12/06/2025
The front section of the Air India flight that crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad landed on the roof of the resident doctors’ hostel at BJ Medical College.
The London-bound flight was carrying 242 people. Among them were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals.
Air India’s statement released at 3:19 PM IST on 12 June 2025 reads:
“Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.
The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.
We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.
Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) statement, released at 2:38 PM IST on 12 June 2025, says:
“The aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 13:39 IST. It gave a Mayday call to ATC, after which there was no further response from the aircraft.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reacted to the news on X at 3:31 PM IST before leaving for Ahmedabad: “Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X at 4:05 PM IST, “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 t