Ahmedabad Plane Crash: A Comprehensive Overview
On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck as Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, bound for London Gatwick, carried 242 passengers and crew members. The incident has sent shockwaves across India and beyond, prompting swift rescue operations and investigations.
This blog provides a detailed breakdown of the crash, its impact, and the ongoing response efforts.
Flight Details & Passenger Information
- Flight Number: AI 171
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Departure Time: 1:38 PM IST
- Crash Location: Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad
- Total People Onboard: 242
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 1 Canadian national
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- Crew Members: 12 (including pilots and cabin crew)
Air India flight #AI171 was scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad International Airport to London Gatwick Airport.
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 12, 2025
The signal from the aircraft was lost at 08:08 UTC (13:38 local time) at 625 feet, less than a minute after take off. pic.twitter.com/0wi4ccQnLL
The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar as co-pilot.
Watch the live video of the Ahmedabad plane crash!#PlaneCrash #Gujarat #Ahmedabad #viralvideo pic.twitter.com/o9Ql3ijJKE
— Mahesh LLB 🚩 (@mmshiroya74) June 12, 2025
Medical College के Mess के पीछे हुआ Ahmedabad में Air India का Plane Crash
— Webdunia Hindi (@WebduniaHindi) June 12, 2025
(X : Manseajoshi)#Ahmedabad #planecrash #AirIndia #AhmedabadAirport pic.twitter.com/DaJaVB9eNH
The Crash: What Happened?
VIDEO | Gujarat: A London-bound Air India passenger flight AI 171 crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the crash site.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 12, 2025
The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew members, was en route to… pic.twitter.com/s02KcMmYQL
Takeoff & Mayday Call
The aircraft took off from Runway 23 at 1:38 PM IST. Within minutes, the pilots issued a Mayday call, indicating an emergency. However, communication was lost soon after.
VIDEO | Ahmedabad Air Crash: Visuals show people running away moments after the Air India flight AI-171 crashed after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 12, 2025
The Boeing aircraft, which could be seen losing altitude quickly, crashed in Meghaninagar area near the Ahmedabad… pic.twitter.com/oBOmc3rFDr
Impact & Damage
The plane crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar, severely damaging buildings, including a student hostel at BJ Medical College. Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the crash site.
Casualties & Injuries
- At least 120 fatalities have been reported.
- Several injured passengers and residents have been rushed to hospitals.
- Authorities are working to confirm the total number of casualties.
CISF Rescue Operations Underway at AI 171 Crash Site, Ahmedabad.
— CISF (@CISFHQrs) June 12, 2025
Following the tragic crash of London-bound Air India flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad Airport, #CISF personnel immediately activated emergency protocols and rushed to the site. Rescue operations are being carried out in… pic.twitter.com/jnfIWxQF1b
Immediate Response & Rescue Operations
Government Action
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered swift relief operations.
- Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is overseeing rescue efforts.
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed.
Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad.
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 12, 2025
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…
Ahmedabad plane crash : Civil aviation ministry issues HOTLINE numbers
“In light of the AI171 crash, an Operational Control Room has been activated at the Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate all details,” stated the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Emergency Services
For any queries regarding the plane crash, families of the passengers are requested to contact
"The Ministry of Civil Aviation has activated a helpline in light of the crash of Air India flight AI171. For any assistance/information, please reach out to +91 9974111327. @DGCAIndia" posts Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) pic.twitter.com/nuSTNPKpRb
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 12, 2025
- Fire brigades, ambulances, and rescue teams arrived within minutes.
- Hospitals in Ahmedabad are treating the injured.
- Helpline Numbers for Assistance:
- Ministry of Civil Aviation: 011-24610843 | 9650391859
- Air India Passenger Hotline: 1800 5691 444.
Impact on Ahmedabad & Flight Operations
Local Damage
- The crash site is severely affected, with debris scattered across buildings.
- BJ Medical College’s intern hostel suffered major damage.
- Residents in Meghani Nagar have been evacuated for safety.
Airport Closure
- Ahmedabad Airport operations have been temporarily suspended.
- Flights scheduled for departure and arrival have been redirected.
International Response & Support
UK Embassy Statement
The UK Embassy in India has acknowledged the crash and is working with local authorities to assist affected British nationals.
Global Condolences
- Leaders worldwide have expressed their condolences.
- International aviation experts are monitoring the situation closely.
Investigation & Next Steps
Cause of the Crash
Authorities are investigating the possible reasons behind the crash, including:
- Technical failure
- Pilot error
- Weather conditions
- Mechanical issues.
Air India’s Statement
Air India has assured full cooperation with investigators and has set up a dedicated support system for affected families.
Government Measures
The Indian government is expected to announce new aviation safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered rescue and relief operations after an Air India plane crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday.
PM Modi dials aviation minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and took stock of the Air India flight crash incident in Ahmedabad.
Naidu informed PM Modi that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground. PM Modi has directed him to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation.
Reacting to the crash, Naidu expressed deep shock and called the crash “devastating”. He assured that he is personally monitoring the situation.
“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 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,” the minister wrote on X.
The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Gujarat Mourns the Loss of Former CM Vijay Rupani
A Dark Day in Gujarat’s Political History
Gujarat was shaken on June 12, 2025, as former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was confirmed dead in the Air India AI 171 crash near Ahmedabad. The tragedy marks the second time a sitting or former Gujarat CM has lost their life in an air accident, echoing the 1965 crash that claimed Balwantrai Mehta.
The Fatal Flight: What Happened?
- Flight Details: Air India AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was en route to London Gatwick.
- Passengers & Crew: The flight carried 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.
- Crash Location: The aircraft crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar, just five minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
Eyewitness Accounts: A Scene of Horror
Residents near the crash site described:
- A deafening explosion that shook buildings.
- Plumes of black smoke rising into the sky.
- Emergency services rushing to contain the fire and rescue survivors.
Vijay Rupani’s Presence Confirmed
Among the 242 passengers, Vijay Rupani, aged 68, was listed on the passenger manifest. His tragic passing has left Gujarat in mourning, with political leaders expressing their condolences.
#BREAKING : Exclusive footage of Vijay Rupani Boarding Pass.
— upuknews (@upuknews1) June 12, 2025
Ex Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was on crashed Air India Plane in Ahmedabad.#Ahmedabad #Gujarat #PlaneCrash #Crash #AI171 #AirIndia #VijayRupani pic.twitter.com/gZ5RYkepyD
Home Minister Amit Shah And Prime Minister Narenra Modi To Visit Gujarat
The Ahmedabad plane crash is a devastating event that has left many families grieving. However, swift action is being taken to provide relief and support. As investigations continue, authorities are committed to ensuring justice and safety for all affected.