In a tragic incident, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. The flight, operating under the call sign AI171, was carrying 242 individuals — 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft took off at 1:10 pm. Visuals from the crash site showed plumes of thick black smoke billowing into the sky, with emergency personnel rushing to the scene. As many as seven fire engines and multiple ambulances were deployed to control the situation and aid in rescue operations.
Air India confirmed the mishap through a statement on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter: “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.”
The aircraft, identified as VT-ANB, had earlier flown a domestic leg from Delhi to Ahmedabad earlier in the day before taking off for its international journey. The cause of the crash is not yet known, and aviation authorities have begun a preliminary investigation to determine the sequence of events that led to the disaster.
In a shocking development, sources indicate that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers on board. His condition remains unconfirmed as search and rescue operations are ongoing. Authorities have not yet released an official list of casualties or survivors.
Local residents near the crash site described a loud explosion followed by a fireball. Eyewitnesses said the aircraft appeared to be struggling in the air before descending rapidly near the outskirts of the airport perimeter. Emergency responders are working tirelessly to control the fire and recover those on board.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a detailed probe and is coordinating with Air India and airport authorities. A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to arrive in Ahmedabad shortly.
The tragedy has cast a pall over the city, and families of those aboard the flight are being escorted to the airport by Air India officials. Counseling and emergency support services have been arranged.
This crash marks one of the most serious aviation disasters in India in recent years and has raised urgent questions about flight safety protocols and aircraft readiness. Updates on passenger and crew status are expected soon as authorities work to bring clarity to this devastating situation.