Tragedy struck Indian aviation on Wednesday when Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
According to officials, the aircraft issued a mayday call before crashing just outside the airport perimeter.
India’s Minister of Civil Aviation expressed deep sorrow, stating he was “shocked and devastated” by the incident. Thick plumes of black smoke were observed over the airport by an AFP journalist on the scene, highlighting the severity of the crash.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that 242 individuals were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash. This included two pilots and ten cabin crew members. Air India also released a statement detailing the passenger breakdown: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian were aboard.
The aircraft crashed in an area just beyond the airport boundary. Ahmedabad, the principal city of Gujarat state with a population nearing eight million, is known for its densely packed neighborhoods surrounding the airport. Rescue operations have been made more complex due to the surrounding urban environment.
No official cause has yet been confirmed. Investigations by Indian aviation authorities, supported by emergency responders and international aviation bodies, are currently underway.
The crash of Flight 171 marks one of the most devastating air disasters in India in recent years, prompting calls for heightened review of flight safety protocols and airport operations in high-density urban zones.
Updates are expected as recovery efforts continue and further information becomes available from authorities and the airline.
Aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu directed “all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.”
“Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site,” he added.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
Watch the videos belows;
Passenger plane to London crashes near Ahmedabad Airport in India. pic.twitter.com/qagq11Dx97
— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) June 12, 2025
The #AirIndia plane site crash was a medical college hostel… Burnt to ashes…. 😞😞 pic.twitter.com/5UPUOuJYwQ
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) June 12, 2025