On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, carrying over 240 people, suffered a catastrophic crash during takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India. The aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, erupted into flames near the Meghani neighborhood, sending thick black smoke billowing across the sky.
Eyewitnesses and local television footage captured dramatic scenes of fire and debris just moments after the plane departed. Emergency crews, including at least five fire teams, swiftly arrived on-site to battle the blaze and begin search-and-rescue operations thetimes.co.uk.
The total number of people aboard has been reported as either more than 100 or approximately 242 passengers and crew. Air India has confirmed the crash via social media and stated that authorities are actively investigating. As of now, there is no official confirmation of casualties or survivors, but speculations range from hopes of survivors to concerns about potential fatalities .
Rescue efforts are underway, with officials working tirelessly to determine the cause of the crash and assess the condition of those on board.
We now have a statement from DGCA, India’s aviation regulator, which says the flight “crashed immediately after take-off from Ahmedabad”. The statement says:
- There were 242 people on board the aircraft, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew (an official earlier said there were 244 people on board)
- The captain had 8,200 hours of flying experience. The co-pilot had 1,100 hours of flying experience
- The aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 13:39 IST from runway 23
- It gave a mayday call to air traffic control, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft
- After departure, the plane crashed outside the airport perimeter
Fifty-three British nationals were on board the flight bound for Gatwick airport, Air India says.
169 Indian nationals on board
Air India has now given the breakdown of the different nationalities on-board flight AI171.
There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals on board.
The airline says the injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.
To save as many lives as possible, everyone is rushing. This is a really startling scene. Right now, everyone is rushing to save as many lives as they can. At the location extremely close to the airport, a rescue operation is underway. There are ambulances around. Roads are closed.
Teams of emergency responders are still working to put out a fire. People report seeing black smoke emerge after hearing a loud noise. People began to congregate here. Local volunteers are doing everything they can to assist. The rescue effort was then initiated by the fire department officers. The removal of bodies from the region is still ongoing. Regarding the crash and the number of people killed, there has been no official confirmation.
The London-bound plane slammed into a doctors’ accommodation, according to a top Ahmedabad police officer who spoke to the ANI news agency. He claims that within minutes, law enforcement, firefighters, and other community members arrived at the location. Rescue efforts are still ongoing.
Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number. Families in India seeking more information can call 1800 5691 444.
AFP and AP news agencies claim that there are no survivors of the plane accident, according to Ahmedabad’s police chief.
More information is expected as investigations progress.
Tragic. Condolences to all their families.