In what is emerging as one of the gravest aviation tragedies in recent Indian history, Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed within five minutes of take-off this afternoon, June 12, 2025. The crash occurred near Meghaninagar, a densely populated area close to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
According to initial reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members. The aircraft took off at 1:38 PM and tragically went down by 1:43 PM, creating a massive fireball that could be seen for miles.
💔 Heartbreaking Confirmation
Air India confirmed the incident in an official statement:
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on our website and on our X handle.”
There is currently no official word on the number of survivors or fatalities, though unconfirmed reports suggest heavy casualties due to the speed and severity of the crash. Emergency response units have been dispatched to the site, and firefighting, medical, and disaster response teams are actively working to rescue any survivors from the wreckage.
👨✈️ Crew and Command
The ill-fated Boeing aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an experienced pilot with over two decades of flying experience. His co-pilot, First Officer Clive Kundar, was also reported to be well-regarded within Air India’s cockpit crew.
The identities of passengers have not yet been released, though the airline has confirmed that a full manifest has been shared with local and central authorities to coordinate outreach to families.
🛬 Airport Closed, Rescue on War Footing
Ahmedabad Airport has been shut down until further notice, and all inbound and outbound flights have been cancelled or rerouted. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered the immediate mobilization of medical and disaster relief teams, urging hospitals to be on high alert to treat survivors.
“I have instructed officials to ensure immediate rescue and relief operations. A green corridor has been created for rapid transport of the injured,” CM Patel announced.
🇮🇳 National Response in Full Swing
Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has issued a statement confirming that he is personally overseeing the situation.
“We are on the highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is currently in New Delhi, has also spoken with the Gujarat Chief Minister, the State Home Minister, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner. Shah has promised all possible support from the Central Government, including resources from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
🔎 What Went Wrong?
As of this writing, the cause of the crash remains unknown. However, experts speculate that the short interval between take-off and the crash points to a catastrophic mechanical failure, possibly linked to engine trouble or loss of altitude control.
A full investigation has been initiated by the DGCA, and representatives from Air India’s safety team as well as international aviation regulators are expected to arrive on the scene. The aircraft's black box and flight data recorder are crucial to determining the cause and are being searched for amid the debris.
🌍 Global Attention and International Coordination
With many foreign nationals expected to be on board the London-bound flight, several foreign consulates and embassies have been alerted. The UK High Commission in New Delhi issued a brief statement expressing concern and indicating it is working closely with Indian authorities to provide support.
Air India has set up emergency helpline numbers for families of passengers and crew. A crisis support center is being established at the Ahmedabad airport to offer real-time updates and counselling services.
🙏 A Nation in Mourning
As India reels from this devastating incident, social media platforms have been flooded with messages of grief, solidarity, and prayer. Hashtags like #AI171 and #AhmedabadCrash are trending globally, with political leaders, celebrities, and citizens expressing condolences.
The sheer scale of the tragedy and its proximity to a major city like Ahmedabad means that first responders are battling not only fire and wreckage but also intense emotional trauma—a painful reminder of how fragile life is in the face of technological failure.
📢 Final Thoughts
This catastrophic event marks a dark chapter for Indian civil aviation and raises urgent questions about air safety, aircraft maintenance, and emergency readiness. While the country waits anxiously for updates on survivors and victims, the priority remains rescue, recovery, and mourning.
As more information becomes available, this blog will continue to provide updates and analysis. Our thoughts are with the families of the passengers and crew of Air India Flight AI171. May the departed souls rest in peace.