This morning, an Air India flight destined for London encountered a tragic accident in Ahmedabad. Here is the latest information available about the situation.
Flight AI171, embarking from Ahmedabad in India to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after departing from the runway, according to officials.
A video circulating on social media captures the scene following the crash near the airport, as more details emerge about the incident.
The plane, headed to London, went down in a residential neighborhood known as Meghani Nagar. This was confirmed by Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, to the Associated Press.
Videos show the area shrouded in debris and smoke filling the sky following the crash.
Indian officials reported that the aircraft was carrying over 240 passengers when the crash occurred.
Rescue operations are currently underway, with emergency responders present at the site, assisting individuals from the wreckage using stretchers.
The airline reported that the Boeing 787-8 aircraft had ‘242 passengers and crew members on board’.
They stated, “Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.”
India’s civil aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, addressed the situation, saying, “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.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
London Gatwick Airport confirmed that flight AI171 was slated to arrive at 6:25 P.M local time. However, as per the Aviation Safety Network database, a spokesperson for Air India stated: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025.
“At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”
The flight tracking service Flightradar24 provided details of the flight path on social media, noting: “We are following reports of a crash of Air India flight #AI171 from Ahmedabad to London.
“We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC (shortly before 9.09am BST), just seconds after take off. The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB.”
It added that the aircraft’s signal was lost ‘less than a minute after take-off’.
The Chairman of the airline, N Chandrasekaran, expressed his condolences, describing the event as a ‘tragic accident’.
He remarked: “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 team have been set up for families.”
A spokesperson from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport confirmed online that the crash of Flight AI171 has resulted in the airport being ‘currently not operational’ and all flight operations are ‘temporarily suspended until further notice’.
Passengers are advised to ‘check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport’ as authorities request ‘cooperation and patience as they manage this evolving situation’.