Key Points

An Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing all 242 people onboard. The airport has been shut down as rescue operations continue in the Meghani Nagar area. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu rushed to the site to oversee emergency response efforts. Prime Minister Modi has directed authorities to provide immediate assistance to those affected.

Key Points: Air India Dreamliner Crashes in Ahmedabad After Takeoff

  • Air India B787 Dreamliner crashed 5 minutes after takeoff
  • 242 onboard including 12 crew members
  • Rescue teams deployed from Gandhinagar and Vadodara
  • Civil Aviation Minister Naidu coordinating response
3 min read

Ahmedabad Airport unoperational following Air India plane crash

Ahmedabad airport shut after Air India flight crashes post-takeoff, killing 242 onboard. Civil Aviation Minister Naidu rushes to site.

"Aircraft fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site – DGCA source"

Ahmedabad, June 12

The flight operations at the Ahmedabad airport have been suspended temporarily until further notice following the Air India plane crash after take off, according to an official spokesperson.

According to DGCA, the London-bound Air India flight crashed in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad following the take off at 01:38 pm on Thursday. The Boeing aircraft was carrying 242 people including 12 crew members.

"As a result of Air India plane crash incident, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice", according to a statement by SVPIA spokesperson.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu who was in Vijaywada has rushed to Ahmedabad after receiving the news of the plane crash.

"Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, who was in Vijayawada, rushed to Ahmedabad immediately upon receiving news of the flight crash. He is in constant contact with senior officials from DGCA, AAI, NDRF, and the Gujarat State administration to ensure swift, coordinated response and support. Rescue and medical teams are on site", as per the Rammohan Naidu.

As per the sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Ram Mohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah. PM Modi has asked them to go to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap.

"Air India, B787 Dreamliner aircraft, Ahmedabad to London (Gatwick) airport, had crashed into a residential area (Meghani Nagar), taking off at 1:38 PM, and crashed 5 minutes after takeoff. Directorate of Airworthiness (DAW), Assistant Directors of Airworthiness (ADAW) and one Flight Operations Inspector (FOI) already in Ahmedabad for some other task. They are getting details", DGCA said in a statement.

According to the Police Control room, the Air India Flight AI 171 was bound for London.

"On 12th Jun, 2025, M/s Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board 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 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience. As per ATC, the 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. Immediately after departure from Runway 23, the Aircraft fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site", said a source in the DGCA.

"Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on http://airindia.com and on our X handle", Air India said in their 'X' post.

A total of three Natural Disaster Response Force teams have been moved from Gandhinagar to Ahmedabad, comprising of 90 personnel. Three teams from Vadodara are also moving to Ahmedabad.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 My prayers are with all the passengers and their families. The government must conduct a thorough investigation - we need to know what went wrong with such an experienced crew. Safety should never be compromised!
R
Rahul S.
The quick response from NDRF teams is commendable. But why did the plane crash into a residential area? Airport authorities must review safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in future. Hope the Meghani Nagar residents are safe.
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Anjali M.
So scary! I flew from Ahmedabad just last month. The crew had 8200 hours experience but still this happened. Makes me question if our aviation maintenance standards are up to mark. DGCA should conduct surprise checks on all airlines.
V
Vikram P.
The MAYDAY call indicates something went terribly wrong suddenly. Boeing should be held accountable if it's a technical fault. Our aviation minister's quick response is good, but we need long-term solutions to prevent such incidents.
S
Sanjay T.
My cousin was supposed to be on this flight but changed plans last minute. Feeling so grateful but heartbroken for others. Authorities should provide immediate compensation to affected families without bureaucratic delays.
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Neha R.
The black smoke suggests possible engine failure? We need transparent investigation results, not just PR statements. Also, why was a foreign co-pilot assigned to this route? Nothing against him, but shouldn't priority be given to Indian pilots?
K
Karan D.
This is devastating. But I appreciate how our systems are responding - from PM monitoring to

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