Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes Near Airport

Ahmedabad, Gujarat – A catastrophic plane crash rocked Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. En route to London’s Gatwick Airport, the flight carried 242 passengers and crew members, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The incident, which occurred in the Meghani Nagar residential area near the airport, has triggered a massive emergency response and left the nation in shock.

Details of the Ahmedabad Plane Crash

According to official authorities, Flight AI171 lost signal a few seconds after taking off at around 1:38 PM IST. The plane was captured by Flightradar24 as it rose to a height of only 625 feet. The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, crashed into the Meghani Nagar neighbourhood, colliding with the airport’s perimeter wall and igniting a massive fire. Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke rising into the sky from a few kilometres away after hearing a massive explosion.

230 passengers and 12 crew members—two pilots and ten cabin staff members—were on board the aircraft, which was piloted by Captain Sumeet. According to preliminary accounts, the plane had made a trouble-free flight earlier that day from Delhi to Ahmedabad. The accident was confirmed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which said it happened just beyond the airport’s boundaries.

Rescue and Emergency Response Activities

Twelve fire departments, ambulances, and police units were among the emergency services that were sent to the scene of the collision right away. The Border Security Force (BSF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also participated in the rescue operations. While injured passengers were taken to surrounding hospitals, Ahmedabad Fire Chief Jayesh Khadia reported that firefighting efforts were initiated to put out the fire..

Ahmedabad Plane Crash – Key Updates

Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff at 1:38 PM IST, losing signal at 625 feet before hitting the airport’s perimeter wall and erupting in flames near Meghani Nagar. Roads to the crash site were sealed for rescue ops, and Ahmedabad airport was temporarily shut, affecting regional flights.

Air India confirmed the incident and is assessing details. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is en route to Ahmedabad, monitoring the situation closely. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured full central support after speaking with state officials.

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was reportedly onboard; his status is still unknown. The crash’s cause remains under investigation, with early reports pointing to an impact with the airport wall. This is India’s first major air crash since Kozhikode in 2020, renewing aviation safety concerns.

Impact on Ahmedabad and Beyond

The crash in a residential area has sparked fears of significant damage and potential casualties on the ground. Visuals circulating on social media show debris scattered across the crash site, with emergency vehicles and personnel working tirelessly. The incident has sent shockwaves across India, with citizens and leaders alike mourning the tragedy.