Passenger plane heading for London crashes in India | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Air India flight AI171
• Ahmedabad International Airport
• London Gatwick Airport
• Plane crash shortly after takeoff
• Residential area crash site
• Flight radar data
• Rescue team mobilization
• Official statement from Air India
• Passenger count (at least 242)

Breaking News: Air India Flight AI171 Crash

Initial Reports and Location

• BBC News reports an Air India flight, AI171, taking off from Ahmedabad International Airport in Gujarat, India, has crashed shortly after takeoff.
• Social media video shows black plumes of smoke, suggesting the crash occurred in a residential area.
• The flight was headed to London Gatwick Airport.

Flight Details and Confirmation

• The flight number is confirmed as AI171.
• Flight radar data shows a very short flight path, indicating the crash occurred soon after takeoff, approximately 10 minutes after.

Air India's Statement

• A spokesperson for Air India confirms the incident involving flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, on June 12, 2025.
• Air India states they are "ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest."
• "Flight A171 operating from Akmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in an incident today on the 12th of June 2025. At this moment we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest" - Air India Spokesperson

Passenger Count and Response

• Police in Ahmedabad confirm at least 242 people were on board the flight.
• Rescue teams have been mobilized, and India's aviation minister has been alerted.

Correspondent Report from Delhi

• The crash site is near Ahmedabad Airport, a significant city in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• While the exact number is unconfirmed, it is believed that there were over 200 passengers on board.
• The exact location of the crash (open area vs. residential area) is still being determined, but social media videos suggest it may be near populated areas.
• The last signal from the flight was received seconds after takeoff.

Ongoing Situation

• The situation on the ground is chaotic.
• Rescue teams are being mobilized.
• BBC News is providing live coverage on its website with minute-by-minute updates.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The Air India flight AI171 crash shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad International Airport is a developing and serious incident. The flight was headed to London Gatwick Airport with at least 242 people on board. The crash site appears to be in or near a residential area. Air India has confirmed the incident and is working to ascertain details. Rescue teams have been mobilized, and further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.