Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Pilot Issued Mayday Call Moments Before Air India Flight Plunged
Ahmedabad: An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating flight AI171 to London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, June 12, 2025. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members—totaling 242 people on board—came down just seconds after leaving the runway.
Sources confirmed that the pilot transmitted a Mayday distress call to air traffic control (ATC) in the final moments, signaling a critical emergency. The call came less than a minute after departure, but there was no further communication despite attempts by controllers to respond.
The flight had departed around 1:38–1:39 PM IST. It climbed briefly before losing power and altitude rapidly, crashing into the area near the B.J. Medical College hostel and campus in a densely populated zone close to the airport perimeter, between Meghaninagar and Ahmedabad Cantonment. Eyewitnesses reported loud explosions followed by thick plumes of black smoke rising from the site.
Air India’s Official Response
Air India issued a statement confirming the incident: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today, 12 June 2025. We are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed profound sorrow: “With deep regret, I confirm that Air India flight AI171 was involved in a tragic accident. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all those affected. Our immediate priority is to support the families and assist emergency response teams at the site.”
Emergency Response and Casualties
Rescue teams and emergency services rushed to the crash site immediately. Thick smoke billowed from the wreckage as firefighters and medical personnel worked to secure the area. Preliminary reports indicated a devastating outcome, with 241 of the 242 people on board perishing. A single passenger—a British national of Indian origin—survived the impact. The crash also resulted in additional fatalities and injuries on the ground among residents and those in the medical college hostel area.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) launched a full investigation. Early focus has included analysis of cockpit voice and flight data recorders, with reports noting a sudden loss of thrust shortly after takeoff.
This marks one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent history. Operations at Ahmedabad airport were temporarily affected in the immediate aftermath.
The story continues to develop as investigators piece together the sequence of events leading to the crash and authorities provide support to grieving families.
