## UK-Bound Air India Aircraft Crashes After Take-Off, Smoke Seen in Ahmedabad Residential Area
Dramatic scenes have unfolded in western India after an Air India flight due to land at London Gatwick crashed moments after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The incident, which occurred on the morning of 12 June 2025, has drawn international concern as hundreds of lives hung in the balance.
According to initial reports, Flight AI171, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departed Ahmedabad en route to London when it went down in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area. Eyewitnesses described a plume of thick smoke emerging from a residential district as emergency services rushed to respond. Local police have confirmed that more than 240 people, including 232 passengers and 12 crew members, were onboard at the time of the crash.
Authorities have stated that the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control just seconds after take-off, with the final transmission recorded at 10:08am local time. The crash occurred less than a minute after departure, raising immediate questions about possible technical failure or operational error. The site, situated only a few kilometres from the airport, has been cordoned off as rescue teams work to evacuate survivors and provide urgent medical assistance.
India’s civil aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, has expressed his deep concern, telling reporters he is “personally monitoring the situation” and has called for swift, coordinated action across all relevant agencies. “Rescue and relief operations are underway with the utmost urgency,” he stated, “and medical support is being delivered to those affected.” The minister also conveyed heartfelt thoughts for the families of all passengers and crew.
Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 confirmed the aircraft involved to be a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANB. Their records matched Air India reports, noting the last signal was received a mere seconds after take-off. The Dreamliner model is recognised worldwide as a long-haul jet favoured by major carriers for its range, fuel efficiency, and modern passenger amenities. It typically accommodates between 242 and 330 occupants.
The Air India fleet serves scores of domestic and international destinations, connecting major cities across more than 30 countries. Its flights from Ahmedabad represent a crucial air link for the wider Gujarat region, adding further importance to today’s tragic events.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is among the country’s busiest, handling upwards of 13 million travellers annually and providing a vital gateway for both business and leisure. It is equipped with modern facilities and four passenger terminals, generally recognised for its robust safety procedures.
As families and friends await news, spokespersons for Gatwick Airport confirmed that Flight AI171 was expected to arrive in the UK at 18:25 BST. “More information will be shared as soon as the situation becomes clearer,” said an airport representative.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and international aviation watchdogs are expected to be involved, given the flight’s overseas destination and the presence of British-bound travellers. In situations such as this, technical experts typically begin by examining flight data and cockpit voice recorders, and by analysing any available eyewitness accounts.
As the story unfolds, updates are anticipated from Indian authorities and Air India’s own crisis response team. The global aviation community will be watching closely as details emerge, not only in hopes of understanding what went wrong but also to lend support to the families affected and to those involved in rescue efforts.
Further information will be reported as it becomes available.