An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (Flight AI171), carrying 242 people, crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, 12 June 2025. The aircraft issued a Mayday call before losing contact and went down in the densely populated Meghaninagar area, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky.
All flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have been suspended, with emergency services and three NDRF teams deployed for rescue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu are monitoring the situation closely, with the latter en route to the crash site. The extent of casualties is still being ascertained.
Panic and Rescue Operations in Meghaninagar
The crash occurred at approximately 1:38 PM IST, just minutes after departure, with the aircraft rapidly descending from 625 feet at a speed of 475 feet per minute. The plane crashed outside the airport perimeter, igniting a massive fire visible from several kilometres away and causing widespread panic among local residents. Emergency responders, including fire brigades, police, and NDRF teams, rushed to the scene, cordoning off the area and launching intensive rescue operations.
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran called the incident a “tragic accident,” extending condolences and assuring that the airline’s priority is supporting victims and assisting emergency teams. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated, “We are on the highest alert. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site”.
High-Level Response and Ongoing Investigation
Prime Minister Modi has directed the Civil Aviation Minister to coordinate all necessary support and keep him regularly updated, while Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to ensure central government assistance. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the pilots—Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar—issued a Mayday call before all communication was lost.
The aircraft, heavily fuelled for its long-haul journey to London Gatwick, crashed within five minutes of takeoff, intensifying the explosion and fire that followed. Authorities have yet to confirm the number of casualties, and the cause of the crash is under investigation, with DGCA and Air India pledging to provide updates as more information becomes available. London Gatwick Airport, where the flight was scheduled to land at 18:25 UK time, is also awaiting further details.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This devastating event is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and the importance of robust safety protocols and rapid crisis response. The Logical Indian stands in solidarity with the victims, their families, and the first responders working tirelessly at the crash site.
As the nation awaits clarity on casualties and the cause, we urge our readers to support one another, avoid speculation, and rely on verified updates. In moments like these, how can we best channel our collective empathy and resilience to support those affected and advocate for safer skies? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
