A plane carrying 244 people heading to London has crashed after take-off in Ahmedabad, India.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, lost control shortly after leaving the runway before coming down in the Meghani area of the city.
The signal was lost at 10:08 local time at 625 feet, less than a minute after take-off, per BBC News.
Shocking images circulating on social media capture a massive trail of smoke rising ominously from the crash site near the international airport.
Witnesses report seeing chunks of the plane’s fuselage and tail protruding from a demolished building.
As rescuers rush to the scene, the cause of the crash remains unclear. Emergency services have been dispatched, and more details are expected soon.
In response, Air India issued a statement on X: “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 at the earliest.”
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai told the Associated Press that there was 232 passengers and 12 crew members onboard.
In a statement posted on X, Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, said: “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,” he added.
“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 team have been set up for families seeking information.”
The plane was due to land at Gatwick Airport, London, at 6:25PM local time.
In a statement on X, Gatwick Airport said: “We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25.”
Per BBC News, the Chief Minister of Gujarat has stated that “immediate rescue and relief operations” are underway.
He added: “I have also instructed officials to arrange a green corridor to transport the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all necessary medical arrangements are made at the hospital on priority.”
All flights from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad have been suspended until further notice.
