"There is no confirmed cause of the crash at this stage. A detailed inquiry has been initiated," said a DGCA spokesperson
AHMEDABAD — Air India’s London-bound Flight AI171, a Boeing Dreamliner, with 242 passengers aboard crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, said the airline. According to airline officials, among the 242 onboard passenged, 53 were British national, seven Portuguese nationals and a Canadian national.
The plane took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.47 pm. It reportedly crashed nine minutes after it was given clearance.
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details,” Air India said, sharing an update on its X handle.
According to initial reports, at least 40 people were killed in n the mishap.
Visuals from the site show a thick plume of grey smoke rising from the ground. At least two dozen ambulances were rushed to the spot for relief and containment efforts. Some of the injured have been rushed to the nearby hospital.
Meanwhile, TV reports said that an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying over 250 passengers crashed just after taking off from Ahmedabad airport. The flight that was going to London went down between 1 pm and 2 pm.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) officials here on Thursday said that all flight operations remain temporarily suspended until further notice, after Air India’s London-bound Flight AI171 with 242 passengers (including crew members) aboard crashed near Ahmedabad airport.
An SVPIA spokesperson said that “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational”.
“All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport,” said the spokesperson.
“We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation. Further updates will be provided as soon as available,” said the spokesperson.
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, who was in Vijayawada attending the first anniversary events of the NDA government, rushed to Ahmedabad immediately upon receiving news of the flight crash.
As per an official statement, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed immediately after take-off from Ahmedabad.
“There were 242 persons onboard the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8,200 Hrs of experience. The copilot had 1100 Hrs of flying experience,” the statement said.
“As per ATC, aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft Immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, London-Gatwick airport said on its X handle that: “We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25. More information to follow”.
Meanwhile, he Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that a detailed investigation is underway into the crash shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad this afternoon. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registered VT-ANB and operating a scheduled service to London’s Gatwick, crashed just outside the airport perimeter minutes after departure.
“There is no confirmed cause of the crash at this stage. A detailed inquiry has been initiated,” said a DGCA spokesperson, adding that all relevant agencies are being involved in the probe.
According to information, the DGCA officials are on site collecting flight data, voice recordings, and witness accounts as part of the investigation. Sources said that Boeing representatives and officials are also expected to assist the ground staff.
While speculation around the cause ranges from possible engine failure to flight control malfunction, officials have urged restraint until official findings emerge. The crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and raised urgent questions about aircraft safety and maintenance protocols. — with inputs from IANS
