Ahmedabad-London Air India Flight Crashes After Takeoff

A major tragedy occurred in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. An Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed just minutes after takeoff. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft crashed near the airport’s Meghani area. A massive fire broke out after the crash. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky and people nearby were left in shock and fear.

The flight had just taken off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Emergency teams rushed to the spot. Fire trucks, ambulances and police quickly reached the spot and started rescue operations. All flights from Ahmedabad airport have now been suspended for some time.

242 People Were On Board, Rescue Operations Are Underway

There were 242 people on board the aircraft. Including 230 passengers, 2 pilots and 10 crew members. The pilot in charge was Captain Sumit Sabharwal. First Officer Clive Kunder was also flying the plane. The plane was loaded with fuel for the long journey to London. This caused the fire to worsen after the crash.

The plane crashed near the Doctors’ Hostel. “The plane went down just a few minutes after takeoff. Police and other teams reached quickly. Most of the area has now been evacuated, and rescue operations are underway,” a senior police officer said.

Currently, there is no official report on how many people died or were injured. Rescue teams are still searching the site. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has sent three teams from Gandhinagar and three from Vadodara. Around 90 people are working at the accident site.

Leaders React And Promise All Help

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, state Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi and other top officials. He said the central government will provide all necessary assistance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief. He wrote on social media, “This is a sad and shocking tragedy. My thoughts are with all those affected. We are doing everything we can to help.”

Chief Minister Patel said that rescue operations are the top priority. He asked teams to quickly take the injured to hospitals. He also said that a green corridor has been created to quickly move people for treatment.

The UK government said it is aware of the tragedy. It is talking to Indian authorities to help British citizens on board the flight. Those who need help can call 020 7008 5000.

PM Modi also spoke to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. He asked both Naidu and Amit Shah to visit Ahmedabad and ensure that all help reaches the affected families.

Air India Confirms Crash, Begins Relief Work

Air India confirmed that flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed on June 12, 2025. Chairman N Chandrasekaran said in a message, “We are deeply saddened by what has happened. Our thoughts are with all the families and friends on board the flight. We are assisting the emergency teams and also providing assistance to the families.”

The airline also said that there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 1 Canadian and 7 Portuguese passengers on the flight.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport has given a public update. It said that all flight operations are suspended for the time being. People should check with their airlines before coming to the airport.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has set up an operational control room in New Delhi. This control room is helping in emergency work and coordination between various teams.

Indian Railways has also come forward to help. With flights cancelled, Vande Bharat trains will run from Ahmedabad to major cities. This will help those stranded at the airport.

Many Offer Help, Families Await News

Adani Group chief Gautam Adani also shared his thoughts. He wrote, “We are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragedy. Our prayers are with the families. We are working with the authorities and providing assistance.”

At the airport, many people are still waiting for news. Ahmedabad’s local Nirman Dabhi had come to look for his brother-in-law Prashant Patel. “My cousin called me after hearing the news. We didn’t know he was flying today. We are just trying to get as much information as possible,” he said.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has sent a team to Ahmedabad. Boeing experts may also help in the investigation. Officials want to know the cause of the crash. Some experts believe that a full fuel tank could have caused a major fire, which has made rescue efforts difficult.

Right now, everyone is focused on helping the victims and their families. Leaders and teams are working hard. More updates will come once the full report is ready.

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