PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: A London-bound Air India aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in India.
👥 Who’s Involved: At least 53 British nationals, 169 Indian nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian were on board.
📍 Where & When: The crash occurred near Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat, India, on 12 June 2025.
💬 Key Quote: “As a result of the Air India plane crash incident, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad, is currently not operational,” the airport stated.
⚠️ Impact: Flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have been suspended; emergency services are at the scene.
IN FULL:
An Air India flight bound for London Gatwick crashed moments after departing Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat, India, on Thursday, 12 June 2025. The aircraft, identified as Flight AI171, lost communication seconds after takeoff, according to flight tracking service Flightradar24.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation reported that the plane issued a “Mayday” emergency signal before communication ceased. Heavy black smoke rose from the crash site just outside the airport perimeter. Emergency teams were swiftly deployed to the scene, though the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
According to unnamed sources cited by Reuters, the passenger manifest included 53 British nationals, 169 Indian nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
Following the incident, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) announced the suspension of all flight operations. “As a result of the Air India plane crash incident, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice,” the airport stated, advising passengers to check with airlines for updates.
London Gatwick airport, the flight’s intended destination, confirmed the aircraft was scheduled to arrive at 6:25 PM local time. A statement on the social media platform X indicated that further information would be provided as details emerge.
Local media described plumes of smoke visible from Dharpur near the Meghaninagar area. Fire and emergency response teams were actively working on-site. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.