A tragic accident unfolded on Thursday when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed into a residential area just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The flight, operating as AI 171 and headed to London Gatwick, had 232 passengers and 10 crew members onboard.
Air India Flight Crashes Shortly After Takeoff from Ahmedabad
The aircraft struggled to gain altitude, as seen in a video that captured the moment it flew unusually low before slamming into the ground at 1:38 PM, erupting in a massive fireball. The plane was airborne for roughly five minutes before the crash.
In a brief statement, Air India confirmed the incident:
“At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest,” the airline said.
Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on https://t.co/Fnw0ywg2Zt and on our X handle (https://t.co/Id1XFe9SfL).
-Air India…
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
Eyewitnesses reported a massive explosion followed by thick smoke rising from the crash site. Videos that have surfaced show grey smoke billowing over the area, while emergency teams rushed in to assist.
LIVE VIDEO Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today #Ahmedabadplanecrash #london #planecrash #Ahmedabad #AirIndia pic.twitter.com/j3VcAeXMWW
— Anurag Kanaujia (@ianuragkanaujia) June 12, 2025
Emergency Teams Respond, Minister Vows Action
Emergency response was swift. Around twelve ambulances arrived at the site, ferrying the injured to local hospitals. Police quickly cordoned off the area and diverted traffic to keep the roads clear for rescue operations.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is keeping a close watch on the developments.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he posted on X.
He added that all aviation and emergency agencies have been directed to act swiftly and in coordination to manage 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…
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 12, 2025
Air India has also given a further update on the situation via X.
Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are…
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
Amit Shah has also commented on the situation via X.
Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 12, 2025
The cause of the crash is still unclear, and a full investigation is underway. The tragedy has sparked fresh concerns about air safety, especially for long international flights taking off from regional airports like Ahmedabad.
