June 12, 2025, 15:15 (UTC +3)
No apparent survivor at crash site, police say
India’s Minister for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, has said there are reports of 105 casualties following the crash of Air India Flight AI171, which went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick.
“We have heard there is 105 casualties. We have not given a statement about it,” Mohol stated, speaking to the local media. “First of all, the priority is that we have to save as many people as possible.”
Mohol added that a recovery operation is underway at the crash site, but cautioned that “it will take some time” before further details can be confirmed.
Meanwhile, Agence France-Presse and the Associated Press report that the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner has said there “appears to be no survivors” from the aircraft. The police also confirmed casualties on the ground, as the aircraft came down on a medical hostel in a densely populated area near the airport perimeter.
June 12, 2025, 14:20 (UTC +3)
Official statements by Modi and Starmer
The crash of Air India Flight AI171 has prompted reactions from global leaders. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a statement on social media:
“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.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also responded, as the flight was bound for London and carried a significant number of British nationals:
“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
June 12, 2025, 13:22 (UTC +3)
Casualties and nationalities on board
While the final toll is unconfirmed, authorities have confirmed that at least several occupants were injured and taken to local hospitals. Among those aboard were 169 Indian, 53 British, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals
June 12, 2025, 13:12 (UTC +3)
Aircraft lost signals moments after lift-off
Flightradar24 data reveals Flight AI171 ascended to a maximum barometric altitude of just 625 feet—around 425 feet above the airport’s 200‑foot elevation—before descending at approximately 475 feet per minute. The signal was lost at 08:08 UTC (13:38 IST), less than a minute after take-off
An Air India flight crashed on Thursday, June 12, while attempting to take off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in western India.
The flight, AI171, was bound for London Gatwick (LGW) with 242 people on board. The aircraft involved in the crash has been identified as a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered VT-ANB. The twin-aisle jet was delivered to Air India in 2014.
According to early reports from Indian television channels, the aircraft went down in a civilian area outside the airport perimeter shortly after beginning its take-off roll.
Unverified footage circulating on social media appears to show the aircraft losing altitude with its nose pitched upward.
#NDTVExclusive | The moment when London-bound Air India flight crashed in Ahemdabad pic.twitter.com/84ezILYgPo
— NDTV (@ndtv) June 12, 2025
Footage from the scene shows flames and thick plumes of black smoke rising from burning debris, with emergency crews rushing to contain the blaze.
Several injured passengers have been evacuated from the scene and transported to local hospitals. Visuals aired by national broadcasters showed passengers being carried on stretchers and loaded into ambulances.
We just received more images from #AI171 crash site. The B787 crashed directly on the BJ Medical College UG hostel mess in Meghani Nagar. Updates: https://t.co/4BuDhgJDQn pic.twitter.com/R3ieu51tsD
— AIRLIVE (@airlivenet) June 12, 2025
In a statement, Air India said: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates.”
TATA Group Chairman and Air India’s parent company head, N. Chandrasekaran, later issued a confirmation:
“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
“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.”
Authorities have yet to confirm the number of injuries or fatalities. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airport officials have reportedly launched an investigation into the incident.
