Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India pilot issued Mayday call before flight with 242 onboard crashed near airport

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India's London-bound Flight AI171 carrying around 242 passengers, reportedly crashed near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport on Thursday.

According to initial reports, the flight went down between 1pm to 2 pm, the Ahmedabad Fire Brigade responded swiftly and reached the location.Videos from the crash site show thick smoke billowing into the sky, visible from a distance.

Air India Crash: Mayday call issued before plane lost contact, says DGCA

The pilot of the ill-fated Air India aircraft issued a Mayday call to Ahmedabad air traffic control shortly after takeoff. However, the aircraft failed to respond to subsequent calls from ATC, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), news agency PTI reported.

The aircraft was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain (LTC) with 8,200 hours of experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience, according to the DGCA.

“On Jun 12, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to Gatwick) has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 persons on board the aircraft consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew,” DGCA said in the statement.

VIDEO | Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Visuals show a part of the crashed Air India's AI-171 aircraft atop a building.

(Disclaimer: PTI can not verify the authenticity of the video)

(Source: Third party) pic.twitter.com/sgxfo6Z5cm

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 12, 2025

The aircraft caught fire after the crash, and fire tenders were rushed to the spot to extinguish the blaze, said Fire Officer Jayesh Khadia, as reported by PTI.

VIDEO | Ahmedabad: Smoke seen emanating from airport premises. More details are awaited.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)

(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/qbO486KoEo

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 12, 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Gujarat's Chief Minister, state Home Minister, and Police Commissioner, directing officials to ensure all necessary support and relief measures are in place. Shah is currently heading to Ahmedabad. 

The central government has assured all possible assistance. Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is heading to the crash site as directed by PM Modi.  The prime minister has also directed the Minister to provide all necessary support and keep him updated on the situation, with relevant agencies working in coordination to manage the crisis.

'Tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned...': PM Modi on Air India plane crash

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock and sadness over the Ahmedabad plane crash, describing it as "heartbreaking beyond words". He stated that he is in touch with ministers and authorities working to assist those affected.

"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," he added in his post.

Ahmedabad plane crash: Air India responds 

In reponse to the incident, Air India on its official handle on X, wrote,"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 http://airindia.com and on our X handle (https://x.com/airindia)."

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 https://t.co/Fnw0ywg2Zt and on our X handle (https://t.co/Id1XFe9SfL).

-Air India…

— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025

In a follow-up post on X, Air India has confirmed that Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident shortly after take-off earlier today.

The flight, which departed Ahmedabad at 13:38 hrs IST, was operating a Boeing 787-8 aircraft with a total of 242 passengers and crew members on board. Among them were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals.

According to the statement, "The injured are being transported to the nearest hospitals for immediate medical care. A dedicated passenger helpline has been set up at 1800 5691 444 to assist families and provide additional information."

Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.

The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are…

— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025

Commenting on the tragic plane crash, Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran issued a statement: "With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating 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."

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.
At this moment, our…

— Tata Group (@TataCompanies) June 12, 2025

"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted," the statement further read.