An Air India passenger plane has crashed shortly after taking off from an airport in India’s western city of Ahmedabad. Images from the scene showed thick black smoke rising up into the sky. It was not immediately clear how many people were on board or the number of casualties. Air India said that one of its flights bound for London was involved in an “incident.” “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025,” a statement said, adding that the airline is gathering more information and will give further updates. In a statement released shortly afterwards, Gatwick Airport confirmed that Flight AI171 had crashed on departure from Ahmedabad. It was due to land at Gatwick at 6.25 p.m. local time (1.25 p.m. ET). According to aviation tracker FlightRadar24, Air India flight AI171 was scheduled to depart from Ahmedabad International airport bound for London Gatwick at 9.50 a.m. local time. The signal from the aircraft was lost at 10.08 a.m. local time (12.38 a.m. ET) at 625 feet, less than a minute after takeoff, according to FlightRadar24 data. All flights out of Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have been suspended until further notice following the incident, according to a spokesperson for the airport. “Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport. We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation,” the spokesperson said. India’s minister of civil aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, said he was “shocked and devastated” to learn of the plane crash. “Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site,” the minister wrote on a statement on X. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Air India, said that Air India Flight AI171 had been involved in a “tragic accident.” He added, “We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.” This is a developing story and will be updated.
Plane crashes after taking off from airport in western Indian city of Ahmedabad
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Air India Flight Crashes Shortly After Takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport"
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TruthLens AI Summary
An Air India passenger plane, Flight AI171, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad International Airport in western India, leading to a significant emergency response. The flight was en route to London Gatwick and was scheduled to depart at 9:50 a.m. local time. However, the aircraft lost signal just 18 minutes after takeoff at an altitude of 625 feet, raising immediate concerns about the number of passengers and crew on board. Air India confirmed the incident, stating that they are currently gathering more information and will provide updates as they become available. Images from the crash site revealed thick black smoke billowing into the sky, indicating the severity of the incident. In light of the crash, operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have been suspended, with authorities advising passengers to check with airlines for the latest information before heading to the airport.
India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed his shock and devastation over the accident, emphasizing that rescue teams have been mobilized to provide immediate medical aid and support. Meanwhile, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Air India, referred to the event as a tragic accident and assured the public that the airline is doing everything possible to assist emergency response teams at the crash site. The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to manage the aftermath of the crash, with the public and media awaiting further details about the incident and the fate of those involved. The airline and government officials are expected to hold press conferences to provide updates on the investigation and any potential causes of the crash, underscoring the ongoing concern for passenger safety in aviation operations in India.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent crash of an Air India passenger plane shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad has raised numerous questions and concerns in both the aviation community and the general public. The incident, described as a "tragic accident" by officials, has implications that extend beyond the immediate tragedy, affecting perceptions of air travel safety, airline management practices, and national aviation policies.
Public Perception and Media Influence
The article paints a vivid picture of the incident, emphasizing the dramatic visuals of thick black smoke and the immediate responses from authorities. This can create a sense of urgency and concern among readers, potentially leading to heightened awareness and fear regarding air travel safety. By focusing on the emotional aspects of the crash and the reactions of government officials, the media may be aiming to evoke sympathy and concern from the public, thereby shaping the narrative around aviation safety in India.
Information Disclosure and Transparency
There are gaps in the information provided, such as the number of people on board and the exact cause of the crash. This lack of clarity may lead to speculation and anxiety among the public, which can be seen as a tactic to keep the audience engaged while authorities conduct investigations. The airline's and government’s responses indicate they are still gathering information, which could suggest a desire to manage the narrative rather than disclose all facts immediately.
Potential Economic Impacts
The suspension of all flights from Ahmedabad’s airport and the implications for Air India could result in economic repercussions. The airline industry is sensitive to incidents like this, and negative publicity can affect stock prices and consumer confidence. Investors may react by pulling back from airline stocks or reassessing their positions in related sectors, particularly those connected to Air India.
Political Ramifications
The crash could lead to scrutiny of India’s aviation regulations and safety standards. The civil aviation minister's emotional response indicates a recognition of the potential political fallout. If investigations reveal systemic issues, there could be calls for reform that impact the current government.
Community Reactions
Support may come from various communities, particularly those concerned with aviation safety, as well as from families of potential victims. The emotional weight of such tragedies often unites communities in solidarity and calls for accountability.
Global Context
This incident may resonate within the broader context of global aviation safety discussions, especially given the increasing scrutiny on airlines worldwide. It reflects the ongoing concerns about air travel safety, particularly in countries where aviation infrastructure may still be developing.
Use of AI in Journalism
While it’s not explicitly stated, there’s a possibility that AI was employed in crafting the article. The structured presentation of facts and prompt updates suggest a systematic approach that AI could assist with. However, the emotional language used indicates a human touch, likely to engage readers more effectively.
Manipulative Elements
There are elements of manipulation in the language used, particularly in the emphasis on emotional responses and the immediate reactions of officials. This could lead to a perception that the situation is more dire than it may actually be, potentially influencing public sentiment and trust in the aviation sector.
Trustworthiness of the news article can be considered moderate. While it reports on a significant event, the lack of detailed information and the emotional framing may skew perceptions. The urgency and drama presented could overshadow the factual elements, leading to a narrative that may not fully align with reality.