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10:27, Thu, Jun 12, 2025 | UPDATED: 11:35, Thu, Jun 12, 2025

Air india

Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner opera (Image: X )

Gatwick Airport has released a statement after an Air India plane crashed moments after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Gatwick Airport has confirmed the plane travelling from Ahmedabad Airport was due to land at 6.25pm UK time. Officials said on X: “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."

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the directorate of civil aviation, told The Associated Press that the flight, a Boeing 787, crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar five minutes after taking off. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation in India has confirmed 242 people were on board, including 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew and 2 pilots. Air India’s Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said in statement: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.

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. pic.twitter.com/nWcXcAF81a

— London Gatwick LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) June 12, 2025

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.

"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted."

He added: “Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information.

“An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.”

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was on board Air India 171 when it crashed, Air India confirmed.

India: Smoke rises from plane crash near Ahmedabad Airport

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Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad, has grounded all flights, according to a spokesperson.

Air India 171 transmitted its last signal just moments after takeoff at a height of 625 feet at 10.08am UK time.

A picture from the scene appears to show the wreckage of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad.

Videos from the scene showed smoke billowing from the crash site.