June 12, 2025: In a tragic aviation incident, Air India flight AI-171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just five minutes after takeoff on 12th June 2025, plummeting into the Meghani Nagar residential area near the airport.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including Captain Sumit Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with over 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had clocked 1,100 hours. The flight took off at 1:39 PM IST from Runway 23, but soon issued a MAYDAY call before losing all communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC). Eyewitnesses reported dense black smoke billowing from the crash site, confirming the gravity of the disaster.
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According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft lost control shortly after takeoff and crashed just outside the Ahmedabad airport perimeter.
Air India issued a statement on its social media platforms:“Flight AI-171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. Details are being ascertained and updates will follow on airindia.com and our X handle.”
Emergency protocols were immediately activated. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi coordinated the creation of green corridors to facilitate urgent medical assistance. All hospitals in Ahmedabad were directed to prioritize treatment for survivors.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow:“With profound grief, I confirm that Air India flight AI-171 was involved in a tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected. Our full focus remains on emergency aid, rescue efforts, and family support. We will continue to share verified updates as they become available.”
An emergency centre has been established and support teams deployed to assist affected families and coordinate with local authorities.