assured full cooperation from the central government, including the deployment of disaster response forces.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conveyed his deep sadness and directed officials to initiate immediate rescue and relief operations. He instructed authorities to arrange for swift medical treatment for the injured, establishing a green corridor to facilitate their transport to hospitals. Patel also confirmed Shah's assurance of complete support from the central government.
The news triggered reactions from other political figures as well. External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar expressed his shock and offered prayers for the passengers and their families. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee conveyed her condolences to the victim's families, stating she was "stunned and profoundly shocked" by the news. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he was "shocked and devastated" and personally monitoring the situation. He directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action, ensuring medical aid and relief support reached the site promptly. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed his concern and offered prayers for the safety of those on board.
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran released a statement confirming the incident and expressing his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected. He emphasized the airline's focus on supporting the affected individuals and their families, as well as assisting emergency response teams at the crash site.
The London Gatwick Airport issued a statement confirming that flight AI171, which crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport, was due to land at 18:25 local time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged the tragedy, speaking with Amit Shah and Ram Mohan Naidu and instructing them to visit Ahmedabad to ensure comprehensive assistance to those affected by the air mishap.
Corporate leaders, including Adani Group Chairperson Gautam Adani, conveyed their condolences. Adani expressed his shock and sadness and offered his thoughts and prayers to the affected people.
Following the crash, operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport were temporarily suspended. Indian Railways announced plans to deploy Vande Bharat trains to assist in transporting stranded passengers to major cities until normal air services resume.
According to initial reports, the flight, piloted by Pilot-in-Command Sumit Sabharwal and Co-pilot Clive Kunder, took off at 1:38 PM and crashed within minutes. The aircraft carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals. The pilots issued a 'Mayday' distress call, signaling a serious emergency.
The Directorate General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with an investigation team dispatched to Ahmedabad.
