June 12, 2025: In a tragic turn of events, Air India flight AI-171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, 12 June 2025. The incident occurred just minutes after the aircraft lifted off from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST, with 242 people on board, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew.
The aircraft, under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal—a Line Training Captain with over 8,200 flight hours—and First Officer Clive Kundar, had issued a MAYDAY call to Air Traffic Control before abruptly losing contact. The plane crashed just outside the airport perimeter, and thick black smoke was seen rising from the debris.
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Dramatic video footage from the crash site shows the charred remains of the aircraft engulfed in smoke, highlighting the severity of the impact.
Air India released an official statement confirming the incident:“Flight AI-171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are ascertaining the details and will provide further updates soon.”
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed shock and concern over the incident:“I am devastated by the news of the crash. We are on highest alert. All aviation and emergency response agencies have been directed to act swiftly and in coordination.”
Fire and emergency services were immediately deployed to the scene, and relief operations are underway. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by aviation authorities.