UPDATED : Air India Flight AI-171 crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad with 242 people on board. Gautam Adani offered condolences and support. The DGCA is investigating. The crash revives concerns about aviation safety, marking one of India’s worst air disasters in recent years.
Also Read : Ahmedabad plane crash: Air India flight AI171 crashes after takeoff with 242 passengers |
India is mourning a devastating aviation tragedy as Air India’s London-bound Flight AI-171 crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad, killing and injuring many among the 242 people on board. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including pilots, went down just outside the airport perimeter minutes after departure.
AirIndia plane crashed in a residential area. The nearby buildings has caught fire. #planecrash pic.twitter.com/OU6IsXKxAE
— Mohit Chauhan (@mohitlaws) June 12, 2025
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, which operates the Ahmedabad airport, was among the first to respond with a heartfelt message of condolence. “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss,” Adani said in a post on social media platform X.
He further assured that the Adani Group is actively working with the authorities and is providing full support on the ground. “We are working closely with all authorities and extending full support to the families on the ground,” he added.
Following the crash, thick black smoke was seen rising from the site by nearby residents and airport staff. Emergency services, fire brigades, and medical teams were rushed to the area. Roads around the crash site were immediately locked down to ensure unobstructed access for emergency responders.
Among those on board was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, seated in business class (seat 2D). His presence was confirmed via check-in records and officvial passenger manifest His current condition remains unverified, as rescue efforts continue.
An SVPIA spokesperson confirmed that all flight operations at the airport were suspended until further notice. “Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport,” the spokesperson stated, requesting public cooperation during this critical situation.
Very shocked to hear about the #AirIndia Ahmedabad-London flight incident near Ahmedabad airport. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew. 🙏#PlaneCrash #Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/jmKkgJbHeU
— TVK Vijay Trends (@TVKVijayTrends) June 12, 2025
Air India confirmed in a press release that the ill-fated flight, designated AI-171, had taken off from Runway 23 at 13:39 IST, bound for Gatwick Airport in London. A Mayday call was issued moments after take-off, but communication from the cockpit ceased shortly thereafter.
The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned Air India pilot with over 8,200 flying hours. He was assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours of flight experience. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 registered as VT-ANB, crashed within minutes of departure.
We the people of India are with 0 civic sense.
Crowd only blocking the rescue operation after the Air India #PlaneCrash in Ahmedabad. 😡#AirIndia #Ahmedabad #AhmedabadPlaneCrashes— 𝑮𝒂𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒗 Singh (@IacGaurav) June 12, 2025
Onboard were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. Air India confirmed that the injured were being taken to nearby hospitals, though official numbers regarding fatalities and survivors were not immediately disclosed.
|Also Read : PM Modi Speaks to Home Minister Shah, Civil Aviation Minister Naidu Over Ahmedabad Crash |
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, who was attending an event in Vijayawada, immediately flew to Ahmedabad upon receiving the news. “This is a dark day for civil aviation in India. Our focus is on rescue, relief, and a thorough investigation,” he said upon arrival.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full-scale investigation into the incident. “There is no confirmed cause of the crash at this stage. A detailed inquiry has been initiated,” said a DGCA spokesperson. The investigative team is currently collecting flight data, voice recordings, and eyewitness accounts. Boeing representatives are also expected to join the probe.
Authorities indicated the crash location just beyond the airport boundary suggests the aircraft failed to gain altitude, leading to speculation of engine failure or flight control malfunction. However, officials have urged the public and media to refrain from speculation until official reports are published.
Mayday & Crash Details
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The aircraft crew, led by veteran Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (approx. 8,200 flight hours) and First Officer Clive Kundar, issued a MAYDAY shortly after takeoff
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Around 1:43 PM IST, the transponder signal was lost. Radar and ADS‑B data indicate a rapid descent from 625 ft
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The aircraft collided with an airport perimeter wall before crashing in a populated zone, triggering a massive fireball and thick black smoke seen from distant neighborhoods like Vastrapur and Dharpur
Emergency Response
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Deployment: At least seven fire engines, over two dozen ambulances, and specialized emergency units from Ahmedabad Fire & Emergency Services were dispatched immediately
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On the Ground: Roads around Meghani Nagar were sealed to clear passage for rescue teams. An emergency control room has been activated at the Ministry of Civil Aviation
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Medical Aid: Several injured passengers have been taken to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and other nearby medical facilities
Official Statements & Political Voices
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly spoke with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Ahmedabad Police Commissioner to coordinate the response
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Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu announced he’s personally monitoring the rescue efforts, stating on X: “Shocked and devastated… directed all aviation and emergency agencies to take swift, coordinated action.” He confirmed that medical rescue teams have been mobilized
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reported to be in close communication with his cabinet ministers and authorities overseeing the situation .
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Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow and announced the setup of an emergency helpline and support center for families, prioritizing assistance and verified updates
Operational & Investigative Aftermath
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Airport Status: All operations at Ahmedabad airport have been suspended pending investigation and runway clearance
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Investigation Underway: The DGCA and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have dispatched teams to probe the cause, including recent refurbishments and possible engineering faults on the aircraft
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Industry Impact: This marks the first-ever hull-loss incident involving a Boeing 787 since its introduction in 2009
What We Still Don’t Know
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Casualty Figures: No official report has been issued yet on fatalities or survivors.
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Pilot Communications: Details surrounding the MAYDAY and subsequent communications are fragmented and subject to verification.
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Cause of Crash: While initial suspicion points to mechanical issues post-refurbishment, cause analysis is pending exhaustive technical review.
What Happens Next
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the crash-affected Meghani Nagar area to allow for efficient rescue and hazard mitigation. Meanwhile, Air India’s emergency centre continues to operate, offering support and regular updates to concerned families. Both Indian and UK government entities are coordinating to assist their respective nationals.
As investigation teams comb through cockpit voice recorders and black boxes, the nation waits for clarity on what caused this catastrophic failure during takeoff. The focus remains firmly on saving lives, understanding root causes, and supporting affected families.
This remains a developing story. We’ll bring further verified details, casualty information, and official reports as they become available.
Firefighters, police, medical teams, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were among the first to reach the location, launching immediate rescue and relief operations. Over two dozen ambulances were deployed, and some of the injured were transported to nearby hospitals. However, as of now, officials have not released confirmed details on the number of casualties or the cause of the crash.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on the highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.”
|Also Read :Ahmedabad plane crash live updates: Chances of any survivors slim, say sources|
The Minister, who was in Vijayawada attending the NDA government’s first anniversary events, immediately left for Ahmedabad upon receiving news of the incident. Treating the situation with utmost urgency, he cut short his engagements and is now en route to the crash site to personally oversee rescue operations.
This crash marks one of the most serious aviation incidents in India involving a wide-body aircraft in recent years. The last major civilian air tragedy occurred in 2020 when an Air India Express flight crashed in Calicut, killing 21 people. With this incident, questions around safety protocols, aircraft maintenance, and regulatory oversight have resurfaced.
India has witnessed several severe air crashes over the decades. The most catastrophic occurred on November 12, 1996, when a mid-air collision near Charkhi Dadri between Saudi Arabian Airlines and Kazakhstan Airlines flights claimed 349 lives — still the deadliest aviation disaster in Indian skies.
10 Major Civil Aviation Crashes in India
To understand the magnitude and recurrence of aviation accidents in India, here’s a look at ten major civil aviation crashes:
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August 7, 2020 – Calicut (Kozhikode): Air India Express Flight 1344 from Dubai skidded off the runway in heavy rain, resulting in 21 deaths.
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May 22, 2010 – Mangalore: Air India Express Flight 812 overshot the runway and fell into a gorge, killing 158 people.
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July 17, 2000 – Patna: Alliance Air Flight 7412 crashed while landing, killing over 60 due to pilot error.
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November 12, 1996 – Charkhi Dadri: Mid-air collision involving Saudi and Kazakh flights led to 349 deaths due to miscommunication and pilot error.
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April 26, 1993 – Aurangabad: An Indian Airlines flight hit a truck and power lines during takeoff, killing 55.
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August 16, 1991 – Imphal: An Indian Airlines aircraft crashed, killing all 69 on board.
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February 14, 1990 – Bangalore: Airbus A320 crashed on approach, killing 92 people.
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October 19, 1988 – Ahmedabad: Indian Airlines Flight 113 crashed, killing 133.
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June 21, 1982 – Bombay: Air India Flight 403 crashed at the airport, killing 17.
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January 1, 1978 – Bombay: Air India Flight 855 crashed into the Arabian Sea after takeoff, killing all 213 people.
The crash has sparked an outpouring of grief across India and internationally. Families of passengers have gathered near the crash site and hospital premises, awaiting news about their loved ones. Social media has been flooded with condolences, tributes, and calls for improved aviation safety measures.
Several international leaders and diplomatic missions in India have also expressed condolences. The British High Commission in India stated, “We are coordinating with Indian authorities to assist our nationals affected by this tragedy.”
| Also Read: Ahmedabad plane crash: Air India flight AI171 crashes after takeoff |
As India grapples with this tragic loss, the focus now turns toward the outcome of the DGCA investigation. Aviation experts and the public alike await clarity on what caused the technologically advanced Boeing 787 to fall from the sky within minutes of take-off.
With memories of past aviation disasters still raw, this incident has renewed calls for stringent checks, transparent safety audits, and stricter regulatory compliance.
For now, the country stands united in grief, with industry leaders like Gautam Adani offering support, and emergency responders continuing the difficult task of rescue and recovery. The final answers may take time, but the collective will to seek justice and ensure future safety remains strong.
