Air India Flight Down after Takeoff with 242 Aboard
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – An Air India Boeing 787 bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday, carrying 242 people, Indian officials said.
The Air India aircraft operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed in a civilian area near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport shortly after departure.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the plane had 242 people on board — 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, and 2 pilots.
The aircraft, piloted by Capt Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, crashed into the Meghani area outside the airport perimeter.
Visuals broadcast by local media showed debris on fire and a thick column of black smoke rising near the crash site.
Police and emergency workers transported injured passengers in ambulances, as multiple fire engines arrived at the scene.
The DGCA stated that the flight was heavily fueled for the international journey, which likely intensified the post-crash fire.
There is no official word yet on casualties.
"Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details," Air India said in a statement.
India’s aviation minister said rescue operations were underway and that authorities were on high alert.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, state home minister Harsh Sanghavi, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner. He assured full central support for rescue and investigation efforts.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said three teams from Gandhinagar, totaling 90 personnel, were dispatched to the site. Three additional teams are en route from Vadodara.
A formal probe by the DGCA is expected, potentially with participation from Boeing’s technical team.
The cause of the crash has not been determined.
