Ahmedabad, India – June 12, 2025 — A devastating air disaster struck India on Thursday as Air India Flight 171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing an unknown number of passengers and crew.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people including two pilots and ten cabin crew members, reportedly issued a mayday call moments before going down. The crash site, located just outside the airport perimeter in a densely populated area of Ahmedabad, was engulfed in flames and thick black smoke, witnesses said.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that all emergency services had been dispatched immediately.
“Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are rushed to the site,” Naidu said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those on board.”
Air India Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, confirmed the tragic incident in a statement:
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating from Ahmedabad to 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.”
An emergency centre has been activated by the airline to coordinate rescue efforts and offer assistance to families of passengers. A dedicated support team is also working to provide information and counseling.
India has a painful history of aviation tragedies, including:
- The 1996 mid-air collision over New Delhi that killed nearly 350.
- The 2010 crash of Air India Express in Mangalore that left 158 dead.
- The 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182 off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 onboard — one of the deadliest acts of aviation terrorism.
Thursday’s crash is now one of the most serious aviation disasters in recent Indian history. A full investigation is underway to determine the cause, as rescue and recovery operations continue amid national mourning.
