Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reached out to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state Home Minister, and the Police Commissioner to address the devastating crash of an Air India flight near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. Shah assured full support from the Central government to aid rescue and relief efforts.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel issued urgent directives to launch immediate rescue operations and ensure swift medical treatment for injured passengers on a priority basis following the crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad.
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed into Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar residential area shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. on June 11, 2025. The flight, piloted by Captain Sumit Sabharwal with co-pilot Clive Kunder, is feared to have caused multiple casualties.
According to the Ahmedabad Police Control Room, the Air India flight AI-171, operated by aircraft VT-ANB, was en route to London Gatwick when it crashed moments after take-off on June 12, 2025.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed profound grief, stating, “I am shocked and devastated by the tragic crash in Ahmedabad.” He added, “We are on high alert, and I am personally overseeing the situation, directing all aviation and emergency response agencies to act swiftly and in coordination.”
Naidu confirmed that rescue teams are mobilised, with medical aid and relief efforts being rushed to the site. “My thoughts and prayers are with those on board and their families,” he said.
Upon learning of the tragedy, Chief Minister Patel contacted Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi and senior officials, instructing them to establish a green corridor to transport injured passengers to hospitals and prioritise treatment arrangements.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed anguish, saying, “I am deeply pained and shocked by the Air India flight incident at Ahmedabad airport. My prayers are for everyone’s safety.”
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran issued a statement of condolence: “It is with profound sorrow that I confirm Air India flight AI-171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident today. Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking event.”
He emphasised that the airline’s priority is supporting those impacted and their families, with emergency response teams and a dedicated support centre activated to provide assistance and updates.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee voiced her shock, stating, “I am stunned and deeply saddened by the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad today. This is heart-wrenching news, and I extend my condolences to the victims’ families while praying for survivors.”
She added, “The crash of the London-bound flight, reportedly carrying 242 passengers, has shaken me to my core. I am praying for strength and hope at this moment.”