Air India Flight Crashes Shortly After Take-off in Ahmedabad
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An Air India flight bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after departure from Ahmedabad Airport in western India,officials report.
A major incident occurred today when Air India flight AI171, en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport. According to the Indian aviation regulator, there were 242 people on board.
Local police in Gujarat state confirmed that the aircraft went down “within 10 minutes” of its departure. The aviation regulator noted that the plane issued a mayday call to air traffic control, but communications were then lost.
reports indicate that the aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just outside the airport perimeter. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing heavy black smoke rising from the crash site. Flight data indicates the plane was over 10 years old.
In a statement posted on X, Air India acknowledged the incident, stating: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. at this moment, we are ascertaining the details.”
Following the crash, Ahmedabad Airport was temporarily closed. Gatwick Airport officials confirmed that flight AI171 was scheduled to arrive at 18:25 local time.
AirlineS Modernization Plans Derailed
The crash comes at a sensitive time for Air India, which was taken over by Tata in 2022. N Chandrasekaran, chair of Air India, expressed his sorrow in a statement on X: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.”
“With profound sorrow I confirm that air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.”
Tata had pledged to modernize the airline, and in 2023, the company announced a deal with Boeing and Airbus to purchase 470 new aircraft, marking one of the largest orders in aviation history.
Campbell Wilson, the airline’s chief executive, described the modernization plan as “the biggest aviation turnaround… that I am ever aware of” in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
- what caused the Air India flight to crash?
- The cause of the crash is currently under inquiry. Authorities will examine factors such as mechanical failure, human error, and weather conditions.
- What type of aircraft was involved in the crash?
- The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which had been in service for over 10 years.
- What is Air India doing in response to the crash?
- Air India has acknowledged the incident and stated that they are gathering details. The airline’s chair has expressed sorrow and the company is likely to cooperate fully with the investigation.
