Air India Flight with 242 Onboard Crashes After Takeoff Near Ahmedabad

An Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, plummeting into the Meghaninagar residential area and sending shockwaves across the region.

Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, was headed to London Gatwick when the incident occurred. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the crash site, visible from as far as Vastrapur and Dharpur. Emergency services, including the fire brigade and police, rushed to the scene, and nearby roads have been closed.

Air India confirmed the incident via social media, stating: “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 airindia.com and on our X handle.”

Authorities have yet to confirm the extent of casualties or property damage. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic in the residential neighborhood as debris scattered and emergency sirens filled the air.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with the Gujarat Chief Minister and assured the full support of the Central government. Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu is en route to the crash site to oversee rescue and response efforts.

The cause of the crash remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.