Air India flight to UK crashes in Ahmedabad in India shortly after takeoff – latest updates

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Air India Flight AI171 Crashes Shortly After Takeoff from Ahmedabad"

Air India flight to UK crashes in Ahmedabad in India shortly after takeoff – latest updates analysis cover image The Guardian 7.5
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jun/12/air-india-flight-ai171-plane-crash-ahmedabad-india-latest-updates
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AI Analysis Average Score: 7.5
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TruthLens AI Summary

Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India. The aircraft was en route to London Gatwick and was carrying 232 passengers along with 12 crew members. The flight took off at approximately 1:47 PM local time, slightly delayed from its scheduled departure. Reports indicate that the flight was cleared for takeoff, but just nine minutes later, it experienced a catastrophic event. Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating on social media show thick plumes of black smoke rising from the crash site, which is located in the Meghani area of Ahmedabad, prompting an immediate emergency response from local authorities and fire services. The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation has confirmed that the aircraft reached an altitude of 625 feet before it began to descend rapidly, leading to the crash on the ground outside the airport perimeter.

In response to the incident, the UK government has pledged to provide all necessary support to the families of the British nationals aboard the flight, with reports indicating that 53 British citizens were among the passengers. Air India has expressed profound sorrow over the incident, with its chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, extending condolences to the families affected. An emergency center has been activated to assist those seeking information about their loved ones. As authorities work to establish the facts surrounding the crash, the Foreign Office in the UK is collaborating with Indian officials to gather details. The airport in Ahmedabad has temporarily suspended all flight operations as rescue teams mobilize to address the aftermath of this devastating event. The full impact of this tragedy remains unclear as investigations are underway, and updates are expected to follow as more information becomes available.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The recent report about the crash of Air India flight AI171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad highlights a tragic event that has caught the attention of both Indian and UK authorities. The article provides essential details about the incident, including the number of passengers and crew aboard, and the response from officials on both sides.

Purpose of the Report

The intention behind this report is to inform the public about a significant aviation incident that involves international implications, particularly as it affects British nationals. By emphasizing the support being offered by the UK government, the report aims to provide reassurance to families and the public regarding the handling of the situation.

Public Perception

The article seeks to create a sense of urgency and concern among the public regarding air travel safety, especially involving international flights. It highlights the involvement of high-ranking officials and the swift action of both Indian and UK authorities, which may instill confidence in the public about their safety protocols and crisis management.

Potential Omissions

While the report focuses on the immediate details of the crash, it may obscure broader systemic issues related to aviation safety in India or the operational history of Air India. There is no discussion of previous incidents or safety records that could provide context for this tragic event.

Comparative Context

When compared to similar aviation incident reports, this article aligns with a trend of heightened scrutiny of airline safety, particularly in regions with growing aviation traffic. The focus on the international aspect—British nationals being involved—could also reflect heightened media sensitivity to the implications for tourism and travel relations.

Impacts on Society and Economy

The crash is likely to have implications for public perception of airline safety in India, which could affect travel and tourism. Furthermore, it may lead to calls for increased regulatory scrutiny over Air India and other carriers. Economically, any fallout from the incident could influence airline stocks, particularly if safety concerns lead to reduced passenger numbers.

Supportive Communities

The report appears to resonate more with communities concerned about aviation safety, international relations, and the welfare of expatriates. The focus on British nationals may garner more attention from UK-based audiences, particularly those with connections to India.

Market Reactions

This incident could lead to fluctuations in airline stocks, particularly for Air India and competitors. Investors may react to the news based on perceived risks associated with airline safety and regulatory responses.

Geopolitical Relevance

In terms of global power dynamics, this incident may not directly alter the balance but could heighten scrutiny of Indian aviation standards in the international community. Given current geopolitical tensions, any incident involving British nationals may also influence diplomatic relations.

AI Influence

It is possible that AI tools were used in curating the news coverage, especially in terms of language processing and audience targeting. The tone and structure of the report may reflect algorithmic optimization for clarity and engagement, potentially guiding how the audience perceives the gravity of the event.

In conclusion, the report serves as a critical update on a tragic aviation incident while also potentially manipulating public sentiment around airline safety. The overall reliability of the news can be considered high, given the sourcing from reputable agencies and official statements, though the lack of deeper context regarding systemic issues in aviation may limit its comprehensiveness.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jun/12/air-india-flight-ai171-plane-crash-ahmedabad-india-latest-updates

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, thedirector general of the directorate of civil aviation, told the Associated Press (AP) thatAir India flight AI171, a Boeing 787, was carying 232 passengers and 12 crew members.

TheUKgovernment will provide “all the support that it can” to those on theAir Indiaflight bound forGatwick airportwhich crashed shortly after take off,House of CommonsleaderLucy Powellsaid.

According to the PA news agency, speaking in the Commons, Powell said:

Fifty threeBritishnationals were on board anAir Indiaflight bound forGatwick airportwhich crashed after take off inAhmedabad,Air Indiasaid.

TheUK Foreign Officehas said that theUKis working with local authorities inIndiato “urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved”.

A spokesperson forIndia’s Ahmedabad airporthas told the news wires that the airport is not currently operational and all flight operations have been temporarily suspended.

Video footage circulating on social media purports to show theAir India flight AI171crash:

Here are a couple of images coming in via the newswires:

Gatwick airportposted on X that it could confirm theAir India flight AI171, which had been due to arrive at 6.25pm inLondon, had crashed on departure fromAhmedabad airport. It added that more information would follow.

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, thedirector general of the directorate of civil aviation, told the Associated Press (AP) thatAir India flight AI171, a Boeing 787, was carying 232 passengers and 12 crew members.

Air Indiaconfirmed that itsflight 171from the western city ofAhmedabadtoLondon Gatwickhad crashed in a “tragic accident”.

“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today,” Air India chairNatarajan Chandrasekaransaid in a statement, reports Agence France-Presse (AFP).

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he said, adding that an emergency centre has been activated and a support team set up for families seeking information.

TheLondon-bound flight took off fromAhmedabadat about 1.47 pm, slightly delayed from schedule. Officials say it crashed nine minutes after being given clearance for take off.

India’s directorate general of civil aviationjust gave this statement to Indian media:

Flight tracker website,Flightradar24, has shared that initial ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance broadcast) data from theAir India flight AI171shows that the aircraft reached a maximum barometric altitude of 625 feet (airport altitude is about 200 feet). It then started to descend with a vertical speed of -475 feet per minute, it adds.

India’s aviation minister has said he is “shocked and devastated” at the flight crash inAhmedabad. “We are on the highest alert,” he added, with rescue teams mobilised.

According to Reuters, theIndian aviation regulatorsaid that theAir Indiaaircraft fell after depature on ground outside the airport perimeter.

Although there has not been an official number given of the number of passengers and crew on board theAir India flight AI171yet, the Indian news agency Asian News International (ANI) and Reuters have cited a police source as saying that there are at least 242 passengers on board.

The Guardian has been unable to independently verify the report.

Air Indiahave released a statement, reading:

An aircraft has crashed inIndia’s western city ofAhmedabad, fire service officials have told Agence France-Presse (AFP), without giving immediate details of the plane or any toll.

Thick plumes of black smoke were seen over the airport, an AFP reporter said.

The Times of India reports that anAir India Boeing 787 Dreamlineraircraft, bound forLondon, crashed shortly after take off fromSardar Vallabhbhai Patel international airport. According to its report, the aircraft plunged into theMeghaniarea of the city, triggering an immediate emergency response.

This is a breaking news story and we will bring you updates as they come in.

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Source: The Guardian