In a devastating incident on Thursday afternoon, Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed minutes after takeoff near a residential area close to Ahmedabad airport. The flight was carrying passengers to the UK when the tragic event occurred.

Air India confirmed the accident through an official post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are working to ascertain full details and will share updates soon via our website and official X handle.”

Tata Sons and Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed deep grief over the accident. In an official statement posted by Tata Group, he said, “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected. We are extending every possible support to the victims and emergency responders. An emergency centre and support teams have been activated to assist families.”

This heartbreaking crash adds to Air India’s long history of fatal aviation disasters. Over the decades, several high-profile crashes have marked the airline’s timeline:

  • 2020: Kozhikode crash killed 21

  • 2010: Mangaluru crash killed 158

  • 1985: Kanishka bombing claimed 329 lives

  • 1978 & 1966: Mont Blanc crashes

  • 1982 & 1962: Mumbai airport tragedies

    • Each of these incidents stands as a grim reminder of the risks inherent in aviation and the enduring grief of lives lost.