Tragedy as Air India Flight with 242 Aboard Crashes Minutes After Takeoff
A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, triggering a nationwide outpouring of grief and sparking an immediate emergency response.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171, departed Runway 23 at 1:38 PM local time en route to Gatwick Airport, London. Within five minutes of takeoff, the aircraft went down in the Meghaninagar area—just outside the airport perimeter. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane engulfed in flames as thick black smoke billowed into the sky, suggesting a major post-impact fire.
In an official post on the social platform X (formerly Twitter), Air India confirmed the crash:
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are currently assessing the situation and will provide further updates as available.”
According to initial information from the airline, the 242 onboard included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese citizens. The flight was captained by Pilot-in-Command Sumit Sabharwal, with Clive Kunder serving as co-pilot.
Authorities have yet to release an official count of casualties or survivors. However, sources confirmed that a ‘Mayday’ distress signal was issued from the cockpit shortly before the crash, indicating a critical emergency in flight.
Rapid Emergency Response
Firefighters, paramedics, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams arrived swiftly at the crash site. The airport has since been shut down, with all flight operations suspended until further notice.
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The Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced the activation of an Operational Control Room at the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in New Delhi to coordinate rescue and relief efforts.
National Mourning and Leadership Response
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. My thoughts are with everyone affected,” he wrote on X. He confirmed ongoing communication with ministers and officials responding to the incident.
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu is en route to Ahmedabad to oversee operations on the ground, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Gujarat Governor and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, offering full central government support. Chief Minister Patel has ordered hospitals to prioritize emergency care for the injured and established a green corridor to speed up medical evacuations.
Corporate and Public Support
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, issued a condolence message and pledged complete assistance to victims and their families.
“Our primary focus remains the well-being of affected individuals and their loved ones. We are working closely with emergency agencies,” the company stated.
Air India has launched a dedicated emergency helpline—1800 5691 444—to provide timely updates and assistance to families and the public.
This marks the first-ever recorded crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft’s introduction to commercial service, according to the Aviation Safety Network.
A comprehensive investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash. Rescue operations are ongoing, and more details—including the number of survivors or fatalities—are expected to emerge as the situation develops.
By PRNigeria
