Rescue teams, including units from the National Disaster Response Force, are at the scene of the crash.
Published Jun 12, 2025 | 4:04 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 12, 2025 | 4:08 PM
Synopsis: Air India and the Ministry of Civil Aviation have activated emergency helplines to provide verified information and support.
Air India flight AI-171 bound for London Gatwick from Ahmedabad crashed in the Meghaninagar area near the city’s airport shortly after take-off on Thursday, 12 June.
The Boeing 787-8 was carrying 242 individuals, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.
Confirming the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the aircraft issued a Mayday call shortly after departing at 1:38 pm before losing contact with air traffic control. Rescue teams, including units from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were dispatched to the site, where heavy black smoke was seen billowing from the wreckage.
As families and friends anxiously await updates, Air India and the Ministry of Civil Aviation have activated emergency helplines to provide verified information and support:
For families of passengers on board:
Air India Helpline (24×7 for flight AI171 passengers)
Ministry of Civil Aviation Operational Control Room
For UK citizens
The UK government said it is working with local authorities in India. British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000, it said.
“The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have set up a dedicated passenger hotline to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident,” Air India said in a statement.
The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a senior pilot with over 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged around 1,100 hours.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said, “We are on the highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation. Rescue teams have been mobilised and all efforts are being made to provide medical aid and relief. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone on board and their families.”
At least three NDRF teams from Gandhinagar and additional teams from Vadodara are at the scene conducting rescue operations. Fire services and emergency medical personnel have also been deployed.
As the situation unfolds, families are strongly urged not to rely on unverified social media reports and to contact the official helpline numbers for accurate updates and support.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
