An Air India plane crashed on its way to Gatwick. (Image: )
A flight from India to London crashed moments after taking off with over 200 passengers onboard. The Air India plane erupted into a dark grey cloud of smoke after leaving Sadar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was due to land at London Gatwick at 6.25pm and was carrying 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew and two pilots, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in India.
Air India said: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details.” Gatwick confirmed: “We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25. More information to follow.”
READ MORE: UK-bound passenger jet crashes just moments after takeoff in huge fireball
Air India passenger plane, carrying more than 130 passengers, which was headed to London, crashed near Ahmedabad airport. Fire brigade rushing to the spot. pic.twitter.com/jVQWeEdxRR
— Korah Abraham (@thekorahabraham) June 12, 2025
Where did the crash happen?
The plane crashed outside of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport’s perimeter, India’s aviation regulator confirmed.
It transmitted its last signal just moments after takeoff at a height of 625 feet at 10.08am UK time.
Teams have been dispatched to the crash site in Ahmedabad – the largest city in the state of Gujarat and near India’s west coast.
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the directorate of civil aviation, told AP that the plane crashed into the residential area of Meghani Nagar just five minutes after taking off at 1:38 pm local time.
The airport has since grounded all flights, according to a spokesperson.
The plane crashed just outside of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. (Image: Google Maps)
Who was on board the plane?
The plane was carrying 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew and two pilots, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in India.
Of these, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals, Air India said. Those who were injured were taken to nearby hospitals.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also a passenger, Air India confirmed.
This is the first crash ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.
The first image of the crash site has emerged. (Image: AP)
What happened leading up to the crash?
Air India 171 transmitted its last signal just moments after takeoff at a height of 625 feet at 10.08am UK time.
Aviation expert Julian Bray said the pilot managed to make a mayday call, he told Sky News.
This would have made the crew aware of a problem before the incident happened.
A mayday call is an internationally recognised distress signal used in radio communication. It indicates an imminent danger and the need for immediate assistance.
What has the response to the crash been?
Tory party leader Kemi Badenoch posted on X: “Heartbreaking news from Ahmedabad. My thoughts are with all those affected — especially the families of those on board, and the emergency teams responding to what appears to be a horrifying tragedy.”
The UK Government will provide “all the support that it can” to those on the Air India flight, Commons Leader Lucy Powell said.
UK shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said in a statement: “My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the plane crash at Ahmedabad and with the emergency services at the scene. This will be a worrying time for the families of those on board.
“As further information comes forward, the Government needs to ensure it is working with Indian authorities to support British families affected.”
