NEW DELHI: An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft, bound for London, plunged into the Meghani area of the city, sending up a massive plume of black smoke and triggering an immediate emergency response.Also Read: Ahmedabad plane mishap: Flight with over 240 onboard crashes in Meghani area- what we know so farAccording to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), there were 242 people on board the aircraft — 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar.The flight was heavily fueled for the long-haul journey, adding to the intensity of the explosion and fire that followed the crash.Multiple fire engines and ambulances have been sent to the crash site to carry out rescue operations. There is currently no official confirmation on casualties.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to initiate a formal investigation, along with a possible technical team from Boeing.Officials have yet to release a statement on the suspected cause of the crash. Experts suggest that the heavy fuel load for the international route could have worsened the post-crash fire, complicating rescue efforts.Also Read:Watch: Moment Air India plane crashed near Ahmedabad airport; smoke billows from siteUnion home minister Amit Shah has spoken to Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel, state home minister Harsh Sanghavi, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner regarding the incident.Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed officials to expedite rescue and relief operations at the crash site. In a statement posted on X, Patel said he had instructed the administration to arrange immediate medical care for injured passengers and ensure a green corridor was set up to transport them swiftly to hospitals.“I have instructed the officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing,” he said.Patel also confirmed that Amit Shah had spoken to him personally and assured the full cooperation of the central government in managing the aftermath of the crash.He assured that the Central government will provide all necessary assistance to the state in managing the aftermath and investigation of the crash.Air India, in its first official communication, said “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details.”Emergency services, including fire engines, ambulances, and city police, reached the site quickly.The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) confirmed that three teams (90 personnel) from Gandhinagar were immediately deployed, with three more teams moving in from Vadodara.Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran issues statement“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI 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 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 teams have been set up for families seeking information.”Additionally, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad released a statement regarding airport operations: “June 12, 2025, Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London, Gatwick, earlier today, was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airport.As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice.Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport. We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation.Further updates will be provided as soon as available”, said SVPIA spokesperson.PM Narendra Modi speaks to Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan NaiduSources in the Ministry of Civil Aviation said that the Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), along with an investigation team, has left for Ahmedabad to probe the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, instructing both to visit Ahmedabad and ensure that all possible assistance is provided to those affected by the crash. “He has asked them to go to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap,” said a government source.
