Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – In a tragic incident that has shocked the nation, an Air India flight AI171 carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. As per latest reports, at least 133 people have lost their lives in this devastating crash.
The flight, headed to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed into a residential area near the Meghaninagar region, sending up huge clouds of dark smoke visible across the city. Witnesses described the horrifying sound of the plane crashing and the chaos that followed.
Details of the Tragedy
According to Air India, the plane was carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, slightly revised from earlier figures. Among them were:
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169 Indian nationals
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53 British nationals
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7 Portuguese citizens
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1 Canadian passenger
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also suspected to be on board, though official confirmation is awaited.
The crash occurred at 1:17 PM, merely five minutes after the aircraft took off from the Ahmedabad airport. The exact reason for the crash remains unknown, but authorities have not ruled out technical failure. The Dharpur-Meghaninagar area near the airport is where the wreckage and fire were first reported.
Firefighters and Emergency Teams at Work
Massive emergency operations have been launched. The fire brigade and disaster response teams reached the spot immediately to control the fire and assist survivors. However, due to the intensity of the crash and fire, chances of finding more survivors remain very slim.
An eyewitness told reporters,
“We heard a huge explosion, and when we ran out, there was thick smoke everywhere. Pieces of the plane and scattered bodies were all over the street.”
Hospitals in the city have been put on high alert and rescue teams are still searching the wreckage for survivors.
Government Responds Swiftly
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally taken stock of the situation. He held discussions with Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, instructing them to rush to Ahmedabad and oversee rescue and relief efforts.
Amit Shah also spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to ensure state resources are fully mobilized for the crisis.
PM Modi posted on social media:
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has shocked and saddened us deeply. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. Rescue operations are in full swing, and every possible help is being provided.”
International Reactions
The crash has drawn global concern:
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with India and condolences to the victims’ families.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that British nationals were aboard and that his government was closely monitoring the situation.
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The British High Commission in India stated they are working with local authorities to gather information and provide support.
Market Impact
The aviation and travel sectors felt the immediate impact:
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Boeing’s share price plunged 7% in US pre-market trading after it was confirmed the ill-fated aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
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Indian airline stocks like IndiGo and SpiceJet dropped sharply as investors feared damage to public confidence in air travel.
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Travel booking websites and hotel chains also saw their stocks decline.
Air India Sets Up Helpline
Air India has announced a passenger helpline – 1800 5691 444 – for families and friends seeking information on passengers.
Flight Operations Disrupted
Due to the crash, Ahmedabad airport remains temporarily shut, with flights diverted to nearby airports. IndiGo and other airlines have issued travel advisories and offered refunds or rebooking options to affected passengers.
