Air India Plane Crashes In Ahmedabad, Carrying Over 200 People

A London-bound Air India flight crashed shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 to London Gatwick, went down minutes after takeoff.

According to reports from Asian News International (ANI) and Reuters, the plane was carrying at least 242 passengers, though official figures regarding the total number of passengers and crew have not yet been confirmed.

Witnesses described seeing thick plumes of black smoke rising from the crash site near Meghani Nagar, a heavily populated area near the airport. Emergency services, including firefighters and medical personnel, responded swiftly to the scene.

Air India confirmed the incident in a statement: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are currently gathering details and will provide updates as soon as possible.”

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that the flight departed at 1:17 PM local time and crashed shortly thereafter. The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar assisting as co-pilot.

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the crash, with officials from DGCA and Air India expected to lead the probe.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat state government has promised swift intervention and support for the victims and their families.