(Image source from: x.com/CISFHQrs)
A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operated by Air India crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport in London this afternoon. Flight AI171, which had 242 individuals on board, went down just minutes after leaving the airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the event, calling it "heartbreaking beyond words."
"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has left us stunned and filled with sorrow. It is profoundly heart-wrenching. During this painful time, my thoughts are with all who are impacted. I have been in contact with ministers and officials who are actively working to support those affected," the Prime Minister stated. The accident occurred between 1 PM and 2 PM local time, with reports indicating that the aircraft started losing altitude shortly after its departure.
The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025
Initial reports suggest the aircraft was at approximately 825 feet when it unexpectedly descended. Air India released a short statement confirming the incident: "Flight AI171 flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in an incident today, June 12, 2025. We are currently gathering more information and will share updates as soon as possible." The flight, which took off from Ahmedabad at 1:38 PM, included 242 passengers and crew members aboard the Boeing 787-8. Among those on board, there were 169 Indian citizens, 53 from the UK, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals. Air India has also established a dedicated hotline, 1800 5691 444, to provide further information.
CISF Rescue Operations Underway at AI 171 Crash Site, Ahmedabad.
— CISF (@CISFHQrs) June 12, 2025
Following the tragic crash of London-bound Air India flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad Airport, #CISF personnel immediately activated emergency protocols and rushed to the site. Rescue operations are being carried out in… pic.twitter.com/jnfIWxQF1b
Images from the crash site indicate a thick plume of grey smoke billowing above the area. Emergency responders have deployed over two dozen ambulances to the scene. Several injured passengers have already been taken to nearby medical facilities. Medical teams and fire rescue units remain on site to assist. Law enforcement has restricted access to routes leading to both the airport and the crash area to ensure emergency services can operate without interruption. Traffic diversions have also been implemented to alleviate congestion around the site. The Civil Aviation Ministry is closely monitoring the unfolding situation. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu responded soon after the crash, stating, "I am shocked and devastated to hear about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on high alert. I am personally overseeing the situation and have instructed all aviation and emergency response teams to act swiftly and in coordination. Rescue teams have been dispatched, and all necessary measures are being taken to provide immediate medical assistance and support at the site. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone aboard and their loved ones."
Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad.
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 12, 2025
We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.
Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all…
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his sentiments in a statement, saying, "It is heartbreaking to witness the reports of a plane headed to London, carrying numerous British citizens, that has crashed in Ahmedabad, India. I continue to receive updates as the situation unfolds, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families during this incredibly distressing time." London Gatwick Airport also released a statement confirming, "We can verify that flight AI171, which met with an accident shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport today, was scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick at 18:25."
The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 12, 2025
I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.
Today is a truly heartbreaking day for many British and Indian families up and down the country.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 12, 2025
I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies to all those impacted by the horrific plane crash. pic.twitter.com/wJGv9imrJ9
We can confirm flight AI171 that was involved in an accident on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today (12 June) was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST.
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) June 12, 2025
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft had 242 passengers and crew members on board.
London Gatwick is liaising closely with Air… pic.twitter.com/QDXfF6t8S9
The Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, released their own statement. N Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Air India, remarked, "It is with great sadness that I confirm the involvement of Air India Flight 171, which was operating between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick, in a tragic incident today. Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with the families and loved ones of everyone affected by this heartbreaking occurrence."
With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.
— Tata Group (@TataCompanies) June 12, 2025
At this moment, our…
We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171.
— Tata Group (@TataCompanies) June 12, 2025
No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured.
Tata Group will…
Mr. Chandrasekaran further noted, "Our top priority right now is to support the individuals impacted and their families. We are committed to assisting the emergency response teams at the scene and providing all necessary care and support to those involved. We will release further information as more verified details become available. An emergency center is now operational, and a support team has been established to assist families looking for information." Gautam Adani, a prominent industrialist, also shared, "We are in shock and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. Our hearts are with the families enduring such an unimaginable loss. We are closely collaborating with all relevant authorities and providing full assistance to the families at the site."
We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss. We are working closely with all authorities and extending full support to the families on the ground.
— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) June 12, 2025
