Breaking News: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes in Ahmedabad Shortly After Takeoff
Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — In a tragic incident, Air India flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed into a residential area near Meghani Nagar just minutes after takeoff.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM, was carrying 242 individuals onboard — 230 adult passengers, 2 infants, and 10 crew members, along with 2 cockpit crew.
According to Air India, the aircraft was carrying:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian national
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying at a low altitude — just over 600 feet — at speeds exceeding 300 km/h before it crashed into a residential zone near the Civil Hospital. The crash has led to dense smoke engulfing the area, visible from several kilometers away.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the crash and stated that the Pilot-in-Command was Capt. Sumit Sabharwal, with Co-Pilot Clive Kunder. An emergency response team was activated immediately. Firefighters, ambulances, and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have reached the crash site and are involved in ongoing rescue operations.
Several injured passengers and residents have been rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care. The number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed.
Air India has issued a statement and set up a dedicated passenger support hotline at 1800 5691 444 to provide assistance and information to families and the public.
Further details are awaited as the situation unfolds.
