New Delhi [India], June 12 (ANI): Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran on Thursday confirmed “with profound sorrow” that Air India Flight 171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident, resulting in a major loss of life and raising urgent aviation safety concerns.
In a statement issued by the airline, Chandrasekaran expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the incident.
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating from Ahmedabad to 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,” he said.
Chandrasekaran added that the airline’s immediate focus is on extending full support to the victims and their families.
“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,” he added.
The airline also stated that an emergency centre and support team have been activated for families seeking information.
Earlier in the day, the Boeing 787 aircraft, with registration VT-ANB, carrying 242 people — including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members — crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The plane went down in the Meghaninagar area, just outside the airport perimeter.
A senior official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the details of the crash.
“On June 12, 2025, Air India B787 aircraft VT-ANB, operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed immediately after takeoff. There were 242 people on board,” the official said.
The aircraft, under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain (LTC) with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of experience, gave a mayday call shortly after departure at 13:39 IST (08:09 UTC) from Runway 23.
According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft did not respond after issuing the mayday. It crashed moments later, with heavy black smoke billowing from the site.
Emergency services, including fire tenders, NDRF teams, and medical responders, were immediately deployed. Rescue operations are underway, with first responders working to recover survivors and control the fire.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who was attending the first-anniversary celebrations of the NDA Government in Vijayawada, rushed to Ahmedabad upon learning of the accident.
“Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on the highest alert,” he said. “Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are rushed to the site.”
The minister is in constant contact with senior officials from the DGCA, Airports Authority of India (AAI), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Gujarat State Administration to coordinate the response.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state’s Home Minister, and Police Commissioner. Shah assured the state of full Central government support in rescue and relief operations.
Chief Minister Patel directed authorities to undertake emergency relief efforts on a war footing and ensure that injured passengers receive immediate medical attention.
As the nation reels from this tragedy, the aviation community, government agencies, and local authorities are working round the clock to assess the situation, extend support to affected families, and begin a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. (ANI)
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