It was the afternoon of June 12, 2025, when a disaster occurred outside Ahmedabad when Air India flight AI-171 which was heading for London Gatwick crashed just after takeoff. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner had 232 passengers and 12 crew on board when it crashed outside the Meghaninagar locality, causing pandemonium and panic among those on the ground.
Black plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the Dharpur locality, visible even in distant localities like Vastrapur.
MAYDAY Call Before Crash
The plane issued a MAYDAY distress call mere minutes from takeoff, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reports. The aircraft was seen to be at 625 feet and descending at 475 feet per minute when complete contact with air traffic control was lost.
The aircraft later crashed outside the airport perimeter, near a residential area. The reason for the crash is yet to be established.
Emergency Response Underway
There was a prompt rescue operation. Firemen, ambulance service personnel, and the police rushed to the site. Several roads around the area were cordoned off to enable the response and ensure safety.
Every operation at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) has been shut down until further orders, with emergency responders continuing to work towards containing the situation.
Leaders Respond to the Crisis
The crash has led every top leader to take immediate reactions from the nation’s top leaders. Union Home Minister Amit Shah rang up Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other state officials and promised them the Centre’s full cooperation.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu took to social media, expressing his distress and assuring that he himself is personally keeping an eye on the situation. “We are on highest alert,” he tweeted, claiming that all-out efforts are being made to administer timely medical care and relief.
Air India Confirms the Incident
Officially, Air India acknowledged the crash of flight AI-171 as an “incident” and said that further information was being gathered. Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran later during the day called the incident a “tragic accident” and condoled with the grieving families.
He also mentioned that emergency centers and support teams were immediately alerted to contact the grieving families and liaise with rescue efforts.
Public Responses Pour In
The crash has left the nation in shock. Cricketer Yusuf Pathan posted on Twitter, “Very shocked to hear about the Air India Ahmedabad-London flight incident… Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew.”
Citizens turned to social media to offer prayers and good wishes for the safety of the passengers and crew on board and their families.
Uncertainty Over Casualties
To date, the severity of the injury or loss of life cannot be confirmed. Emergency responders are still searching through the wreckage, and authorities are taking their time to avoid releasing unverified information.
Heavy smoke, difficult terrain, and the fact that the site is close to residential buildings have made rescue efforts difficult.
Possible Effect on Aviation
The crash has brought Indian aviation safety into renewed spotlight. While the investigations are yet at the initial stages, the use of a MAYDAY call and the flight path of descent of the plane would likely be key elements of the investigation by the DGCA.
Attention is now focused on Air India and aviation regulators regarding how they deal with the aftermath, both in taking care of the victims and ensuring flight safety protocols in the future.
Conclusion: A Nation Mourns, Questions Await Answers
The crash of Air India Ahmedabad jolted the nation. As kin wait with bated breath, rescue teams work day and night. Top government officials have arrived or are on their way. Investigation has been launched. The country waits hopefully for miracles but pragmatically for bad news.
This is a developing story. One can expect updates from the DGCA, Air India, and government authorities in the coming hours.
