Air India plane crash: London-bound flight with 242 onboard crashes at Ahmedabad airport (VIDEOS)
Mayday issued minutes before aircraft lost contact
DUBAI: A tragic air accident unfolded on 12 June when an Air India aircraft bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
The flight, operating as AI171, lost contact with air traffic control just minutes into the journey after issuing a distress call. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, went down outside the airport perimeter, according to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Air India confirmed the incident via social media: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025.” The airline said further updates would follow on its official website and X (formerly Twitter) handle.
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 https://t.co/Fnw0ywg2Zt and on our X handle (https://t.co/Id1XFe9SfL).
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
-Air India…
Air India plane crash
The DGCA reported that the aircraft took off from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST (08:09 UTC). Shortly after departure, the pilots sent out a “MAYDAY” distress call. However, communication ceased before the aircraft could be redirected or return to the airport.
The aircraft was identified as a Boeing 787 Dreamliner registered VT-ANB.
Visuals from the scene, circulated by local news outlets and social media users, showed thick smoke and emergency vehicles at the site just beyond the airport’s boundary.
VIDEO | Ahmedabad: Smoke seen emanating from airport premises. More details are awaited.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 12, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)
(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/qbO486KoEo
A total of 242 people were on board at the time of the crash, comprising 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The DGCA identified the pilot in command as Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an LTC (Line Training Captain) with 8,200 flight hours, and the First Officer as Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours of flying experience.
Rescue efforts underway
Firefighting and rescue teams were quickly dispatched to the location, with three fire brigade units deployed within minutes. No official confirmation has been made yet regarding survivors or fatalities.
Modi and Starmer react to tragedy
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “heartbreaking beyond words.” In a social media post, he wrote: “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.” Modi said he has been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist victims and families.
The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued a statement following the crash of the London-bound jet, which reportedly carried many British nationals. “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” he said.
The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 12, 2025
I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.
“My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” he added, noting he is receiving regular updates.
The DGCA has launched a detailed investigation into the incident, with teams collecting flight data recorders, voice cockpit recordings, and eyewitness accounts. Officials have not confirmed the cause of the crash but have called for restraint against speculation regarding engine failure or flight control issues.
Boeing representatives are expected to assist in the investigation, which is now among the most serious aviation events involving a wide-body aircraft in India in recent years.
Ahmedabad airport closed
Meanwhile, all flights at Ahmedabad airport have been suspended indefinitely following the crash. An airport spokesperson confirmed that operations have been halted and that the facility is currently closed to both departures and arrivals until further notice.
Emergency protocols remain in place as response efforts and site recovery continue.