Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran mourns AI171 Ahmedabad–London Gatwick crash: ‘Our deepest condolences, full support to affected families’

Rescue operations are continuing, and more details are expected as authorities assess the site.

Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran on Thursday confirmed that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic crash shortly after take-off.

“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight AI171 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.

Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information,” Chandrasekaran said in an official statement.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB) had 242 people on board, including two pilots and ten cabin crew. It crashed just outside the perimeter of Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport after taking off from runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST.

Moment when the London-bound Air India flight crashed onto a building minutes after it took off from the Ahmedabad airport. #Ahmedabad#PlaneCrash#AhmedabadAirport#AirIndiapic.twitter.com/nLQlYa1eYo

Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) June 12, 2025

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft issued a MAYDAY call shortly after departure but stopped responding to further communications. Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick, black smoke rising from the crash site.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with over 8,200 hours of flying experience, was in command, and First Officer Clive Kundar had 1,100 hours. Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel, have been deployed from Gandhinagar, and three more are en route from Vadodara.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said:

“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… My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”

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 Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 12, 2025

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said:

“I have instructed the officials to take immediate rescue and relief operations… and to ensure all the treatment arrangements in the hospital on priority. The Honorable Union Home Minister Shri Amitbhai Shah has also spoken to me and assured full support of the NDRF teams and the Central Government.”

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Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) June 12, 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote:

“Stunned and profoundly shocked to know of the most tragic Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad today… While we do not know exact figures, media reports indicate that there were 242 passengers in the plane. I am praying to God at this moment.”

Stunned and profoundly shocked to know of the most tragic Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad today. It is a most sad news for all of us, even while we anxiously wait for survivors details and pray for survival of all. The crash during take- off of the London- bound plane has Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 12, 2025

Rescue operations are continuing, and more details are expected as authorities assess the site.