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Key Points

An Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers and crew. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has activated an emergency control room and helpline numbers for assistance. The DGCA has dispatched a team to investigate the cause of the crash, which saw thick black smoke rising from the site. Air India is cooperating fully with authorities while providing support to affected families.

Key Points: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes After Takeoff From Ahmedabad

  • Air India Boeing 787 crashes near Ahmedabad airport
  • 242 passengers and crew on board
  • DGCA team investigates cause
  • Ministry sets up helpline for affected families
2 min read

Aviation Ministry activates control room after Air India Flight AI171 crashes post-takeoff

Aviation Ministry activates control room as Air India flight to London crashes post-takeoff, 242 passengers and crew on board.

"Air India confirms that flight AI171 was involved in an accident today after take-off. - Air India Spokesperson"

Ahmedabad, June 12

Following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has activated an Operational Control Room to coordinate response efforts and provide support to those affected.

The Ministry initiated helpline numbers: 011-24610843 and 9650391859

The Ministry has assured a swift response and full assistance to all impacted by the incident, as stated in an official post by MoCA_GoI.

Air India confirmed that flight Al171, which was destined for Gatwick in London, was involved in an accident today after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

"Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident," the Airline said.

Earlier today, an Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation.

"On 12th Jun, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight Al-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," said a senior DGCA official. 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, the official further added.

As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad 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 the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site, said the official.

Thick plumes of smoke could be seen at the accident spot, and fire tenders have reached the spot.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 My prayers are with all the passengers and their families. The government's quick response with helpline numbers is commendable. Hope the injured recover soon and we get answers about what caused this tragedy.
P
Priya M.
So many international passengers onboard! This will impact India's aviation reputation globally. DGCA needs to conduct the most thorough investigation possible. Also, why did the mayday call go unanswered? Serious questions need answers.
A
Amit S.
The pilots had good experience - Capt Sabharwal with 8200 hours! This makes me wonder if it was a technical fault with the Boeing 787. We've heard about issues with these aircraft before. Hope the black box is recovered soon.
S
Sunita R.
My cousin was supposed to be on this flight but changed plans last minute. Can't imagine what families are going through right now. The helpline numbers should be widely circulated - many affected people might not be tech-savvy.
V
Vikram J.
The crash site being near Meghaninagar is worrying - that's a densely populated area. Thank God it didn't hit residential buildings. The smoke in photos looks terrifying. Hope local hospitals are prepared for this emergency.
N
Neha P.
While the control room activation is good, I hope they're also coordinating with British/Canadian/Portuguese embassies since so many foreign nationals are involved. This needs sensitive handling at diplomatic level too.
K
Karan D.
Respect to the pilots who tried their best in those final moments. The mayday call

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