Air India Ahmedabad Plane Crash Highlights: In one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in recent years, Air India flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon, killing 241 people on board. The airline confirmed the casualties on Friday morning.
PM Modi in Ahmedabad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site on Friday and also paid a visit to the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Multiple videos and pictures of the Prime Minister surfaced on social media where he was seen speaking to officials and taking stock of the situation. Watch:
The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had taken off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 pm with around 242 people on board. The lone survivor, Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, has been identified as a British national of Indian origin, and is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital. The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national.
Air India, in an official statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. “Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones,” the airline said.
A special team from Air India has reached Ahmedabad to assist with support and coordination efforts.
Air India plane crash survivors’ account
“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly… When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital,” Survivor Ramesh told the media.
Current situation at Medical college and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport
The plane was headed to Gatwick Airport when it crashed into onto a medical college hostel during lunch hour. A top state police officer Vidhi Chaudhary told Reuters that the number of casualties from the hostel are still being verified. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has resumed operations partially following the crash. At the Civil Hospital trauma centre, charred and unidentifiable bodies are still being brought in for examination. The impact of the crash also caused significant damage to the BJ Medical College hostel in Meghaninagar, injuring at least 20 medical students. Reports suggest that at least 4 students are dead.
Air India Helpline
To assist relatives and concerned individuals, Air India has set up a dedicated helpline. Families in India can call 1800 5691 444, while those abroad can reach out at +91 8062779200. The airline has also urged media personnel not to use these numbers and instead follow official updates via its X handle and website airindia.com.
More details are expected as investigations continue and officials begin recovery and identification procedures. Catch live updates here on the current situation surrounding the Air India plane crash:
Air India sets up help centres at multiple airports
Air India announced on Friday that it has established help centres for assistance at airports in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gatwick (London) to support the relatives and friends of those who died in the fatal plane crash. These centres are helping coordinate and arrange travel for family members who need to reach Ahmedabad, the airline said in a statement.
When will families receive remains of their loved ones killed in Air India crash?
The bodies of the 241 victims of the Ahmedabad–London Gatwick Air India flight crash will be handed over to their families once DNA testing is completed to confirm their identities. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had on Wednesday said that the Gujarat Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) are working together to carry out the testing as quickly as possible to ensure timely handover of the remains to the relatives.
Death toll reaches 265 in Air India plane crash tragedy
According to the latest PTI report, the death toll in Air India plane crash has reached 265. The entire tragedy unfolded within just 30 seconds of the flight taking off. Shortly after take-off, the Air India 787-8 Dreamliner reached an altitude of only around 425 feet before it crashed into the campus of a medical college. Moments later, it was engulfed in flames.
Air India’s dedicated helpline numbers
Air India has released a dedicated passenger hotline numbers for India after the fatal plane crash on Wednesday. The number to call from India is 1800 5691 444 and for calls outside India, people will have to dial +91 8062779200. The airline has requested media persons not to contact the dedicated passenger hotline number.
Six NDRF teams at crash site, in constant touch with state and central agencies
NDRF’s Hariom Gandhi spoke to ANI from the crash site and informed that a total of six NDRF teams are at the site and that they are working with the state and central agencies.
Vijay Rupani’s wife, Anjali Rupani, arrives at Ahmedabad Airport
Anjali Rupani, the wife of late Vijay Rupani, was seen arriving at the domestic terminal of Ahmedabad airport today. BJP leader Vijay Rupani was killed in the Air India AI-171 plane crash on Wednesday.
PM Modi visits Ahmedabad Civil Hospital – Watch Video
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital after paying a visit to the crash site on Friday morning.
#watch | PM Modi arrives at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital to meet those injured in AI-171 plane crash
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union MoS Murlidhar Mohol and State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi are also present pic.twitter.com/vrQQYNXvc9
A resident of a housing colony near the crash site of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad described the impact as so intense that it felt like an earthquake. He said that shortly after hearing the deafening noise, people from nearby areas rushed to the scene to see what had happened. Meanwhile, Hariom Gandhi from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) confirmed that six teams have been deployed at the site and are actively engaged in rescue and recovery operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Ahmedabad on Friday morning to overview the current situation following the Air India plane crash. According to ANI, PM Modi has arrived at the crash site and is taking stock of the situation.
#watch | PM Modi's cavalcade has arrived at the site of the AI-171 flight crash that claimed the lives of 241 people, including 12 crew members onboard pic.twitter.com/eMvW0DoY4v
Early morning Air India flight from Mumbai to London takes a U-turn
According to Flightradar24, an early morning Air India flight on Friday that took off from Mumbai and was on its way to London, is now on its way back to Mumbai. The reason is not known yet and further details are awaited.
No immediate reason to ground Boeing 787, says US
A US transport official was asked whether the Boeing 787 fleet should be grounded following the fatal Air India crash. However, the official said that it was too early to make such a decision. Chris Rocheleau of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said a team of experts is being sent to India to assist with the investigation. He added that the situation is still in its early stages and no conclusions can yet be drawn. Rocheleau added that if any potential safety risks are identified, immediate action will be taken to address them.
US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy echoed this, saying that any necessary safety measures would be implemented without delay.
‘Does life have no value?’: Local resident at Ahmedabad hospital speaks up
A local at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital told ANI that there should be “thorough investigation into how this incident happened.” He further asked, “Does life have no value??” He added that it was Air India’s responsibility to take action.
PM Narendra Modi to visit Ahmedabad today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Ahmedabad today following the tragic crash of the Air India flight that claimed 241 lives, including that of 12 crew members. Ahead of the PM’s visit, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had met with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to review the situation and was briefed in detail about the incident and the ongoing response efforts.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson arrives at crash site
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has arrived at the crash site. News Agency ANI shared a video of Wilson swarmed by the media. Watch here:
#watch | Air India MD & CEO Campbell Wilson arrives at AI-171 plane crash site in Ahmedabad
241 passengers lost their lives in the plane crash yesterday pic.twitter.com/Jw1GOnduUI
Elderly couple on their way to visit son in London killed in Air India crash
An elderly couple from Hatid village in Sangola Tehsil, Solapur district, lost their lives in the Air India crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday, according to a PTI report. Mahadev Pawar, 68, and his 60-year-old wife Asha had been living in Ahmedabad and were on their way to visit their son in London when the tragedy occurred.
Mahadev had previously worked in a textile mill in Nadiad, Gujarat. The couple had two sons—one residing in Ahmedabad and the other in London. Sadly, their journey ended just minutes after take-off when the aircraft crashed, claiming the lives of 241 people.
Intense fire from fuel left no chance of survival, says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the intensity of the fire caused by the massive quantity of fuel onboard the crashed Air India flight made it impossible to rescue anyone. Shahs said there was 1.25 lakh litres of fuel inside the plane and it caught fire, and thus it was impossible to save anyone. Shah confirmed that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has already launched an investigation into the incident.
Shah commented after visiting the crash site in Ahmedabad and the hospital where the sole survivor of the crash is also being treated. The aircraft, bound for London, crashed minutes after take-off on Thursday afternoon, killing 241 of the 242 people on board.
Putin, Shehbaz Sharif, Macron, Rishi Sunak and many more leaders from across the globe extend their condolences
World leaders from across the globe extended their condolences to India following the tragic crash of a London-bound Air India flight in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
– United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply saddened” by the crash and offered “heartfelt condolences” to the families and loved ones of those affected.
– Russian President Vladimir Putin also conveyed his condolences to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Quoting Putin’s message, Russian news agency TASS said, “Please convey my sympathy and support to the families of those killed and my wishes for a swift recovery to those injured in the crash.”
– French President Emmanuel Macron said, “We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims’ loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi.”
– Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his grief, stating he was “devastated” by the incident. “My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds,” he posted on X.
– US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also reacted to the incident. “Heartbroken to hear the news of a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My prayers are with all who lost their loved ones in this horrible incident,” he said, adding that Washington is closely monitoring the situation and supports the emergency teams on the ground.
– In the United Kingdom, former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty expressed shock over the incident. “There is a unique bond between our two nations and our thoughts and prayers go out to the British and Indian families who have lost loved ones today,” Sunak posted on X.
– Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow and solidarity, while former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the tragedy “transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity.”
From Bangladesh, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus posted: “Shocked at the tragic crash of #airindia flight carrying 242 passengers in Ahmedabad. We join all in prayers for the bereaved ones and their families. #bangladesh stands in solidarity with people and government of #india at this trying time,” on X.
‘Anything we can do..’: Trump offers to help India following the fatal plane crash
Following the Ahmedabad plane crash, US President Donald Trump has offered to help India. “I let them know that anything we can do — we’ll be over there immediately. But it was a horrific crash,” Trump told the media. He also called the plane crash “one of the worst in aviation history.” Offering help, Trump said, “It was a horrible accident. Anything we can do, we will do.”
‘No thrust, losing power’: Air India pilot’s last message in Mayday call
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who was piloting the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, had made a Mayday call to the Air Traffic Control room in Ahmedabad, minutes before crash. His last message was: “Mayday…no thrust, losing power, unable to lift”.
‘I hugged her, asked her to take care’: Man’s last interaction with sister killed in Ahmedabad plane crash
Many disheartening accounts are surfacing the families of the Air India plane crash victims. Rupal Patel, was visiting her maternal home for a medical treatment. She had been living in London for past 15 years and is survived by a husband and three children. Pawan Patel , Rupal’s brother told ANI that he was the one to drop her off at the airport. “I helped her with the luggage and gave her a hug at the end. I asked her to take care of herself,” he said. Patel further added that his DNA sample was collected for identity confirmation and that the he will be updated about the report in 72 hours.
Air India on Friday confirmed the death of 241 passengers who were onboard the fatal flight. There were a total of 242 people who were travelling from Gujarat to London’s Gatwick Airport, when the plane crashed minutes after take-off on Thursday afternoon.
#watch | #ahemdabadplanecrash | Air India confirms that of the 242 people onboard the London-bound flight AI-171, 241 died in the tragedy.
Visuals from outside the Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, where the bodies of those who lost their lives were brought and the lone survivor &… pic.twitter.com/4HnuQD3my7
Family of Manipur cabin crew member awaits news amid silence from Air India
The family of 21-year-old Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam, who was part of the cabin crew on duty during the AhmedabadPlaneCrash, is desperately awaiting word from authorities.
Her father, Kongrailatpam Nandesh Kumar Sharma, shared, “I found out through the news on my mobile around 2:35 pm today. We haven’t received any communication from Air India so far. I still have hope… she’s my middle child.”
Elderly couple from Solapur among victims of Air India crash in Ahmedabad
Mahadev Pawar (68) and his wife Asha (60), originally from Hatid village in Solapur, were among the passengers on the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The couple, who had been living in Ahmedabad for years, were on their way to meet their son in London. Mahadev previously worked at a textile mill in Nadiad, Gujarat. They had recently returned from a visit to their native village. The London-bound Boeing 787-8, carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after take-off. Authorities are yet to confirm casualties, pending DNA tests and identification, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Scenes of destruction emerge from Ahmedabad crash site
Fresh visuals from the AI-171 crash site reveal the devastating impact of the London-bound Air India flight’s crash.
#watch | Air India Plane Crash | Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Latest visuals from the AI-171 crash site, where the London-bound Air India flight crashed, show the extent of damage.
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025
NDRF teams are also at the spot pic.twitter.com/ZPMX1M3Sbx
Care team reaches Ahmedabad, Air India assures full cooperation and regular updates
A special team of caregivers from Air India has reached Ahmedabad to support on-ground teams. The airline is coordinating closely with local authorities to offer necessary assistance and is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation into the crash.
Air India will continue to share updates through its official X handle (https://twitter.com/airindia) and website (http://airindia.com).
Mess hall left in ruins as plane crashes into doctors’ hostel
Haunting visuals from the doctors’ hostel mess reveal half-eaten and untouched plates of food, capturing the moment tragedy struck. The London-bound Air India flight crashed directly into the hostel, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Relief flights arranged for families of passengers and crew
Air India has announced two special relief flights—one each from Delhi and Mumbai—to Ahmedabad for the next of kin of passengers and Air India staff. Those in Delhi or Mumbai who wish to travel on these flights can contact the airline’s hotline at 1800 5691 444. For relatives arriving from international locations, assistance is available via the hotline at +91 8062779200, the airline shared in a tweet.
Tata Group to Give Rs 1 Crore Each to Families of Ahmedabad Crash Victims
Tata Group has announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of each person who lost their life in the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad. “We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171. No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment,” said Tata Sons Chairperson N Chandrasekaran on X. The company will also bear all medical expenses of those injured and assist in rebuilding the B J Medical College hostel that was hit in the crash.
Kerala Nurse Ranjitha’s UK Dream Ends in Ahmedabad Air Crash
Ranjitha Gopakumaran, a 42-year-old nurse from Pullad in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district, was among the 242 victims of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. She had recently landed a job in the UK’s healthcare system and had returned to India for a brief visit to oversee the construction of her dream home. Just three days later, she began her journey back—boarding AI 171 after flying from Kochi to Ahmedabad. Tragically, her life was cut short minutes after takeoff. Ranjitha leaves behind her husband, two children, and her mother.
Ahmedabad Police Confirms One Survivor from Air India Crash
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told ANI over a phone call that one survivor has been found in seat 11A of the crashed Air India flight. The individual is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. Malik added that it is too early to confirm the exact number of fatalities, as the aircraft went down in a densely populated residential area. “The death toll may increase,” he said, highlighting the ongoing rescue operations and the severity of the impact. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the tragedy.