A major aviation incident occurred in Ahmedabad today, June 12, 2025, involving Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, sending shockwaves through the aviation community and prompting immediate emergency response efforts.
The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members, a total of 242 individuals, departed from Ahmedabad at 1:38 PM IST. Just minutes after takeoff, the pilots issued a "Mayday" call to Air Traffic Control (ATC), signaling an emergency. Tragically, this was the last communication received from the aircraft. The plane crashed outside the airport perimeter, near the Meghani area, approximately five minutes after departure. Initial reports indicate the aircraft reached an altitude of about 825 feet before it began to descend rapidly.
Visuals from the crash site depict a scene of devastation, with thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky. The crash triggered a massive fire, exacerbated by the heavy fuel load required for the long-haul international flight. Emergency services, including fire engines, ambulances, and police personnel, swiftly arrived at the scene to begin rescue and containment operations. Authorities have sealed off roads leading to the airport to facilitate the ongoing efforts.
The impact of the crash has been felt across various sectors. According to reports, the aircraft crashed directly onto the BJ Medical College UG hostel mess in Meghani Nagar. The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) has indicated that students were present in the mess at the time of the crash, raising concerns about potential casualties among the student population.
Government officials and airline representatives have expressed their condolences and are working to manage the crisis. Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, addressed the media, confirming the crash and stating that Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Union home minister Amit Shah are en route to Ahmedabad. Air India has released a statement acknowledging the incident and stating that they are "ascertaining the details." The airline has established an emergency center and support teams to assist families seeking information, with a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444.
The manifest of the flight included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals. The UK government has acknowledged the incident. London Gatwick Airport confirmed that AI171 was scheduled to land at 6:25 PM.
Senior police officers have reported that a significant portion of the crash site has been cleared, with all agencies collaborating in the rescue efforts. However, the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, and investigations into the cause of the crash are underway. Experts suggest that the heavy fuel load for the international route may have intensified the post-crash fire, complicating rescue operations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident. Preliminary information suggests that the Air India plane departed from Ahmedabad at 1:39 PM IST from runway 23, issued a MAYDAY call, and then lost contact with ATC. The aircraft then crashed outside the airport perimeter.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, has stated they are gathering information regarding the crash.
The incident has prompted reactions from political leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, who is taking stock of the situation, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who expressed shock and sadness. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah conveyed his prayers for the safety of everyone affected.
