Air India on Thursday confirmed that AI171, flying with a destination for Gatvik in London, was involved in an accident today after a take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
“Air India confirmed the flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, AI171, was involved in an accident today after the take-off. The flight, which left Ahmedabad in 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members in Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The nearest hospital.
The airport said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is not currently operational, and all flight operations are temporarily suspended.
Earlier today, an Air India aircraft from Ahmedabad to London crashed with 242 passengers in the Meghninagar area near Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that a team has been taken to the spot for investigation.
“On June 12, 2025, Air India B787 aircraft VT -NB, operating the flight AI -171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The aircraft had 242 people, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew.”
The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumit Sabarwal along with the first officer Clive Kundar. Captain Sumate Sabharwal is an LTC with an 8200 -hour experience. Copilot had an 1100 -hour flying experience, the official further said.
According to the ATC, the aircraft left from Ahmedabad on runway 23 to 1339 IST (0809 UTC). It gave the ATC a day of May 1, but after that, there was no response by the aircraft to the call made by the ATC.
Immediately after departure from runway 23, the aircraft fell to the ground outside the circumference of the airport. The official said heavy black smoke was seen from the accident site.
Thick plums of smoke can be seen at the accident site, and tenders of fire have reached the spot.
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said, “Surprised to know about the flight accident in Ahmedabad. We are on the highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and instructed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take rapid and coordinated action.
The minister, who was participating in the first anniversary incidents of the NDA government in Vijayawada, went to Ahmedabad soon after receiving the news of the flight accident.
In the light of the AI171 accident, an operational control room has been activated in the Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate all details. (AI)
