Air India plane with 242 on board, crashes near Ahmedabad airport
Ahmedabad, June 12 (UNI) An Air India flight bound for London with 242 people on board crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon.
Sources said the aircraft lost contact within minutes of takeoff and went down in the Meghani Nagar area. Rescue operations were on. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were brought in from Gandhinagar.
The Air India flight, a Boeing Dreamliner 787, crashed in a densely populated area near the airport. Immediately after the crash, local residents rushed to the area to help with rescue efforts.
According to Air India, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals on board. There were 12 crew members.
Air India in a post on X, said "Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in
an incident 12 June 2025." It said Air India continues to ascertain the details.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and directed them to ensure that all necessary support is extended immediately and has asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation.
The Civil Aviation Minister Minister informed the Prime Minister that he was rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground.
Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran said, 'With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight AI171 operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.
'Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information,' Chandrasekaran said in a statement.
The airliner crashed outside the perimeter of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport after taking off from runway 23.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the aircraft issued a MAYDAY call shortly after departure but stopped responding to further communications. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick, black smoke rising from the crash site.
The Civil Aviation Minister said '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. Rescue teams have been mobilized, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site."
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel rushed to Ahmedabad from Surat to assess the situation.
Ahmedabad airport officials announced cancellation of several flights. As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. "All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice," a spokesperson for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport said.
The airport has advised passengers to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates. 'We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation,' the spokesperson added.
UNI Team/RB PRS
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