In a tragic turn of events, Air India flight AI171, bound for London&rsquo;s Gatwick Airport, crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. The incident led to an immediate shutdown of all flight operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers, took off at 1:38 p.m. and crashed within five minutes into a densely populated area in Meghani Nagar, located just outside the airport perimeter. Visuals from the crash site show extensive structural damage to nearby buildings, with the aircraft&rsquo;s fuselage embedded into a hostel and thick black smoke rising from the wreckage.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of casualties or survivors. However, rescue efforts are ongoing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that the aircraft issued a &ldquo;Mayday&rdquo; distress call before losing radio contact. Preliminary reports suggest a possible bird strike caused engine failure, although a full investigation will confirm the cause.
The flight was being operated by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an experienced pilot with over 8,200 flying hours, alongside First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours. Air India has activated a dedicated hotline (1800 5691 444) for families and friends seeking information about passengers.
Emergency response teams, including seven fire engines and multiple National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units from Gandhinagar and Vadodara, have been deployed. The DGCA stated that its officials were already on-site conducting inspections and collecting evidence.
The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, had earlier completed a flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad. According to the passenger manifest, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian on board. Among them was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is heading to Ahmedabad for an on-ground assessment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed the situation and directed immediate rescue and relief operations.
Further details are expected as investigation teams and emergency responders continue their work at the crash site.

Flight AI171 crashes into Meghani Nagar minutes after takeoff, rescue ops underway, PM reviews

Air India Jet Crashes in Ahmedabad After Takeoff

Flight AI171 crashes into Meghani Nagar minutes after takeoff, rescue ops underway, PM reviews

June 12, 2025 | 22:28 IST