Air India Flight Crash-Lands Near Ahmedabad Airport — Emergency Response Underway

Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — In a terrifying turn of events, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London crash-landed near the boundary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport just minutes after takeoff, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the skies over Ahmedabad and triggering an immediate emergency response.

Aircraft Crashes Seconds After Takeoff

According to early reports, Flight AI171 took off around 3:20 PM local time. The aircraft lost altitude shortly after clearing the runway and is believed to have clipped the airport’s outer boundary wall before coming to rest in the Meghani Nagar area — a densely populated residential district.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a series of loud bangs followed by flames and smoke. Several videos now circulating on social media show the aircraft's fuselage engulfed in smoke as first responders rushed to the scene.

Passengers and Crew: Casualties Feared

While official numbers are still being confirmed, estimates suggest there were approximately 240 people onboard, including passengers and crew. Emergency services evacuated survivors from the wreckage, and multiple ambulances were seen leaving the scene with injured passengers.

Ahmedabad Fire & Emergency Services deployed over five units, and the entire area has been cordoned off for safety. Hospitals in the city are on high alert, and trauma teams have been activated at Civil Hospital and Sterling Hospital.

What Officials Are Saying

In a brief statement, Air India acknowledged the incident and confirmed that "an emergency situation occurred involving AI171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad." The airline has activated its emergency protocol and is offering support to affected families.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are on-site and have commenced a formal investigation into the cause of the crash.

According to aviation sources, early data suggests the aircraft reached an altitude of only 800 feet before suddenly losing control. Technical failure or pilot error have not been ruled out.

Airport Operations and Travel Advisory

As of now, all departures from Ahmedabad have been temporarily suspended, with incoming flights being diverted to Mumbai and Udaipur. Passengers are advised to check flight status via official airline websites or the Ahmedabad Airport portal.

Why This Matters

This is the most severe aviation incident in India since the Air India Express Kozhikode crash in 2020, raising urgent concerns about operational safety at Indian airports and emergency preparedness in urban-adjacent runways.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner model, used extensively by Air India on international routes, has come under scrutiny in recent months due to various technical issues reported worldwide.

What’s Next

Investigators will now examine black box data, air traffic control communications, and maintenance logs to determine the sequence of events. A preliminary report is expected within the next 72 hours.

Families of those onboard have been asked to contact the airline’s 24-hour helpline or visit the official Air India website for verified updates.