An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon.
The aircraft, bound for London, plunged into the Meghani area of the city, sending up a massive plume of black smoke and triggering an immediate emergency response.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), there were 242 people on board the aircraft — 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members.
The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, with first officer Clive Kundar.
The flight was heavily fueled for the long-haul journey, adding to the intensity of the explosion and fire that followed the crash.
Multiple fire engines and ambulances have been sent to the crash site to carry out rescue operations.
There is currently no official confirmation on casualties.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to initiate a formal investigation, along with a possible technical team from Boeing.
Experts suggest that the heavy fuel load for the international route could have worsened the post-crash fire, complicating rescue efforts.
A senior police officer said, “As per preliminary information, a London-bound Air India flight has crashed at the doctors’ hostel. Within 2–3 minutes, police and other agencies reached the spot. Almost 70–80% of the area has been cleared. All agencies are working here.”
The UK government also responded to the incident, stating: “We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved.
British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000.”
Meanwhile, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations have been temporarily suspended until further notice, airport authorities said.
Union home minister Amit Shah has spoken to Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel, state home minister Harsh Sanghavi, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner regarding the incident.
Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed officials to expedite rescue and relief operations at the crash site.
In a statement posted on X, Patel said he had instructed the administration to arrange immediate medical care for injured passengers and ensure a green corridor was set up to transport them swiftly to hospitals.
“I have instructed the officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing,” he said.
Patel also confirmed that Amit Shah had spoken to him personally and assured the full cooperation of the central government in managing the aftermath of the crash.
He assured that the Central government will provide all necessary assistance to the state in managing the aftermath and investigation of the crash.
Air India, in its first official communication, said “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025.
At this moment, we are ascertaining the details.”
According to official sources, the manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals.
This is a developing story.
