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:
IndiGo expresses solidarity after Air India crash near Ahmedabad
Following Air India plane crash, IndiGo issued statement. “We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident near Ahmedabad airport. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and their families. We stand united in spirit with Air India in this very difficult time,” reads IndiGo post on X.
Family members arrive at hospital as search continues for AI171 crash victims – WATCH
Following the Air India plane crash, Bhawna Patel, whose sister was on board the flight, said, “My sister was going to London. Her flight was around 1:10 pm, but it crashed.” Patel made the statement as she arrived at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
#watch | Air India plane crash: “My sister was going to London. She had her flight around 1.10 pm, but the flight crashed,” says Bhawna Patel as she arrived at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/aDkixvDB9d
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025
“Ill-fated Air India flight from Ahmedabad to Gatwick (the UK) had 169 Indians, 53 British, and 1 Canadian national onboard,” says Air India after AI171 passenger aircraft crashed near Meghani Nagar in Ahmedabad.
UK Government issue helpline number 020 7008 5000
The UK Government issued statement and helpline number.
“We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved. British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000,” reads the statement.
Air India plane crash LIVE: Plane crashed in residential area on doctors’ hostel, says police
A senior police officer says, “As per preliminary information, a London-bound Air India flight has crashed at the doctors’ hostel. Within 2-3 minutes, police and other agencies reached the spot. Almost 70-80 % of the area has been cleared. All agencies are working here…”
#watch | Ahmedabad, Gujarat: A senior police officer says, “As per preliminary information, a London-bound Air India flight has crashed at the doctors’ hostel. Within 2-3 minutes, police and other agencies reached the spot. Almost 70-80 % of the area has been cleared. All… pic.twitter.com/ugEQiIIOgB
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025
Air India plane crash LIVE: ‘Thick smoke and bodies scattered all over’ – Eyewitness recounts horror
An eyewitness said, “I was at home when we heard a massive sound. When we went out to see what had happened, there was a layer of thick smoke in the air. When we came here, dead bodies and debris from the crashed aircraft were scattered all over.”
VIDEO | Ahmedabad plane crash: Here’s what an eyewitness said:
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 12, 2025
“I was at home when we heard a massive sound. When we went out to see what had happened, there was a layer of thick smoke in the air. When we came here, dead bodies and debris from the crashed aircraft were scattered… pic.twitter.com/Km0xCm9yde
Air India plane crash LIVE: Air India issues hotline number 1800 5691 444
Air India issues a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash.
Air India plane crash LIVE: Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran issues statement
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran, in a statement, confirmed that Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected. Chandrasekaran stated that the airline’s immediate priority is to support the victims and their families. Air India is working closely with emergency response teams at the crash site and providing all possible assistance.
An emergency centre has been activated, and dedicated support teams are in place to help families seeking information. Further verified updates will be shared as they become available.
Air India plane crash LIVE: 52 British nationals were on board Air India flight AI171
As per reports, out of the 242 passengers on board Air India flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, 52 were British nationals.
Air India plane crash LIVE: Relief and rescue efforts underway at crash site – WATCH
Following the Air India plane crash at the residential area, relief and rescue efforts are underway. PM Modi has taken stock situation in Ahmedabad.
#watch | Relief and rescue efforts are underway at the site of Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/PBnObCxEJr
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025
Air India plane crash LIVE: DGCA team leaving for Ahmedabad for investigation
According to Ministry of Civil Aviation Sources, Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with the team leaving for Ahmedabad for investigation.
Air India plane crash LIVE: PM Modi speaks to HM Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister
According to ANI, PM Modi spoke to HM Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. He 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 plane crash LIVE: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport operation shut temporarily
Following the crash, SVPIA Spokesperson the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice.
Air India plane crash LIVE: Relief and rescue efforts underway at the crash site – WATCH
Relief and rescue efforts are underway at the site of Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.
#watch | Relief and rescue efforts are underway at the site of Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Gujarat CM and promised all Central assitance pic.twitter.com/PqsaCsnFKd
Ex-CM of Gujarat Vijaybhai Rupani was on the flight that crashed today in Ahmedabad.
It’s confirmed.
— Vijay Patel (@vijaygajera) June 12, 2025
Ex-CM of Gujarat Vijaybhai Rupani was on the flight that crashed today in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/kyiYGAEnuN
Air India plane crash LIVE: PM Modi speaks to Aviation Minister, takes stock of situation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and took stock of the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad.
The Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is en route to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations personally. PM Modi directed him to ensure immediate and full support to all affected and asked to be kept regularly updated.
The Prime Minister’s Office said all relevant agencies are on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway to manage the crisis.
Air India plane crash LIVE: Air India flight crashed 5 mins after takeoff
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, says DGCA.
Air India plane crash LIVE: Visuals from crash site
Debris at Air India plane crash site in Ahmedabad; Fire Services and other agencies present at the site.
#watch | Debris at Air India plane crash site in Ahmedabad; Fire Services and other agencies present at the site pic.twitter.com/z9XsemwDnx
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025
Air India plane crash LIVE: DGCA says Capt Sumeet Sabharwal gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC before crashing
The DGCA informed that Capt Sumeet Sabharwal was 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. 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.
Air India plane crash LIVE: Amit Shah speaks to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, assures support
“I am deeply saddened by the accident of the Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. I have instructed the officials to take immediate rescue and relief operations in the accident and to make arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing. I have also instructed to arrange a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all the treatment arrangements in the hospital on priority. The Honorable Union Home Minister Shri Amitbhai Shah has also spoken to me and assured full support of the NDRF teams and the Central Government for the rescue and relief operations in this plane crash.” reads Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel post on X.
Air India plane crash LIVE: What Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said on plane crash
Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, tweets, “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. 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…”
Air India plane crash LIVE: Plane ‘crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad’, says DGCA
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that the 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.
Air India plane crash: What Air India said after Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad
“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” states Air India spokesperson’s post X.
Visuals from Air India crash site – WATCH
Thick smoke billows from the Air India plane crash site in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad.
#watch | Thick smoke billows from the Air India plane crash site in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/NsCGenhPGw
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025
