MAYDAY Call! What happened just before Air India plane crashed near Ahmedabad airport

A major incident occurred involving Air India flight AI-171. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route to Gatwick, crashed soon after departing from Ahmedabad. There were 242 individuals on board, including crew members. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal command...

By ET Online | Updated: Jun 13, 2025, 05.42 PM IST

AI-171 crash mystery: Boeing 787’s black box may hold the answers

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday afternoon, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew.

"Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to Gatwick) has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar: Directorate General of Civil Aviation," DGCA said in a statement.

— shukla_tarun (@shukla_tarun)

The aircraft was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a line training captain (LTC) with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.

According to preliminary information provided by air traffic control (ATC), the flight departed from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST (0809 UTC). Shortly after takeoff, the crew issued a MAYDAY call, signalling a critical emergency. However, no further communication was received from the aircraft after the distress call.

The plane crashed just outside the airport perimeter, moments after departure. Witnesses and airport officials reported seeing heavy black smoke billowing from the crash site.

Also Read: Air India plane crash live updates: Air India plane with over 200 passengers onboard crashes near Ahmedabad airport

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is feared to be among the passengers on board the Air India flight. Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, urging them to rush to Ahmedabad and oversee the response efforts.

Sources said the Prime Minister has directed officials to extend all possible assistance to those affected by the crash and to coordinate immediate relief and investigation efforts.

More details are awaited as rescue and recovery operations continue at the crash site near Ahmedabad airport.

Ahmedabad plane crash: How it happened & what is a Mayday call?

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An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flying from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport crashed soon after takeoff. The crash happened between 1 pm and 2 pm, minutes after the flight AI171 left the airport with 242 people on board.