June 12, 2025: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed in the Meghani Nagar residential area minutes after departure, leading to widespread panic and fears of multiple casualties.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), EAM Jaishankar wrote, “Deeply shocked to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. Our prayers are with the passengers and their families.”
Also Read: Who Were the 242 People on Board the Doomed Air India Flight?
Flight AI171 had taken off from Ahmedabad at 1:39 p.m. and issued a MAYDAY call before losing contact with Air Traffic Control. According to DGCA officials, the aircraft plunged just outside the airport perimeter and burst into flames. The flight was being commanded by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, a senior pilot with over 8200 flying hours, along with First Officer Clive Kundar.
In response to the disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held emergency discussions with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah. Both ministers were directed to rush to Ahmedabad and oversee rescue and relief efforts. PM Modi emphasized the need for urgent medical assistance and regular updates from the ground.
Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has suspended all operations. Airport authorities urged travelers to confirm their flight status before proceeding.
A DGCA investigation team has been dispatched to the crash site. Civil aviation authorities, fire services, and disaster response units are working in tandem as the situation unfolds.