What we know so far after London bound plane crashes with 53 British people on board

An Air India flight has been involved in a plane crash moments after take off as it headed for London Gatwick, with 53 British nationals reportedly amongst the 242 passengers. The plane was carrying 232 passengers as well as its crew of 12.

Here is everything we know so far about the unfolding story. The Air India plane crash news continues to develop, and for more information on the passengers on board and what could have lead to the accident with over 50 British passengers will be updated as we know it.

Where did it crash?

#BREAKING: AIR INDIA FLIGHT #AI171 CRASHES IN AHMEDABAD SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF
Following reports of a crash involving Air India flight #AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (reg: VT-ANB) lost signal at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after takeoff.… pic.twitter.com/RKFhipU1ll

— Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) June 12, 2025

A tragic aviation incident occurred on Thursday when Air India flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad, crashed shortly after take-off. The flight departed Ahmedabad Airport at 1:38 PM local time but, within minutes, went down in a densely populated residential area known as Meghani Nagar. The crash has drawn immediate attention from aviation authorities, with Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, confirming the location and timing of the accident.

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On board the aircraft were 232 passengers and 12 crew members. Air India released a breakdown of the nationalities involved, stating that 169 of the passengers were Indian nationals, over 50 were from the UK, seven were Portuguese, and one passenger was Canadian. Emergency services responded swiftly, with the injured being transported to the nearest hospitals for urgent medical care. Authorities are continuing their response efforts as investigations into the cause of the crash begin.

Flightradar reveals the data that the plane had reached 625 feet before crashing.

What caused the crash?

It’s currently unknown what led to the plane crash. Stretchers have been reported carrying the injured to nearby hospitals.

What do we know about the plane? 

As per Flightradar, the plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Air India confirmed the plane crash that was bound for British soil in a post on X, explaining “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025.”

The airline is “ascerning the details” and will share more when it has the information. London Gatwick has also confirmed the flight was due to land at 6.25pm tonight.

Devastating news from Ahmedabad.

Air India has confirmed that 53 Brits, 169 Indians, 7 Portuguese and 1 Canadian were on the crashed flight.

My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the families affected. 🙏🏽 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/n2Ups2qhji

— Chris Rose (@ArchRose90) June 12, 2025

The pilot reportedly made a May Day call before crash

An aviation expert told Sky News that the pilot made a May Day call before the crash happened – suggesting the crew knew of an incident before the tragedy.

India’s aviation minister has spoken out

India’s civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has said he is “shocked and devastated” by the plane crash.

“I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”

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