Plane with 242 passengers onboard crashes in Ahmedabad; rescue operations and investigations underway

New Delhi (India) June 12: On Thursday, an Air India aircraft carrying 242 passengers crashed close to Ahmedabad airport in the Meghani Nagar area of Gujarat. Social media images of the scene of the accident show a dense cloud of smoke rising from the surrounding region.

The plane took off from runway 23 in Ahmedabad at 1:39 p.m. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that it crashed within five minutes after takeoff.

According to the initial reports, the plane crashed close to the airport in a heavily populated area. Locals hurried to assist with rescue attempts as soon as the disaster occurred.

The aeroplane carried 242 passengers, including 10 cabin staff members and 2 pilots. Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder were in charge of the airplane.

Air India confirmed the incident by posting, "Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025” on social media platform X.

Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran said, “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.”

According to reports, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel has left Surat to Ahmedabad to review the situation.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. has directed officials to conduct emergency rescue and relief efforts and set up rapid and prompt treatment for the injured passengers.

He said, "I have also instructed to arrange for a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all arrangements for treatment in the hospital on priority basis. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to me and assured full cooperation.”

Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister has also discussed the plane disaster with the Gujarat Chief Minister, the Home Minister, and the Police Commissioner. He also promised help from the central government to the ones affected.

The long-distance flight was deeply fuelled, which increased the intensity of the subsequent fire and explosion.

Rescue efforts have been conducted at the incident site using a number of fire engines and ambulances. The number of casualties has not yet been formally confirmed.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu posted, "Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families” on social media platform X.

The Boeing technical team and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are expected to launch a formal investigation.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad has said in a statement, “June 12, 2025, Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London, Gatwick, earlier today, was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airport” regarding the accident.

Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is not open at the moment. Until further notice, all flight operations are temporarily halted.

Aadrika Tayal