Air India Dreamliner Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport; Rescue Operations Underway

GG News Bureau
Ahmedabad, 12th June:  An Air India Boeing Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed on Thursday in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat, close to Ahmedabad airport. The flight, AI171, was bound for London and went down just five minutes after taking off from runway 23 at 1:39 PM.

Initial visuals shared on social media show thick smoke rising from the crash site, which is reportedly a densely populated residential area. Local residents quickly rushed to the scene to help with rescue efforts right after the plane went down.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has immediately traveled to Ahmedabad from Surat to oversee the situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken with the Chief Minister, the State Home Minister, and the Police Commissioner, assuring them of full assistance from the central government.

Air India confirmed the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025,” adding that their team is still gathering details.

List of Passengers:

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that the B787 aircraft (registration VT-ANB) crashed right after takeoff. The flight had 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew onboard, commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kunder.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu expressed his shock on X, writing, “We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”

Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran offered condolences to those affected. He stated that their main focus is supporting the victims and their families, confirming that an emergency center has been activated and support teams are assisting families seeking information.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said he’s instructed officials to begin immediate rescue and relief work, arrange urgent medical treatment for the injured, and create a “green corridor” for swift transport to hospitals. He added that Home Minister Amit Shah has assured full cooperation.

An airport spokesperson confirmed that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is currently not operational, with all flight operations suspended until further notice. London’s Gatwick Airport also confirmed on X that flight AI171 was expected to land there.

Sources within the Ministry of Civil Aviation told ANI that the Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), along with a team, is heading to Ahmedabad to start the investigation into the crash.

Helpline Numbers for Air India Flight AI171:

• 1800-569-1444
• 9650-39-1859
• 011-24610843