Date: June 12, 2025 | Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Ahmedabad Plane Crash Tragedy accident, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just minutes after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on June 12, 2025. The London-bound flight was carrying 242 passengers and crew, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national, when it crashed in a residential area called Meghani Nagar instantaneously killing all 242 individuals onboard. This tragic Ahmedabad plane crash has sent ripples around the world and is one of the worst aviation disasters in Indian history.
What Transpired in the Ahmedabad Plane Crash?
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Flight AI171 departed Ahmedabad at 1:38 PM IST carefully issued a MAYDAY call to the air traffic control seconds before going off the radar. The plane, piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, climbed to an altitude of close to 825 feet then rapidly descended before crashing into a doctor’s hostel at B.J. Medical College. Eyewitnesses stated a huge explosion occurred then thick black smoke filled the skyline and could be seen at other distances such as Dharpur and Vastrapur.
The plane was heavily fueled for its long-haul flight to London Gatwick Airport; when the plane collided with the ground it erupted into flames, devastating the area even further. The emergency response teams that attended the scene included the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire brigade, and ambulances. Unfortunately, the magnitude of the accident took away most of the hope of survivors. Police sources confirmed all 242 souls on board died, mostly finding out the news the former Gujarat Chief Minister, assisted nearby, as he was likely seated in 2D.
World Leaders React to the Gujarat Plane Crash
The world has come together in mourning the aviation disaster of 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “The Ahmedabad tragedy has shocked and saddened us. It’s heartbreak beyond words.” He directed Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, and Ram Mohan Naidu, Civil Aviation Minister, to monitor all rescue attempts and assist. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes were “devastating,” noting that there were 53 British nationals on the flight. Condolences from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and President Mohamed Muizzu of the Republic of Maldives were also offered.
Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran sent their condolences: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones of all people affected by this tragic event.” The airline has opened a passenger hotline (1800 5691 444) and an emergency center for family assistance.
Investigation Active: What Caused the Crash?
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has commenced an investigation into the crash, with a technical team reviewing flight data, black box recordings, and wreckage. Initial reports noted that the plane experienced altitude issues, and its undercarriage was still down at the time it crashed. Under fully visible weather conditions and rules in place, visibility could not have been an issue. This incident marks the first time a Boeing 787 Dreamliner has crashed since entering service in 2011, raising concerns regarding their safety record.
Boeing released a statement acknowledging the incident and committed to cooperating with investigators. The stock fell more than 6.5% in pre-market trading, reflecting investor reaction to the crash; which could draw comparisons to other aviation tragedies in history. One possible tragedy could be the 1988 Indian Airlines Flight 113 crash, which crashed near Ahmedabad, India.
Consequences for Ahmedabad Airport and the Aviation Sector
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has found itself in a state of suspension of all operations indefinitely affecting flights widely. IndiGo Airlines announced various diversion routes, including a Kolkata-Ahmedabad flight that returned home. The Adani Group, which manages the airport, expressed remorse, with chairman Gautam Adani taking to social media to vow his complete support to the families of the victims.
This tragedy has reopened the conversation around aviation safety in India, especially in light of the Air India Express crash in Kozhikode in 2020 that killed 21 individuals. The Tata Group, which owns Air India, is under the microscope as it navigates this uncharted challenge.
Tales of Sorrow and Resilience
One of the devastating stories is of Jamie Ray Meek, a British passenger who posted an Instagram video shortly before embarking, saying goodbye to India. Families such as that of Poonam Patel, who was at the hospital on behalf of the sister-in-law on the flight, heaved in despair. A mother, named Ramila, recalled her son jumping from the second floor of the doctors’ hostel to avoid the wreckage!
As rescue teams continue to pull away debris, records say that at least 30 bodies have been accounted for from the dining area of the hostel. The loss of medical students and medical professionals has intensified the anguish faced by the health community in Ahmedabad!
Live Updates on Ahmedabad Plane Crash
- 5:00 PM IST: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu arrives in Ahmedabad to oversee operations.
- 4:30 PM IST: British High Commission issues travel advisory, urging citizens to contact local authorities.
- 3:45 PM IST: AAIB team begins collecting evidence at the crash site.
- 2:30 PM IST: Ahmedabad City Police issue emergency number 07925620359.