An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed minutes after takeoff on June 12, 2025, in the Meghani Nagar area near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad.
The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members.
The crash sent a massive plume of black smoke into the sky and triggered an immediate emergency response involving multiple fire engines, ambulances, and National Disaster Response Force teams.
Rescue workers have recovered at least 30 bodies from a building impacted by the crash, with more people reportedly trapped inside. The exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed as rescue operations continue.
Passengers aboard included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian.
The flight, commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, was heavily fueled for the long-haul journey, which contributed to the intensity of the fire following the crash.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation, with Boeing expected to participate in the technical inquiry.
Flight tracking data showed the plane reached only about 625 feet before losing contact less than a minute after takeoff.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has suspended all flight operations until further notice. Indian Railways announced plans to deploy Vande Bharat trains to assist stranded passengers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and has directed full support for rescue and relief efforts.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel are closely monitoring the situation, with Patel assuring immediate medical care and a green corridor for the injured.
Air India stated it is ascertaining details and pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
The tragedy has stunned India and the international community as emergency teams continue their efforts at the crash site.