Tragic Air India Flight Crash Shortly After Takeoff from Ahmedabad

Incident Overview

Ahmedabad: An Air India flight carrying 242 individuals, which included two pilots and ten cabin crew members, tragically crashed shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

The aircraft was en route to Gatwick Airport in London when it went down near the Meghaninagar area just five minutes after takeoff. According to Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight took off at 1:38 PM and lost contact shortly thereafter. The flight was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar assisting him.

Government Response

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reached out to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state's Home Minister, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, assuring them of the central government's full support in managing the aftermath of the incident.

Following the crash, operations at Ahmedabad airport were halted. Dramatic footage shared by various media outlets depicted thick black smoke rising from the crash site. Air India confirmed the incident involving flight AI171 and stated that updates would be provided through their official website and social media channels. The airline mentioned, “We are currently gathering more information.”

Minister's Statement

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed his profound sorrow regarding the incident. “I am shocked and heartbroken by the crash of Air India flight AI171. All aviation and emergency services have been placed on the highest alert. I am personally overseeing the situation,” he stated.

Naidu also mentioned that multiple rescue teams had been dispatched and efforts were underway to provide immediate medical assistance and relief. “Our thoughts are with the passengers and their families during this extremely difficult time,” he added.

Ongoing Rescue Operations

Rescue operations are actively continuing at the crash site, and further details are anticipated to emerge in the hours ahead.