Breaking: Air India Aircraft Crashes During Landing in Ahmedabad

A heart-wrenching incident took place on Thursday at noon when a flight crashed into the hostel building of the medical college, causing more than 240 people on board to die. It was the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner of Air India with flight number AI171, departed from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) and was going to London-Gatewick, but soon upon takeoff, it crashed into a hostel building, causing casualties. The London Gatwick Airport issued a statement of its own: "We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25."

When the flight crashed, there were a total of 242 people onboard, including the 12 crew members and the flight was operated by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, a long-term captain with 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours. Out of the 242 people onboard, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, one are Canadian nationals, and 7 are Portuguese nationals. Out of the passengers, 104 were males and 112 were females. Fourteen children, including two infants, were among the 230 passengers. Former chief minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani, was one of the passengers on that Air India flight.

The local police have reported about the lone survivor, who is a British national of Indian origin. "The police found one survivor in seat 11A. One survivor has been found in the Hospital and is under treatment. Cannot say anything about the number of deaths yet. The death toll may increase as the flight crashed in a residential area," said Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik. A local person told the media that, "Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed." Currently, the survivor is being treated in the Ahemdabad City Hospital, suffering from chest and face injuries.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has been monitoring the situation closely. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu issued a statement soon after the incident: "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. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."

He also added, "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. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and a support team have been set up for families seeking information,"

Prime Minister also shows their deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He said, "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected." He also met with the lone survivor at the Ahmedabad City Hospital.

After hearing about this tragic incident, the Tata Group made an announcement to give compensation to the families who lost their beloved members and cover all the medical expenses for those who were injured. The chairman of Tata Sons, N Chandrasekaran, said, "Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support. Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the BJ Medical's hostel," As per the Montreal Convention treaty, Air India will have to provide a similar aid of around 1.5 crore to the kin of victims.

Investigation teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have been initialised to find the cause behind the accident. The black box has been recovered from the crach site and preliminary findings are awaited.

Who are the passengers on board?

Here is the list of passengers who were on Air India Flight AI171; these names include:

Prayash Pramukh Nanda, Dilip Mahendrabhai Patel, Babiben Kuberbhai Patel, K. Patel, Meena Dilip Patel, Vijay Raminiklal Rupani, Alpa Nishith Soni, Swapnil Soni, Yoga Soni, Neha Pramukh Nanda, Pramukh Pravesh Nanda, S. Patel, Vallabh Naginji Agheda, Vinaben Vallabh Agheda, Manav Amrutlal, H. Avaiya, Jaiminiben Chaudhari, Dhanjibhai Chaudhary, Kamleshbhai Chaudhary, R Chauhan, A Chittewala, Atul Kumar Chovadadiya, Ravji Shambhu Chovatia, Ravji Shardaban Chovatia, R Christian, David Rozar Christian, M Dangar, Nirupa Dangar, Pushpaben Rajnikant Darji and 200 more.

Key Updates

Till now there are so many updates have been seen, and more are yet to come. Here are the updates on what we know so far:

The plane crashed near Meghaninagar in Ahmedabad at nearly 2 pm local time on 12 June, just a few seconds from take off. Till now, more than 300 deaths have been reported, including the 242 passengers and locals from the Atulyam flats where the plane crashed. As per the police sources. There are 230 passengers with 12 crew members including 169 are Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 are Portuguese nationals. Former chief minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani's name, was also one of those passengers who lost their lives. Air India said, "Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025… We are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest." Tata Group Chairman announces, "With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171… was involved in a tragic accident… Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families… An emergency centre has been activated." An emergency hotline has been set up by the Air India and state police where anyone can call and provide the information related to the crash.