Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – In a heart‑stopping incident today, an Air India Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (Flight AI 171) bound for London Gatwick tragically crashed into a residential area near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport moments after takeoff. The aircraft, which carried 230 passengers and 12 crew, transmitted a Mayday call at approximately 1:38 p.m. IST before communication abruptly ceased. Eyewitnesses reported heavy black smoke rising from the Meghani Nagar neighbourhood as the aircraft fell outside the airport perimeter.
🚨Ministry of Civil Aviation (@MoCA_GoI) has activated an Operational Control Room to coordinate all updates related to the AI171 crash
📞 For assistance, contact:
011-24610843
9650391859@MIB_India— PIB India (@PIB_India) June 12, 2025
Operational Control room activated, helpline numbers
In light of the AI171 crash, an Operational Control Room has been activated at the Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate all details.Contact: 011-24610843 | 9650391859
Dedicated hotline number
They have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.
The Flight, Its People, and Immediate Reactions
Flight AI 171 departed from Ahmedabad’s Runway 23. On board were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with over 8,200 flying hours, commanded the flight alongside co-pilot Clive Kunder, who had 1,100 hours, a crew well-versed in Dreamliner operations.
Within a minute of takeoff, tracking showed the plane had reached just 625 feet before its signal vanished; an abrupt, singular descent.
Senior leaders responded swiftly:
- Air India acknowledged the incident on X (formerly Twitter), stating an emergency operations centre was activated, with a dedicated hotline launched for families.
- Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirmed that all available resources had been mobilised and rescue teams are on high alert.
- Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel issued wartime rescue instructions, establishing green corridors, ensuring medical priority, and coordinating with NDRF as directed by Home Minister Amit Shah.
Other political figures and the U.K. government offered heartfelt support:
- UK Commons Leader Lucy Powell pledged full support and expressed sympathy to families awaiting news in the UK.
On-Ground Rescue: Heroic Response
Ahmedabad’s Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed the crash occurred in Meghani Nagar. Fire authorities swiftly deployed engines to extinguish the blaze, while ambulances navigated cleared “green corridors” to reach the scene.
More than seven fire tenders, along with medical and police personnel, converged quickly to respond. Eyewitness footage captured scenes of debris, fire, and injured individuals being evacuated on stretchers.
Airport authorities temporarily shut down all operations; flights in and out of Ahmedabad remain halted pending safety assessments.
A Historic High-Altitude Tragedy
This marks the first-ever hull loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which entered service in 2009 and is known for its advanced safety features.
According to Reuters, among those aboard were 217 adults and 11 children, heightening concern for families awaiting updates.
Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, conveyed deep condolences and emphasised the airline’s commitment to support, with emergency centres active and close assistance being provided to families.
What Lies Ahead: Investigation, Support, and Solidarity
Multiple agencies, the DGCA, Air India, and AAIB, have launched thorough investigations into what went tragically wrong during takeoff. The aircraft was reportedly fully fuelled for its long-haul journey to London, likely intensifying the post-crash fire.
For families and concerned citizens, a round-the-clock toll-free Helpline 1800 5691 444 and the Air India “help centre” are operational. Hospital coordination is ongoing as emergency services continue treating injuries. This incident has united hearts across nations. India, the UK, Canada, and Portugal have all offered condolences and pledges of assistance, underscoring international solidarity in the face of tragedy.
Conclusion
The Air India Ahmedabad crash has shaken the aviation industry and struck a deeply emotional chord across India and abroad. With rescue operations in full swing and investigations underway, the country stands united in urgency and compassion.
All flight operations at Ahmedabad airport are suspended until further notice. Families are urged to use the dedicated hotline and official Air India channels for guidance. As the AAIB and DGCA piece together cause and accountability, the nation prays for clarity, closure, and, above all, comfort for those whose lives were caught up in this tragedy.
The focus remains firmly on emergency response, truth-finding, and unwavering support for every passenger and loved one affected.
