Gujarat Air India crash: All 242 onboard feared dead

June 12, 2025 by News Desk

In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon. All 242 people onboard—including 12 crew members and two infants—are feared dead.

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The aircraft went down in the densely populated Meghaninagar locality near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 2:00 pm IST. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft issued a MAYDAY distress call shortly after departing from Runway 23 but then lost all communication. Seconds later, it crashed outside the airport perimeter, sending plumes of black smoke into the sky.

Among the victims were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. The impact of the crash caused massive destruction, with part of the wreckage falling into the BJ Medical College hostel, leading to at least five casualties among students.

Emergency teams rushed to the site, battling intense flames and smoke to search for survivors. Initial reports from BJ Medical College hospital indicated severe injuries and admissions in emergency, but no confirmed survivors as of the latest update.

Operations at Ahmedabad airport were suspended temporarily but resumed later in the evening. A help desk has been set up at the airport to support distressed families. Air India has also activated a helpline (1800 5691 444) and support teams for affected relatives. The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched an Operational Control Room and is coordinating the response.

Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, expressing deep sorrow, said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and loved ones. We are doing everything in our power to support emergency teams and the affected families.”

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are both en route to Ahmedabad. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel also left Surat to visit the site. A formal investigation is being launched by the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Aviation experts, including Prof. Graham Braithwaite from Cranfield University, noted that crashes during take-off are rare, particularly with aircraft like the Boeing 787, calling the incident “highly unusual and deeply tragic.”