An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed. The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was carrying 242 individuals, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.
Moments after departing from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the pilot issued a Mayday call to air traffic control (ATC). However, the aircraft failed to respond to subsequent ATC communications, according to the DGCA.
The London-bound flight, which took off at 1:39 p.m. IST (8:09 UTC) from Runway 23, crashed around 2:00 p.m. in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area, just outside the airport perimeter.
Dense black smoke was observed billowing from the site, with the aircraft reportedly losing altitude rapidly before impact. Authorities fear multiple casualties.
The DGCA stated that the flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a licensed training captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flight time.
“On June 12, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed immediately after take-off. The aircraft had 242 persons on board, comprising two pilots and 10 cabin crew,” the DGCA’s statement read.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is closely overseeing the situation and has directed aviation and emergency response agencies to act swiftly and cohesively. “I am personally monitoring developments to ensure coordinated action,” he stated.
Air India revealed the nationalities of those on board: 169 Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals. The airline has established a passenger hotline (1800 5691 444) to provide updates and is fully cooperating with investigative authorities. “The injured are being rushed to nearby hospitals,” Air India said in a statement.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed grief, stating, “The images of a London-bound flight carrying many British nationals crashing in Ahmedabad are heart-wrenching. I am being updated on the situation, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families during this distressing time.”
London Gatwick Airport confirmed, “Flight AI-171, which crashed on departure from Ahmedabad, was scheduled to arrive at Gatwick at 6:25 p.m.”
Tata Group, Air India’s parent company, issued a statement through Chairman N. Chandrasekaran: “It is with deep sorrow that I confirm Air India Flight AI-171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident today. Our heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones affected by this devastating incident.”
He added that the airline’s primary focus is supporting victims and their families, with an emergency centre and support teams activated to assist response efforts and provide information. “Further updates will follow as verified details emerge,” Chandrasekaran said.