Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani on board Air India flight that crashes near Ahmedabad airport

Initial reports confirmed that the aircraft caught fire moments after takeoff and crashed near the airport perimeter. Visuals from the site showed thick black smoke rising from the debris as emergency services rushed to the scene.

Hyderabad: An Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171 to London Gatwick, was carrying 242 people, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Initial reports confirmed that the aircraft caught fire moments after takeoff and crashed near the airport perimeter. Visuals from the site showed thick black smoke rising from the debris as emergency services rushed to the scene. Fire tenders were deployed immediately to contain the blaze, according to fire officer Jayesh Khadia.

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Air India issued a brief statement acknowledging the incident and said further details would be shared as they became available. “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, June 12, 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest,” the airline said in its statement.

Sources confirmed that Vijay Rupani was onboard the flight along with 230 passengers and 12 crew members. His condition remains unconfirmed as rescue and recovery efforts continue at the crash site.

Online flight tracking platforms showed AI171 was scheduled for departure at 1:10 PM. The exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined.

Authorities have cordoned off the area and a detailed investigation is expected to be launched by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).