Breaking: Air India Plane Crash Near Ahmedabad Airport
📍 Incident Overview
On 12 June 2025, Air India Flight AI 171—a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (registration VT‑ANB)—departed Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport bound for London Gatwick at around 13:38 IST. Just minutes after take-off from Runway 23, the aircraft lost altitude, issued a “Mayday” distress call, and plunged into a residential area in Meghani Nagar outside the airport perimeter 1.
Onboard: The flight carried 242 individuals—230 passengers (169 Indian, 53 British, 1 Canadian, 7 Portuguese) plus 12 crew (2 pilots, 10 cabin staff) 2.
What Happened on the Ground
Witnesses and ATC report a loud crash followed by a massive plume of black smoke visible for kilometers. Fire services and ambulances rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze and assist victims 3.
Human Toll & Status
Precise casualty numbers remain unconfirmed. Some early reports mention several fatalities (possibly 120+), while others suggest ongoing rescue efforts with injured being shifted to hospitals 5.
A temporarily closed Ahmedabad airport has halted all flight operations. Railways has announced special Vande Bharat trains for stranded passengers 6.
Official Communications & Leadership Response
- Air India: Confirmed Flight AI‑171 was involved in an accident, is gathering facts, and has established helpline (1800‑5691‑444) 7.
- DGCA: Reported mayday call and crash outside airport boundary 8.
- Prime Minister Modi: Described the crash as “heartbreaking beyond words,” spoke with Home and Civil Aviation ministers, ordered swift response 9.
- Gujarat CM & HM Shah: CM Patel directed speedy rescue and green corridors; HM Amit Shah coordinating federal support 10.
- International Response: UK Government activated a helpline for British citizens; consular support extended 11.
Why It Happened: Possible Causes
The official investigation is ongoing, but initial facts include:
- The pilots issued a Mayday, indicating a sudden critical failure—such as mechanical issues or aerodynamic instability 12.
- The crash occurred near takeoff—when aircraft are fuel-laden, making post-impact fires more intense 13.
- Proximity to populated zones greatly increased potential casualty risk.
DGCA and Boeing technical teams are expected to analyze flight data and cockpit voice recordings to determine root cause.
Next Steps
- Rescue & relief: Continued search for survivors; medical aid; helplines activated.
- Investigation: DGCA, supported by Boeing, to examine black boxes, ATC records, maintenance logs.
- Public updates: Regular briefings are scheduled as more info is verified.
How You Can Help or Stay Informed
- Share official helpline numbers: Air India: 1800‑5691‑444, MoCA: 011‑24610843, 9650391859, Ahmedabad Police: 079‑25620359.
- Monitor reputable outlets like Times of India, Hindustan Times, Business Standard, Economic Times.
- Support rescue teams through verified NGOs or donations.
Stay safe and informed—continue following updates as investigators uncover more.
