Air India Ahmedabad-London Plane Crash: What We Know So Far

Ahmedabad:

An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff this afternoon, killing all 242 people on board. The aircraft was carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members. The aircraft could only gain a maximum speed of 174 knots (322 km/hr) during its flight.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “heartbreaking beyond words”.

“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. 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,” the Prime Minister said in a statement. 

What we know so far: 

1. The crash occurred between 1 pm and 2 pm local time, with the aircraft reportedly losing altitude soon after takeoff. 

2. According to preliminary information, the plane had reached approximately 825 feet when it suddenly descended.
3. Five students were killed and several others were injured after the plane struck a hostel for doctors attached to a medical college, officials have confirmed. Images showed debris in the hostel’s dining area, with some of the dining tables still having uneaten food on the plates at the time of the incident.
4. Footage shows the aircraft flying at an abnormally low altitude and appearing to struggle with lift. The video captures the moment it hits the ground, resulting in an enormous fireball. The crash occurred at approximately 1:38 pm.
5. Moments after takeoff, the pilot reportedly issued a distress signal. According to reports, after the initial mayday call, there was no further communication between the cockpit and air traffic controllers.
6.  Air India confirmed the incident in a brief statement: “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.”
7. 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 Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.
8.  Air India has set up  a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.
9. Visuals from the site show a dense column of grey smoke rising above the affected area. Emergency response, with over two dozen ambulances deployed to the site.
10. Several injured passengers have already been transported to nearby hospitals. Medical and fire rescue teams remain active at the crash location.
11. Officials have cordoned off access routes leading to the airport and the surrounding crash zone to allow emergency services uninterrupted access. Traffic diversions have been put in place to manage congestion around the site.
12. The Civil Aviation Ministry has been monitoring the situation closely. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu issued a statement soon after the incident: “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.”
13. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.” 
14. The London Gatwick Airport issued a statement of its own: “We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25.”
15. The Tata Group, which owns Air India, issued a statement. N Chandrasekaran, Air India chairman, said, “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.”
16. “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. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information,” Mr Chandrasekaran added. 
17. “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss. We are working closely with all authorities and extending full support to the families on the ground,” said industrialist Gautam Adani in a statement.