Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash: 242 Onboard, Major Tragedy Unfolds Near Airport

In one of the most devastating aviation tragedies in recent Indian history, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025. The aircraft, operating as Flight AI 171 and headed for London Gatwick, had 242 people onboard, including 12 crew members.

The incident has triggered a wave of grief across the country and globally, as international passengers and prominent Indian personalities are believed to be among the victims.

Crash Details: Seconds That Changed Everything

The ill-fated aircraft departed at 13:38 IST and lost contact with air traffic control within the first minute of takeoff. The last known altitude was under 650 feet, after which the pilots reportedly issued a mayday call.

Moments later, the plane plummeted into the Meghani Nagar residential area, creating a massive explosion and thick black smoke that could be seen from kilometers away. According to early reports, the plane struck a structure near a doctors’ hostel, engulfing nearby homes and vehicles in flames.

Who Was Onboard?

Air India confirmed that there were 230 passengers and 12 crew members aboard the aircraft. The passenger list includes:

• 169 Indians

• 53 British nationals

• 7 Portuguese citizens

• 1 Canadian national

• 11 children

Though yet to be confirmed officially, speculation is mounting that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani might have been one of the passengers. The airline is currently verifying manifest details in coordination with national and foreign embassies.

Emergency Response: Rescue in Full Swing

Within minutes of the crash, emergency responders including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigades, and local police reached the site. Over 90 personnel were deployed to manage the rescue, clear debris, and provide first aid.

More than 30 bodies have been recovered as of the latest update, with officials warning the toll could rise significantly. Rescue efforts are complicated due to fires and collapsing structures in the densely populated crash zone.

Meanwhile, operations at Ahmedabad Airport have been suspended indefinitely, and all inbound and outbound flights have been rerouted.

Statements From Leaders and Officials

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and said the central government is monitoring the situation closely. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also released a statement offering support and condolences to the affected families.

Air India, under Tata Group, has activated its emergency response center. Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow and pledged full support to victims’ families. The airline is coordinating with global diplomatic missions to notify next of kin.

The Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner

The aircraft involved, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (registration VT-ANB), was nearly 11 years old. It had completed thousands of long-haul international trips and was last inspected two months prior.

This incident marks the first-ever hull loss for a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft was introduced in 2011 — a fact that's likely to place additional pressure on the manufacturer.

Boeing has responded, stating it is “actively monitoring the situation” and will cooperate fully with investigative authorities.

Investigation Underway

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and Air India have launched a full investigation. Priority is being given to:

• Recovering the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)

• Examining engine integrity and fuel load (which was nearly full for the long-haul journey)

• Interviewing air traffic controllers and maintenance staff

A preliminary report is expected within a week, though complete findings could take several months.

A Nation in Mourning

India has declared a national day of mourning, and candlelight vigils are already being held across cities. Social media is flooded with tributes and solidarity messages from around the globe.

Support centers have been set up in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and London to help family members with travel arrangements, psychological support, and status updates.

Conclusion

The Ahmedabad Air India plane crash has shaken the nation and reminded the world of the unpredictable dangers of air travel, even with modern technology. As rescue efforts continue and investigations unfold, the priority remains supporting the victims’ families and understanding what caused this terrible disaster.