Tragedy struck India’s aviation sector on Wednesday morning as Air India Flight AI171, en route to London Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport with 242 passengers and crew on board.
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The flight, which was scheduled to depart at 9:50 a.m. local time, took off at 10:08 a.m. but lost contact with air traffic control just 625 feet into its ascent. Within moments, the aircraft vanished from radar, prompting panic and emergency response efforts.
Air India confirmed the incident on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”
Eyewitness accounts describe fiery wreckage strewn across a field near the airport, with thick smoke engulfing the crash site. Graphic footage and images of emergency responders attempting to control the blaze have since flooded social media platforms.
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India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, expressed deep concern and assured citizens that all government resources were being deployed. “We are on the highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have instructed all aviation and emergency agencies to act swiftly,” Naidu said. “Medical and rescue teams are on the ground, and we are doing everything possible to assist victims and their families.”
Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 confirmed that the aircraft’s signal ceased within seconds of takeoff, raising questions about potential mechanical failure or other technical issues.
Gatwick Airport also acknowledged the expected arrival of the flight in a statement: “We can confirm that flight AI171, which crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25 UK time.”
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While casualty figures remain unconfirmed, fears are mounting about potential fatalities, making it one of the most severe air disasters in recent Indian aviation history.
As investigations begin, global attention remains fixed on determining the cause of the crash and the fate of the 242 individuals aboard the doomed flight.
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