(Image source from: Timesnownews.com)
This afternoon, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 individuals, tragically crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad airport, marking one of the most devastating aviation disasters in India’s history. Among those on board were 232 passengers and 10 crew members, with the flight destined for London. A video captured the moment as the aircraft struggled to ascend, flying dangerously low before it crashed onto the ground, erupting in a large fireball at 1:38 PM. The plane was fully fueled for its long journey to London. Following take-off, the pilot issued a mayday alert, yet subsequent calls from air traffic control went unanswered, according to reports. Experts noted that the critical failure to gain altitude occurred at a mere 825 feet. Sanjay Lazar, an aviation specialist, commented on the situation.
(Video Source: NDTV Profit)
The flight, designated AI 171, was scheduled from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, carrying 169 Indian passengers, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese individuals. Images from the scene displayed the burnt wreckage, with plumes of smoke rising and emergency services active. Videos also revealed that some injured individuals were being transported to medical facilities. A significant number of ambulances responded to the incident, transporting casualties to hospitals. Traffic in the area has been redirected by law enforcement. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu stated that he is closely overseeing the developments and has instructed all aviation and emergency response teams to act promptly and in coordination.
Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad.
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 12, 2025
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…
In a message shared on social media platform X, he expressed, "My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families." The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released a statement indicating that the aircraft, under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal—who has 8,200 flight hours—and First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours of experience, made a mayday call just prior to the crash. Air India has established a special hotline, 1800 5691 444, for passengers seeking more information.
CISF conducts rescue operations at the AI 171 crash site, Ahmedabad
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025
Photo source: Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) pic.twitter.com/vEhdpx5VgS
