Air India Plane Crash Near Ahmedabad Airport Leaves Countless Dead and Injured
An Air India plane crash occurred Thursday near Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat, India, involving Flight AI171, which was en route to London Gatwick. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers and crew when it went down shortly after take-off.
Flight Details and Nationalities on Board
According to Air India, the flight departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 hrs local time. The aircraft was carrying:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 1 Canadian national
- 7 Portuguese nationals
The aircraft was headed for London Gatwick Airport, with a scheduled departure at 9:50 a.m. and a planned arrival at 6:25 p.m. UK time, as per FlightRadar24.
Location of the Crash and Early Reports
Authorities confirmed that the plane crashed in the Meghaninagar area, just outside the airport perimeter.
“Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site,” said India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The crash site is located in a densely populated area, raising concerns about civilian casualties in addition to those on board.
Emergency Response Underway
India’s Civil Aviation Minister issued a statement immediately following the crash, saying:
“I have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.”
Rescue teams have been mobilized, and medical aid and relief efforts are being rushed to the crash location.
Boeing and Airline Statements
Aircraft manufacturer Boeing acknowledged the crash in a brief statement:
“We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information.”
Air India also confirmed the incident via social media, stating:
“Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are ascertaining the details.”
Pilot Experience and Aircraft Type
The DGCA disclosed the experience levels of the cockpit crew:
- The captain had 8,200 hours of flight experience
- The copilot had 1,100 hours
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a long-haul aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and advanced safety systems.
Ongoing Investigation into Air India Plane Crash
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the Air India plane crash, and both Indian aviation authorities and Boeing are expected to conduct thorough inquiries.
The incident raises serious questions about safety protocols, airport infrastructure, and aircraft maintenance, especially given the global profile of the flight route and aircraft model.
