Air India plane crash disrupts UAE-Ahmedabad flight operations
Passengers advised to confirm status amid ongoing investigation and delays
DUBAI: Flights between the United Arab Emirates and Ahmedabad faced delays and operational uncertainties on Thursday, after a tragic crash involving Air India flight AI171 led to partial closure of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA).
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, with 242 people on board, crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, prompting aviation authorities to suspend major operations at the city’s main airport.
The flight had departed at 1:39 PM IST and crashed into a nearby residential area in Meghani Nagar shortly after issuing a “Mayday” distress call.
@travelsdubai Air India plane crash caught on camera #india #airindia #planecrash #ahmedabad #gujarat #london #uk #fyp #foryou #travelsdubai ♬ original sound - Travels Dubai | ترافيلس دبي
UAE carriers monitoring closely
Several UAE-based airlines responded swiftly to the situation. Flydubai confirmed that it is “saddened to hear about the unfortunate incident today and extends sincere condolences to all those affected.” The Dubai-based carrier said it was monitoring the situation closely and that its flights to Ahmedabad were currently operating on schedule.
In contrast, some flights have already been impacted. SpiceJet flight SG016, originally scheduled to depart Dubai International Airport at 7:25 PM, was delayed by four hours, rescheduled to depart at 11:30 PM due to airspace and ground limitations in Ahmedabad.
As of reporting time, Emirates operations to Ahmedabad remained unaffected. An inbound flight from Ahmedabad successfully landed in Dubai at 5:53 AM. However, future operations are being assessed in real-time based on airport status and coordination with Indian authorities.
Flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport
Ahmedabad airport remains operational with limited flight operations.
It comes as emergency teams and investigators work at the crash site. Indian authorities, led by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), have begun a full probe into the incident.
Officials confirmed that the aircraft crashed into a residential sector near the airport perimeter, affecting civilian infrastructure, including a doctor’s hostel. Details on the number of casualties are yet to be officially confirmed, though initial reports suggest multiple fatalities.
Advisory for travellers
Air India has activated an emergency response centre and is coordinating with authorities to assist affected families.
Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are…
Travellers flying between the UAE and Ahmedabad are advised to check with their airlines for real-time updates and potential re-routings.
More updates are expected as the DGCA investigation progresses and airport operations are gradually restored.