Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran issues first statement after London-bound Air India flight crashes in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad (Gujarat): An Air India flight bound for London’s Gatwick airport crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12.
Smoke from Ahmedabad plane crash near airport. #ahmedabadplanecrash #planecrash pic.twitter.com/CLfxwS4Ajx
— India Blooms (@indiablooms) June 12, 2025
AI171, carrying 242 passengers, went down within five minutes of departure at 1:38 PM, sending up plumes of smoke near the crash site.
Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
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…
Emergency services, including fire brigades, rushed to the scene. Three NDRF teams with 90 personnel were dispatched from Gandhinagar, with additional teams en route from Vadodara.
Tata Group, which owns Air India, issued its first official confirmation of the crash. Group chairperson N Chandrasekaran expressed grief over the tragedy:
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
He added that the company’s immediate priority was supporting the victims and their families. “An emergency centre has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information,” Chandrasekaran said.
With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.
— Tata Group (@TataCompanies) June 12, 2025
At this moment, our…
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been briefed on the situation and has spoken to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and senior officials, assuring full central assistance in the wake of the crash.
Further details are awaited as rescue and recovery operations continue.
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