An Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The Boeing Dreamliner, operating as flight AI171, carried 242 passengers and 10 crew members. The crash happened at 1:17 pm in the Meghani area, close to the city airport.
High Casualties and Multiple Nationalities on Board
A devastating aviation tragedy occurred when a chartered flight crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of at least 133 lives, according to News18 reports. The ill-fated aircraft, which had barely lifted off, transmitted a “Mayday” distress signal before abruptly losing all contact with air traffic controllers. Just moments later, it plummeted into a student hostel at BJ Medical College, causing catastrophic damage.
The passenger manifest reflected a diverse international composition. Of the total onboard, 169 were Indian nationals, while 53 were British citizens, along with seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian. Reports indicate that the flight was heavily populated and may have also included medical students and professionals, though exact roles are still being verified.
Hoping for everyone's safety 🙏 🙏 #planecrash pic.twitter.com/etCDgc1NA7
— HARENDRA 45 (@HARENDRA045) June 12, 2025
These pictures are heartbreaking 💔
— MrsG (@Marvellous_MrsG) June 12, 2025
Prayers for the families 🙏🏻#planecrash pic.twitter.com/r01fmeFD3j
Witnesses Describe Horror
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise followed by thick smoke. One resident told. “When we came here, dead bodies and debris from the crashed aircraft were scattered all over.” Another woman said her son was inside the hostel during the crash. “My son is safe. He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries,” she told.
Fire and Rescue Teams Act Swiftly
After the crash, a huge fire broke out. Emergency teams rushed to the scene. Videos showed dense smoke and scattered wreckage near the hostel building. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed three teams with 95 members from Gandhinagar, and more teams were on their way from Vadodara. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the plane stopped responding after the Mayday signal.
National Leaders Express Shock and Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow. “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us,” he said in a statement. He also directed ministers and agencies to give full support to victims and their families. President Droupadi Murmu called the incident “a heart-rending disaster,” while Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site.”
Political Leaders React
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi posted on X, saying the crash was “heartbreaking” and emphasized the need for “urgent rescue and relief efforts.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also reacted, stating, “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.”
Civil Aviation Ministry on High Alert
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said he was “shocked and devastated.” He assured that all emergency services were fully activated. Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, confirmed that investigations have begun, although it is too early to determine the exact cause.
Air India Responds
Air India said in a statement, “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details.” The airline set up a dedicated helpline—1800 5691 444—for families and the public seeking information. Chairman N Chandrasekaran said, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected.”
Airport Closed, Now Reopened
The crash caused the temporary shutdown of Ahmedabad airport. All flights were suspended, but operations have since resumed. Authorities also created a green corridor to transport injured passengers quickly to nearby hospitals.