Airport operations at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International airport in Ahmedabad has been shut down after an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London, Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff near the airport

The Flight AI 171 crashed with passengers onboard. As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice, stated an official statement from a spokesperson of SVPI which is operated by the Adani Group.

“Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport. We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation,” the statement added.

There were 242 people onboard the aircraft consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar.

As per ATC, aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1.39 pm from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Immediately after departure from Runway 23, the aircraft fell on ground outside the airport perimeter.

Emergency services have been activated, a senior minister from Gujarat government told businessline. Plumes of black smoke could be seen emanating from the area near the airport.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also reportedly on board on the crashed flight.

Meanwhile, in order to evacuate and provide speedy treatment to the injured passengers rescued from the Air India aircraft crash site in Ahmedabad, the Gujarat government had created a “green corridor” between the crash site and the government hospital. The government has also mobilised NDRF and SDRF teams to help in rescue, sources added

Published on June 12, 2025