India plane crash live: Flight to Gatwick carrying 242 people crashes at Ahmedabad airport

Sky News

12-06-2025

Watch: Thick black smoke rises as ambulances arrive at scene
This video shows plumes of black smoke rising from a residential area near the airport after the plane came down.
Other footage circulating online shows images of people being moved in stretchers and taken away in ambulances.
More than 50 Britons on board
There were 53 Britons on board the Air India flight when it crashed, according to the airline.
More than 240 passengers are believed to have been on the craft in total, with the majority Indian nationals.
There were seven Portuguese nationals on the flight, with one Canadian.
Here's the airline's statement in full:
Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.
The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.
We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.
Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.
All flights suspended at Ahmedabad airport
All flights to and from Ahmedabad have been suspended, an airport spokesperson has said in its first statement since the crash.
"Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London, Gatwick, earlier today, was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airport.
"As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational.
"All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice.
"Passengers are advised to check their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport.
"We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation."
Pilot made mayday signal before crash, expert says
Aviation expert Julian Bray has told Sky News he understands the pilot managed to make a mayday call.
This would mean the crew was aware of a problem before the incident happened.
A mayday call is an internationally recognised distress signal used in radio communication.
It indicates an imminent danger and the need for immediate assistance.
In pictures: Aftermath of crash
These are some of the latest images from Ahmedabad, where the plane crashed into a residential area - as we reported at 10.29.
'First ever' Boeing 787 crash
This is the first crash ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.
The 787 Dreamliner is a widebody, twin-engined plane.
The model has carried out more than five million journeys in the 14 years since its first passenger flight, Boeing's website says.
More than 1,000 have been delivered to dozens of airlines, according to the flightradar24 website.
Unusual for 'state of the art' plane to crash at take-off, expert says
We've just caught up with Aviation expert Julian Bray, who's given his thoughts on the incident.
While he says it is "pure speculation", he believes there must be a look into the "security" around the flight.
"What I am worried about is, if this instance happened while it's taking off, we really have to look at the security side of things and work out whether there's some evil intent behind this," he told our presenter Gareth Barlow.
"Because, basically, the aircraft these days, they sort of fly themselves.
"And so there shouldn't have been a problem, in taking off, especially not with a Dreamliner. It's got a pretty good track record.
"And, as I say, it is state of the art. So, we really need more detail and the detail will come out today."
Plane crashed into residential area
The London-bound plane crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, has told the Associated Press.
The crash took place five minutes after taking off at 1:38pm local time, he said.
There were 232 passengers and 12 crew members onboard, Kidwai added.
Medics rushing to crash, says aviation minister
India's civil aviation minister says he is "shocked and devastated" by the plane crash.
"I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action," says Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu.
"Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.
"My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."
Gatwick confirms plane was due to land tonight
We've just heard from Gatwick Airport, where the flight was heading.
"We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25," the airport has said in a statement.
"More information to follow."