Air India plane carrying 242 passengers to London crashes near Ahmedabad airport

12 June 2025, Ahmedabad.

A major plane crash has shaken the entire country. An Air India Boeing Dreamliner plane, which had left for London with 242 passengers and crew members, crashed near Ahmedabad airport within minutes of takeoff. The plane crashed in about five minutes after taking off from runway 23 at 1:39 pm.

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What happened to the plane?

The plane, which was headed to London’s Gatwick Airport, suddenly lost control after take-off due to technical fault or other reasons and fell in a densely populated area of the city. Clouds of smoke were seen rising from the spot, which has been shared on social media. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the incident occurred on flight AI-171, which was being operated by Air India’s B787-8 aircraft VT-ANB.

Information of passengers on board

Air India has confirmed that there were a total of 242 people on board this flight, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members. The passengers included 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese and 1 Canadian citizen. The plane was commanded by Captain Sumit Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder.

Chaos at the scene, people took command

As soon as the plane crashed, there was chaos in the area. Local people first ran for help and started rescue operations. Efforts were made to take the injured to nearby hospitals as soon as possible. The condition of many people is said to be critical. Fire brigade and relief teams were immediately dispatched to the spot.

Quick response of state and central government

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reached Ahmedabad from Surat to take stock of the situation and directed to expedite relief work. He has ordered to create a green corridor from the airport to the hospital and ensure treatment on priority. He also said that “this is an extraordinary emergency and the state government is making all possible efforts.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed grief over the incident and has spoken to the Chief Minister, State Home Minister and Police Commissioner and assured all possible help from the Center. Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu also wrote on Twitter (formerly Twitter), “This incident is extremely painful. I am personally monitoring and have directed all concerned agencies to respond quickly.”

Air India’s response

Air India has expressed deep grief over the incident by issuing a statement on Twitter. Chairman N Chandrasekaran said, “Our entire focus is currently on helping the victims and their families. Our emergency response teams are active and a special hotline number 1800 5691 444 has been started to inform the families. An emergency center has also been set up.”

Air traffic temporarily suspended

A spokesperson of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport said that all flights have been suspended till further notice. Air Traffic Control (ATC) has closed the runway in view of the emergency.

London Gatwick Airport confirmed
Gatwick Airport has also confirmed the accident and informed that flight AI-171 was to reach London at 6:25 pm. The concerned agencies in Britain are also keeping an eye on this incident.

This accident has shaken the entire country. This is probably one of the most serious air accidents in India since 1990. No official death toll has been confirmed yet, but rescue operations are in full swing. The state and central governments are working together to deal with this tragedy. Air India is making efforts to provide all possible assistance to the families of the passengers.

At present, the eyes of the whole country are fixed on this tragedy in Ahmedabad. We pray for all the victims and hope that as many lives as possible can be saved through rescue operations.

If you are a relative of a passenger in this accident or want help, contact Air India’s hotline 1800 5691 444.
May God keep everyone safe.

Reference by https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/plane-crashes-at-ahmedabad-airport-in-gujarat-13112958.html

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