MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): An Air India flight headed for London crashed immediately after take-off at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, according to Indian media reports and initial official updates.
The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services responded quickly, dispatching more than five fire vehicles from different parts of the city. Teams are currently working to contain the situation and assess the scene.
“A team of over five fire vehicles from various city divisions has reached the location. Fire control measures are being carried out as a precaution,” a senior fire department official said.
The aircraft was carrying 244 passengers at the time.
“At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates,” Air India said on X.
According to the official statement by DGCA on the Ahmedabad Crash “On 12th Jun 2025, M/s Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to Gatwick) has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew.”
“The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 Hrs of experience. The co-pilot had 1100 hours of flying experience.”
The statement further added “As per ATC, aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft Immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site.”
MAYDAY Call Used by Air India Flight
MAYDAY call is an emergency distress call applied in both aviation and maritime situations when there is an imminent threat to life or ship. It is based on the French m aidez (help me), so it is transmitted by repeating MAYDAY!
It is repeated three times then the caller is identified, the location and the type of the emergency. This internationally established distress call automatically puts the rescue services on alert, and it takes precedence over all other radio traffic.
In cases that are serious, but not life-threatening, Pan-Pan is called instead. False Mayday calls are considered unlawful and are subject to legal action since they cause the diversion of important resources in real emergencies.
Gatwick Airport also confirmed the crash of Air India Flight
We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25.
More information to follow. pic.twitter.com/nWcXcAF81a
— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) June 12, 2025
