An Air India flight bound for London with 242 people on board crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday. The number of casualties remains unconfirmed as rescue operations continue.
Crash Occurs Minutes After Departure
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Air India flight AI171 to London Gatwick, took off from Runway 23 at 1:39 p.m. local time. Just five minutes later, the aircraft went down in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated neighborhood near the airport.
Meanwhile, thick black smoke was visible from miles away, and local television footage showed charred debris amid flames, with emergency services working to control the fire.
Details of the Aircraft and Crew
According to Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, “Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar five minutes after taking off at 1:38 p.m. local time.”
The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.
Air Traffic Control records indicate that the crew issued a MAYDAY call shortly after takeoff before radio communication ceased.
Passenger Nationalities and Airline Response
Air India confirmed that there were 232 passengers and 12 crew members on board. The nationalities included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025,” the airline stated, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said: “Our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
An emergency centre has also been set up, and a dedicated support team has been deployed to assist families.
Government and Airport Statements
Gatwick Airport acknowledged the crash on X (formerly Twitter): “We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25.”
India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu also responded on X:
“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 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.”
A First in Boeing 787 History
This incident marks the first-ever fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its commercial debut in 2009. The Aviation Safety Network reports that over 1,000 Dreamliners have delivered safely worldwide without a major accident to date.
Authorities will launch a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. Emergency crews, including police, fire, and disaster response teams, continue search and rescue operations at the site.
