Air India Flight Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad En Route to London

A part of the crashed plane on a building

An Air India passenger plane crashed in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, shortly after taking off for London’s Gatwick Airport. The aircraft, identified as Flight AI171, was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and was reportedly carrying 242 passengers at the time of the crash.

The airline confirmed the flight had been involved in "an incident" but did not immediately provide further details. “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today,” Air India stated on social media. “At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates.”

The aircraft, carrying nearly 250 passengers and fully fueled, crashed into a residential area near the airport

Live flight data from tracking service Flight Radar showed that Flight AI171 sent a final signal just seconds after departure. The flight path indicated the aircraft traveled only a short distance southwest from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport before contact was lost.

India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, responded to the incident in a public statement, saying he was "shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad." He assured the public that all aviation and emergency response units had been placed on high alert and that he was personally overseeing the situation.

Firefighters at the scene of the crash

“Rescue teams have been mobilized, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site,” Kinjarapu said.

While there has been no official confirmation regarding casualties, Indian media aired footage of thick plumes of smoke rising from the crash site. Several buildings near the area were visibly damaged, and multiple ambulances were seen arriving at the scene.

Video showing the moment the plane crashed

Gatwick Airport also confirmed that the Air India flight scheduled to arrive in the UK at 6:25 p.m. local time had crashed shortly after departure from Ahmedabad. The plane, which typically has a seating capacity of over 250 passengers, was expected to land just south of London.

Emergency crews continue to work at the crash site, and authorities are expected to release additional updates as more information becomes available.

People rushed to the scene of the crashed and burning plane