Ahmedabad, June 12 – Tragedy struck on Thursday when Air India’s London-bound Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), prompting an immediate suspension of all airport operations and triggering a large-scale emergency response.
Air India confirmed the incident in a post on its X handle: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details.” The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was carrying 242 people, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew.
Officials are yet to release a formal update on casualties, but visuals from the crash site show thick black smoke rising from the area, and at least two dozen ambulances were dispatched for relief efforts. Several injured passengers have already been taken to nearby hospitals. TV reports suggest the aircraft went down between 1 pm and 2 pm, shortly after departing from Runway 23.
According to an official statement, the flight gave a MAYDAY call to Air Traffic Control at 13:39 IST (08:09 UTC) but subsequently stopped responding. The aircraft reportedly fell to the ground outside the airport perimeter, with heavy smoke seen billowing from the wreckage.
In light of the crash, SVPIA suspended all flight operations. “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice,” said an airport spokesperson. Passengers were urged to check with their airlines for updated flight information.
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, who was in Vijayawada for the NDA government’s first anniversary, immediately cut short his visit and traveled to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue operations. “The Minister is in constant contact with senior officials from DGCA, AAI, NDRF, and the Gujarat State administration to ensure a swift and coordinated response,” the Ministry said.
The crash has drawn the attention of top political figures. Home Minister Amit Shah reportedly spoke to Gujarat’s Chief Minister, the State Home Minister, and the Police Commissioner to offer full central support for ongoing rescue and investigation efforts.
London Gatwick Airport confirmed on X that flight AI171 was scheduled to land there at 18:25 and noted it would share further updates soon.
As the situation unfolds, both Indian and international authorities continue to monitor developments closely, with passenger safety and emergency response efforts remaining the highest priority.
