Rescue Operations Underway After Ahmedabad Takeoff, ET TravelWorld

In a devastating aviation tragedy, Air India Flight AI171, operating the Ahmedabad to London Gatwick airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) earlier today. The flight, which took off at 13:38 IST, was carrying 242 passengers, including 2 pilots and 10 crew members on board. Soon after takeoff, the pilots gave a distress Mayday call to ATC, but no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. This was confirmed by DGCA.Air India has also revealed the nationalities of those onboard with confirmations of 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and 1 Canadian national on board.

Several injured passengers have been transported to local hospitals for emergency treatment. Rescue operations are underway at the crash site near Meghani area in the capital city of Gujarat. Till now, there has been no confirmation on reports of casualties or survivors. The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB. The passenger list also confirms that former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was onboard along with other prominent personalities.

Air India confirmed the incident via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025… we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”

N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Air India, issued a formal statement expressing deep sorrow. “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight AI171 was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones… Our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families,” he said.

An emergency response centre has been activated with Air India setting up a dedicated emergency helpline for families, and dedicated support teams have been deployed to assist families of the passengers.

Airport closure & passenger advisory
The Ahmedabad airport has also issued a statement. SVPIA has been closed for all operations until further notice. The airline said it is cooperating with authorities investigating the cause of the crash.

“Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London, Gatwick… was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff… All flight operations are temporarily suspended,” confirmed an SVPIA spokesperson.

Passengers are advised to check with airlines before travelling and to avoid the airport unless absolutely necessary.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed shock and confirmed that rescue teams are on-site: “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.”

The Prime Minister’s Office also confirmed that PM Narendra Modi has spoken directly with Minister Naidu, urging him to personally oversee relief operations. All relevant agencies have been placed on high alert to manage the evolving crisis.

“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,” said PM Modi in a tweet on X.

This incident will have a significant operational impact on air traffic in Western India, with potential downstream effects on both domestic and international routes.