Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 12 (ANI): An Air India aircraft crashed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday during takeoff, according to the Gujarat State Police Control Room.
The flight, AI 171, was bound for London. Eyewitnesses reported thick plumes of smoke rising from the crash site. Fire tenders and emergency response teams have reached the location, and rescue operations are underway. Further details are awaited.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and the Police Commissioner regarding the incident. He has assured full assistance from the Central government. (ANI)
Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed during takeoff at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, according to the Gujarat State Police Control Room.
The aircraft was carrying a total of 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The flight departed from Ahmedabad at 1:39 p.m. IST (0809 UTC) from Runway 23. Shortly after takeoff, the flight issued a MAYDAY call but failed to respond to further communication from air traffic control. The aircraft crashed just outside the airport perimeter.
Sources from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience. Following the crash, heavy black smoke was seen billowing from the site.
In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), 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 on http://airindia.com and our X handle.”
Emergency response has been swift. Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams comprising 90 personnel have been dispatched from Gandhinagar to Ahmedabad, with additional teams from Vadodara also en route. Fire tenders and emergency services were deployed promptly, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “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. Rescue teams have been mobilized, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state’s Home Minister, and the Police Commissioner regarding the crash. He assured full Central government support for the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has instructed officials to initiate immediate rescue operations and prioritize treatment for the injured. Upon learning of the incident, he contacted Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi and senior officials, directing them to establish a green corridor to transport the injured swiftly and ensure all necessary hospital arrangements are made on an urgent basis.
The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as rescue efforts continue. (ANI)
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