Ahmedabad plane crash live updates: 50 British nationals on board Air India flight

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, a tragic plane crash shook Gujarat’s Ahmedabad. An Air India flight, AI171, carrying 242 people, crashed just five minutes after takeoff. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was heading to London Gatwick.

The flight took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM. Moments later, it went down in a densely populated area called Meghani Nagar. Eyewitnesses saw thick black smoke rising and heard loud blasts.

According to Air India, there were 242 people on board. This included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese passengers. There were also 12 cabin crew members. Several people were rushed to nearby hospitals. Emergency services reached the crash site within minutes.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was reportedly on the passenger list. Officials have not confirmed his condition yet. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing.

The airline released an official statement confirming the details. “We are deeply saddened by this incident. Our teams are on-site, and we are coordinating with local authorities,” said an Air India spokesperson.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shared her shock on social media. She offered prayers for the victims and their families. “This is deeply upsetting. We pray for all the passengers,” she posted on X.

The crash had an immediate impact on Boeing’s stock. The company’s shares dropped by 7.8% in early trading on Thursday, following the news.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Experts from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are on the case. More details are expected in the coming hours.

This incident has left the country in shock. People are hoping for survivors and waiting for official updates.