Key Points

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar expressed shock over the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad, offering prayers for passengers and families. The aircraft, bound for London with 242 onboard, crashed shortly after takeoff, prompting PM Modi to deploy ministers for relief efforts. Authorities confirmed heavy smoke at the site while DGCA launched an investigation. All operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport remain suspended as rescue teams work at the scene.

Key Points: Jaishankar Mourns Air India Crash in Ahmedabad with 242 Onboard

  • Air India flight AI171 crashes near Ahmedabad airport with 242 passengers
  • PM Modi directs Civil Aviation and Home Ministers to oversee rescue
  • DGCA investigates as black smoke engulfs crash site
  • Airport operations suspended, passengers advised to check updates
3 min read

Our prayers are with passengers and their families: EAM Jaishankar expresses grief over Air India flight crash in Gujarat

EAM Jaishankar expresses grief as Air India flight AI171 crashes in Gujarat; PM Modi dispatches ministers for rescue ops.

"Deeply shocked to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. Our prayers are with the passengers and their families. – EAM Jaishankar"

New Delhi, June 12

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar extended condolences over the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, "Deeply shocked to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. Our prayers are with the passengers and their families."

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1933098940078973411

The Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport early today.

The Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airports spokesperson said, " Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London, Gatwick, earlier today, was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airport. As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport. We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation. Further updates will be provided as soon as available."

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday and took stock of the crash incident in Ahmedabad involving an Air India flight bound for London, according to sources.

The Civil Aviation Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground, the Civil Aviation Ministry said.

As per sources, the PM has asked both ministers to rush to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap. The Prime Minister has directed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation, they said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to the Gujarat Chief Minister and promised all Central assistance.All relevant agencies are on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway as per a statement by the office of HMCA.

The Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport early today.

Confirming the incident, Air India said that Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in the incident. An Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport.

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 AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, 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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Heartbreaking news 😢 My prayers are with all passengers and their families. Hope rescue operations are successful and authorities provide immediate support. This is a wake-up call to review aviation safety standards across all Indian airlines.
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Rahul S.
Very tragic incident. While we appreciate the quick response from ministers, we need transparent investigation results. Too many air accidents happening recently - DGCA needs to be more proactive with safety audits.
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Anjali M.
The pilot had 8200 hours of experience! This shows even experienced crew can face tragedies. Salute to the aviation professionals who risk their lives daily. Hope the black box reveals what went wrong so we can prevent future accidents 🙏
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Vikram P.
My cousin was supposed to be on this flight but changed plans last minute. Feeling shaken. The Meghaninagar area is densely populated - thank God it didn't crash into residential buildings. Authorities must compensate affected families properly.
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Sunita R.
Why are we still using older aircraft for international routes? As a frequent flyer, I've noticed maintenance issues with some Air India planes. Time to invest in newer fleet and better training. Jai Hind!
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Karan D.
The mayday call indicates pilots knew something was wrong. They must have fought till the end to save lives. Real heroes! Hope the investigation isn't swept under the carpet like some previous cases. #AviationSafety
N
Neha T.
So many young professionals travel this route for work in UK. Can't imagine the grief of families. Air India should immediately

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