A tragic aviation incident has shocked India and the world as an Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to Gatwick Airport in London, but barely minutes into the flight, it plummeted into a civilian area, striking a doctors’ hostel near the airport.
What Happened?
According to officials, the aircraft took off from Runway 23 at 1:39 p.m. local time. Moments later, it issued a “Mayday” emergency call, but contact was lost immediately after. Within seconds, visuals captured by local media showed the aircraft crashing and erupting into a massive fireball.
Emergency services rushed to the site where the wreckage was still aflame. Black smoke billowed into the air as ambulances transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Rescue workers have so far cleared 70% to 80% of the crash area, with efforts ongoing to retrieve the remaining victims.
Who Was On Board?
Air India confirmed that the flight carried:
- 217 adults
- 11 children
- A crew complement making up the total of 242 occupants
Nationality breakdown:
- 169 Indians
- 53 British citizens
- 7 Portuguese
- 1 Canadian
Authorities have yet to release the exact number of casualties, but India’s federal health minister confirmed that “many people have died.”
Aircraft Details
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—one of the most technologically advanced commercial jets. Aviation tracker Flightradar24 reported receiving the last signal from the plane just seconds after liftoff. Its registration number was VT-ANB.
Boeing acknowledged awareness of the incident and stated it is cooperating with Indian aviation authorities to uncover the cause.
Government and Global Reaction
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose home state is Gujarat, has ordered full-scale emergency operations. Britain’s Foreign Office also stated it is collaborating with Indian authorities to assist affected citizens and their families.
The Adani Group, operators of Ahmedabad Airport, immediately suspended all flight operations. Gautam Adani, chairman of the group, expressed deep sorrow and confirmed full support is being extended to the victims’ families.
In a similar tragic event in 2020, Air India Express Flight 1344 overshot a runway and crashed in Kozhikode, killing 21. This current tragedy marks India’s deadliest aviation disaster in recent years.
Air India and Tata’s Emergency Response
Air India, now operated by Tata Group after its 2022 acquisition and 2024 merger with Vistara, has activated an emergency response center. Support teams are assisting families of passengers, while the airline continues to provide updates on its official social media channels.
As investigations continue, the entire nation watches and waits for answers.
