An Air India passenger aircraft carrying 244 people crashed on Thursday afternoon in the northwestern Indian city of Ahmedabad, just minutes after takeoff en route to London’s Gatwick Airport.
Local television footage showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the crash site near Ahmedabad Airport.
The aircraft, flight AI171—a Boeing 787 Dreamliner—went down in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area five minutes after departing at 1:38 p.m. local time, according to Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of India’s Civil Aviation Authority, as reported by the Associated Press.
Additionally, the Boeing 787 was carrying 232 passengers and 12 crew members. Emergency response units were immediately activated, with fire brigades and medical teams rushing to the scene.
Dozens of injured passengers have been transported to nearby hospitals, and rescue operations are still underway.
Authorities swiftly sealed off roads leading to the airport and the surrounding crash zone to ensure unimpeded access for emergency services. Traffic diversions have been implemented to manage congestion in the area.
Air India Flight AI171 reportedly crashed into the hostel part of the B.J. Medical College (BJMC), a well-known medical college in Ahmedabad.
Reports claim that Medical students residing in the hostel have also died in the crash. pic.twitter.com/nvVw6flHne
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) June 12, 2025
Government, Airline Respond to Disaster
India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, issued a statement shortly after the incident:
“I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the crash in Ahmedabad. We are on high alert, and I am personally monitoring the situation. All aviation and emergency agencies have been instructed to act swiftly and in full coordination.”
Air India Chairman Chandraserasekaran expressed condolences and emphasized the airline’s focus on supporting victims and their families.
“Our immediate priority is to assist all those affected by this tragedy. We are doing everything possible to support emergency responders on site and to provide care and assistance to those impacted.”
Gatwick Airport Confirms Flight Details
In London, Gatwick Airport confirmed the aircraft was scheduled to land at 6:25 p.m. local time.
“We can confirm that the flight that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad today was due to arrive at London Gatwick Airport at 18:25.”
As rescue teams continue their operations and authorities begin investigations, the full scale of the tragedy is yet to be determined.
Source: Al-Manar Website