Riccardo Liguori A Boeing 787-8 operated by Air India crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing or injuring many. Investigations are underway as authorities respond swiftly.
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It was a clear early afternoon in western India, but what followed in the skies above Ahmedabad turned it into one of the darkest days in recent Indian aviation history.
A tragic airplane crash shook India on Thursday, June 12, when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people went down just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The flight was en route to London Gatwick.
Moments after takeoff, silence
According to preliminary reports from airport authorities, the aircraft took off at 1:39 p.m. local time from Runway 23. Everything appeared routine—until it wasn’t.
“A MAYDAY call was sent to ATC, but the aircraft did not respond to subsequent attempts at communication,” confirmed air traffic control officials. The MAYDAY distress signal, the most severe in civil aviation, suggests the crew was in immediate danger. What followed was radio silence.
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
The crash site: a residential neighborhood
The aircraft crashed into a densely populated residential area known as Meghani Nagar, just a short distance from the airport. Dramatic footage shared on social media shows thick black smoke billowing into the sky, while CCTV video captures the jet flying low over homes before vanishing in a sudden eruption of fire.
It’s the kind of scene that looks too catastrophic to be real—yet too real to be ignored.
Very shocked to hear about the #AirIndia Ahmedabad-London flight incident near Ahmedabad airport. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew. 🙏#PlaneCrash #Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/jmKkgJbHeU
— TVK Vijay Trends (@TVKVijayTrends) June 12, 2025
Flightradar24, the widely used flight tracking platform, confirmed the aircraft’s identity: a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner registered as VT-ANB—one of the most modern aircraft types in commercial service. The last signal from the plane was logged just seconds after departure, underscoring how quickly the situation turned dire.
A flight filled with international lives
Air India released details about the nationalities on board: 169 Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian, and 12 crew members. There are also unconfirmed reports that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers. Official confirmation is still pending.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded swiftly, speaking directly with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, ordering immediate rescue operations.
“The Prime Minister has instructed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is provided without delay,” read a formal statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
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
Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, echoed the urgency: “I have instructed the authorities to begin rescue and assistance operations immediately and ensure prompt medical care for injured passengers,” he wrote via social media.
A somber statement from air india
N. Chandrashekan, Chairman of Air India, delivered a solemn message:
“With deep sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight 171, operating between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
Rescue efforts and historical echoes
The airport was immediately closed to air traffic to facilitate rescue efforts. Specialized NDRF teams (National Disaster Response Force) and central government units were deployed to the crash site. A “green corridor” was established to quickly transfer the injured to nearby hospitals.
The incident calls to mind a similar aviation disaster in India back in 2020, when an Air India Express Boeing 737 crash-landed at Kozhikode airport, resulting in 21 fatalities. That crash occurred on a table-top runway during poor weather, adding to India’s recent aviation tragedies.
Boeing silent, investigation ongoing
Boeing, the manufacturer of the ill-fated aircraft, has not yet issued an official statement. Investigations into the cause of the crash are already underway, with aviation authorities coordinating with local officials. Meanwhile, a dedicated emergency center has been set up to assist the victims’ families and provide timely information.
