Air India London-Bound Flight Crashes Near Ahmedabad; Rescue Ops Underway

12 June, 2025

An Air India Boeing 787 (Flight AI171) en route to London Gatwick crashed near Ahmedabad airport shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, went down in the Meghaninagar area. Casualties are feared, and emergency services are conducting intensive rescue operations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured central assistance, and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel has ordered immediate relief efforts for the injured.

Unpacked:

What is known about the cause of the crash?

As of now, the cause of the crash has not been confirmed. Authorities, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), are investigating, and Air India has stated it is gathering more details and will provide updates as information becomes available.

Were there any survivors among the passengers or crew?

The current reports do not specify the number of casualties or survivors. Rescue operations are ongoing, and full details regarding survivors or fatalities have yet to be officially released by authorities.

How has the crash affected operations at Ahmedabad airport?

Flight operations at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have been temporarily suspended, and all flights are halted until further notice while rescue and recovery efforts are underway.

Who were the pilots operating the crashed flight?

The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar as co-pilot. There were a total of two pilots and ten cabin crew members on board, according to the DGCA.