An Air India Boeing 787 aircraft carrying 242 passengers crashed near Meghani Nagar, a densely populated area close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Thursday. The flight, numbered AI171, was scheduled to depart from Ahmedabad and head to London Gatwick Airport, but encountered a critical failure during take-off, according to preliminary reports. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the vicinity of the airport shortly after the incident. The Gujarat State Police Control Room has confirmed the occurrence of the crash, prompting an immediate emergency response from state and central authorities.
The tragic event has thrown the city of Ahmedabad and the wider aviation community into shock. Authorities are now engaged in rescue and recovery operations as the priority shifts to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, and determining the cause of the accident.
Flight AI171 Crashes During Take-Off
Initial reports suggest that the Air India flight encountered a catastrophic issue during take-off procedures. Eyewitness accounts from near Meghani Nagar describe hearing a loud noise followed by a fireball and a massive column of black smoke. Emergency services, including fire brigades, police units, and medical teams, arrived on the scene rapidly to begin search and rescue efforts. According to local media, the crash occurred near airport boundaries but within a populated area, raising concerns about potential collateral damage on the ground. Details regarding casualties or injuries among passengers, crew members, and local residents remain under verification as the situation continues to evolve.
Air India acknowledged the incident through an official statement posted on its social media platforms, stating: “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 on http://airindia.com and on our X handle.”
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu has flown to Ahmedabad to oversee the situation and coordinate with local authorities. His swift arrival underscores the gravity of the event and the central government’s commitment to providing all necessary support. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat’s Home Minister, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner regarding the incident. Shah assured that the Central government will extend all necessary assistance to both state officials and emergency responders.
Fire brigades and rescue teams are currently on site, working tirelessly to contain fires and assist survivors. Medical teams have been deployed to the scene and to nearby hospitals to provide treatment to those injured. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been mobilised to support rescue operations, especially in clearing debris and ensuring there are no individuals trapped under wreckage. Local hospitals have been placed on high alert to handle potential mass casualties, though the exact number of injured persons has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
Flight Details: Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
Flight AI171 was scheduled to operate a non-stop international route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom. Gatwick Airport, located near Crawley in West Sussex, serves as a major hub for international flights, lying roughly 47.5 km south of Central London. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its long-haul capabilities and advanced safety features, had been in operation on this route regularly. The cause of Thursday’s incident remains unclear at this stage.
Investigators will be focusing on a range of possibilities, from technical malfunction to operational errors or even environmental factors such as adverse weather conditions or bird strikes. With 242 passengers on board, alongside crew members, the flight represented a full-capacity international operation. The safety of these individuals remains the top concern. Authorities have begun the process of identifying survivors and ensuring they receive immediate medical attention. Families of those on board have been advised to contact Air India’s helpline for updates. Air India is expected to provide regular updates as further verified information becomes available.
The Role of Aviation Authorities
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation into the crash. Officials from the DGCA are en route to Ahmedabad to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the site, collect evidence, and retrieve critical components such as the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).
The investigation will focus on determining what caused the crash and whether any systemic issues or procedural lapses were involved. Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer, may also be asked to assist in the investigation process.
Community Impact and Local Response
The crash near Meghani Nagar, a populated urban area, has raised concerns about the impact on local residents. Police have cordoned off the area to prevent public access and ensure that emergency services can operate unimpeded. Residents of the area reported a massive explosion and fireball as the aircraft came down. Several buildings nearby reportedly sustained minor structural damage from the resulting shockwave. The Gujarat government is working closely with municipal authorities to assess damage on the ground and provide support to affected residents.
As news of the crash spread, families of passengers and crew began gathering at Ahmedabad airport, seeking information about the fate of their loved ones. Scenes of anguish and concern were visible, as relatives waited anxiously for updates. Counselling services are being arranged for families, and Air India representatives are coordinating with airport authorities to ensure timely communication.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s immediate outreach to state officials reflects the Central government’s readiness to support Gujarat’s emergency response. Additional federal resources, including specialist medical teams and investigation experts, are expected to arrive in Ahmedabad soon. The Ministry of Civil Aviation will also coordinate with international aviation bodies to ensure that global best practices are followed in the investigation and recovery process.
