TNR News Network
Ahmedabad: An Air India flight with 242 onboard, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday (June 12, 2025) afternoon.
The aircraft, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, went down near the Meghaninagar area within five minutes of departure.
According to Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight took off at 1.38 pm and lost contact within five minutes. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar assisting.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state’s Home Minister and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner. He assured them of full support from the Centre in managing the aftermath of the crash.
Operations at Ahmedabad airport were suspended following the incident. Dramatic visuals shared by news agencies showed plumes of thick, black smoke billowing into the sky from the site of the crash.
Air India confirmed the incident involving flight AI171 and stated that further updates will be provided via their official website and social media platforms. “We are currently gathering more information,” the airline said in an official statement.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “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 said.
Naidu said multiple rescue teams had been deployed 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 said.
Rescue operations are continuing at the crash site and more details are expected to emerge in the coming hours.
