An Air India flight from Ahmedabad bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after taking off around 1 pm (IST) on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787 aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members and was captured on camera by bystanders just before it crashed near the Meghaninagar area of the city. The cause of the crash is yet to be officially determined.
Reacting to the incident, Boeing Co’s shares plunged over 7% in pre-market trade and has reigniting the debate on the safety of Boeing aircraft. Boeing did not immediately respond to a Reuters’ request for comment.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the aircraft reportedly issued a mayday call soon after departing from runway 23 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA). Flight AI-171 lost contact with air traffic control moments later, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the air.
The passengers onboard include 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. Injured passengers are being taken to nearby hospitals. Emergency response teams, including the fire brigade, ambulances, are on the ground to assuage the damage and casualties.
Air India issued a statement— “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.”
