A tragic air disaster unfolded on Thursday as Air India flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, tail number VT-ANB, had 242 people onboard—230 passengers, two pilots, and ten cabin crew.
The flight lifted off from runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST and issued a MAYDAY call just moments later. Communication was lost shortly after. The aircraft went down outside the airport perimeter, sending thick black smoke into the sky—visible from several kilometers away.
Moment when the London-bound Air India flight crashed onto a building minutes after it took off from the Ahmedabad airport. #Ahmedabad #PlaneCrash #AhmedabadAirport #AirIndia pic.twitter.com/nLQlYa1eYo
— Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) June 12, 2025
Air India reacts, support lines activated
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran confirmed the accident in a somber statement:
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones… We are doing everything to assist emergency teams and support those affected.”
Emergency centers and helplines have been activated. The airline says verified updates will follow as information comes in.
Who was onboard?
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with over 8,200 flying hours, was in command. First Officer Clive Kundar had logged 1,100 hours. A total of 242 souls were aboard. Search and rescue teams are still combing the area for survivors, though early reports indicate fatalities.
Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Gandhinagar have reached the site. More units from Vadodara are en route.
India reacts: shock, sorrow, and swift action
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is “shocked and devastated,” and is personally monitoring the situation. He’s directed all agencies to act swiftly and in coordination.
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 mobilised, and all…
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 12, 2025
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel said hospitals are on alert, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured full Central Government support. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also expressed her grief, saying she was “stunned and profoundly shocked.”
What’s next?
Rescue operations are ongoing. For families, it’s a nightmare with no clear end. For Air India, this is a moment of reckoning—again.
Also Read Air India Flight to London Crashes Near Ahmedabad, 242 Onboard
