Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Key Facts and What Went Wrong

A devastating tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, June 12, 2025, when an Air India flight en route to London crashed near the city’s Meghani area, shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The incident has left the nation in shock, with rescue operations still underway.

Here’s what we know so far about the Ahmedabad plane crash :

Fatalities Confirmed: At least 40 people have died in the crash near Ahmedabad airport, according to News18.

Takeoff and Crash Timeline: The Air India flight took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:47 PM and reportedly crashed just nine minutes after receiving clearance.

Air India’s Statement: The airline confirmed the incident, stating: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”

Passengers and Crew: The aircraft was carrying over 250 people, including 10 cabin crew members and 2 pilots. There’s no official word yet on survivors.

Visuals from the Scene: A chilling video from the crash site shows thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

• According to the DGCA, quoted by ANI, “Captain Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The co-pilot had 1100 hours of flying experience. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23.”

• The plane “gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. The aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site,” the statement says.

• Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams—comprising 90 personnel—were rushed from Gandhinagar to the crash site. Three additional teams are en route from Vadodara.

• Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed shock over the tragedy. “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. 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. “Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site…”

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel have all spoken to Minister Naidu for updates and have assured full support in the rescue and relief operations.

• Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his grief over the Ahmedabad Air India crash, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the incident of Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. I have instructed the officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing. I have also instructed to arrange for a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all arrangements for treatment in the hospital on priority basis. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to me and assured full cooperation…”

• Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran said, “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight, AI 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. “At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.”

• As search crews comb through the debris for the black boxes, these vital orange devices could uncover what led to the near-tragedy involving 242 lives—and offer insights to help prevent such disasters going forward.