The plane that crashed is believed to be an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
India: Smoke rises from plane crash near Ahmedabad Airport
Air India has released its first statement after a London-bound plane crashed. Air India said in 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.”
The plane crashed at Ahmedabad Airport in India and social media footage shows smoke billowing from the scene. It is believed that over 240 people were on board the aircraft which was heading for Gatwick
Local Indian TV channels have shown footage of people being taken away from the crash scene in ambulances. The plane reportedly crashed in a civilian area outside the airport, located in the west of India, while it was taking off.
A picture from the scene shows the wreckage of the plane with flames and black smoke visible. It was reportedly carrying at least 242 passengers, including 10 cabin crew and 2 pilots, before the crash.
The plane lost signal at 10.08am local time, less than a minute after taking off. It reportedly reached 625ft before crashing.
Air India said in a post on X at 9.58am UK time: “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 on http://airindia.com and on our X handle (https://x.com/airindia).”
Gatwick Airport added: “We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25.”
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, India’s civil aviation minister, said: “I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.
“Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.