Of the 242 people onboard, only one passenger survived the London-bound Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday, police said.
While initial reports suggested no survivors, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told ANI that one person – seated in 11A – has been found alive and is receiving treatment. “We cannot confirm the number of fatalities yet. The death toll may rise,” he said.
The flight crashed near the IGB ground in the Meghaninagar area, near Dharpur. Visuals show the aircraft flying steadily above a densely populated residential area before gradually descending. Moments later, it crashed and burst into flames, with thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.
Air India Dreamliner crash flight AI171
— Flight Emergency (@FlightEmergency) June 12, 2025
A sad day for aviation @AirNavRadar
pic.twitter.com/BbXF7kavPt
According to NDTV, part of the wreckage struck the BJ Medical College hostel, killing five medical students and injuring several others.
Air India stated the aircraft was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. The cockpit crew members were identified as captain Sumeet Sabharwal, first officer Clive Kunder; cabin executives Aparna Mahadik and Shradha Dhawan; Deepak Pathak; Irfan Shaikh; Lamnunthem Singson; Maithili Patil; and Manisha Thapa.
In a statement issued hours after the crash, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of each deceased passenger. “We will also cover medical expenses for those injured and help rebuild the BJ Medical hostel,” he said, promising continued support for affected families and institutions.
Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support. Additionally, we will provide support in the building… pic.twitter.com/n6X8sJU5Ei
— ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025
Shortly after, Air India confirmed the incident. “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,” it wrote on X.
Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are…
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation stated that the aircraft had given a mayday call but lost contact thereafter.
#UPDATE | अहमदाबाद में दुर्घटनाग्रस्त हुए एयर इंडिया विमान VT-ANB (B787) को लेकर @DGCAIndia ने जानकारी साझा की है| टेक-ऑफ के तुरंत बाद रनवे 23 से विमान गिरा।
— PB-SHABD (@PBSHABD) June 12, 2025
242 लोग सवार थे, जिनमें 2 पायलट व 10 केबिन क्रू शामिल हैं।
कैप्टन सुमीत सभरवाल (8200+ उड़ान घंटे) के नेतृत्व में विमान ने…
#UPDATE | Air India confirms that flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in an accident shortly after take-off.
— PB-SHABD (@PBSHABD) June 12, 2025
The aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and crew.
Injured individuals are receiving medical attention.
A dedicated helpline (1800 5691 444) has…
The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad released a statement saying it is currently not operational. “All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice.”
Reports say former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was on the same flight. Dainik Bhaskar quoted Rupani’s London-based relative Nitin Bhardwaj as saying that the former CM was on the same flight to meet his daughter. Newslaundry could not independently verify the same.
श्री विजयभाई रूपानी, जिनके साथ गुजरात विधानसभा में एक साथी सदस्य के रूप में कम किया था उनकी हादसे वाले हवाई जहाज मे मृत्य की खबर दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है । pic.twitter.com/98bWghc0l9
— Shaktisinh Gohil MP (@shaktisinhgohil) June 12, 2025
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu issued a statement. “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. 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,” the minister said.
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, said, “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
Boeing tweeted that it was in contact with Air India and "they stand ready to support them".
We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected. pic.twitter.com/kYrdKyvl7z
— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) June 12, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have tweeted about the incident.
The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025
Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 12, 2025
As of June 13, a formal investigation has now been launched by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (see the number of accidents and incidents it’s investigated since 2012 here on Dataful).
This is a developing story.
In times of misinformation, you need news you can trust. We’ve got you covered. Subscribe to Newslaundry and power our work.
Newslaundry is a reader-supported, ad-free, independent news outlet based out of New Delhi. Support their journalism, here.
