Updated: Air India flight to Gatwick crashes after take-off

An Air India flight bound for Gatwick which crashed shortly after take-off today was carrying 53 British passengers, the airline confirmed.

 

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after leaving Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International airport in Ahmedabad.

 

A total of 242 passengers and crew were on board at the time of the incident.

 

The airline said in a posting on X: "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.

 

"The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 13.38 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

 

"Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.

 

"The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.

 

"We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.

 

"Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident."

 

In a further update, the airline said: “In view of the recent incident, Air India is extending a one-time waiver on rescheduling and cancellation. 

 

“This is applicable for passengers booked on flights to and from Ahmedabad between 12–14 June 2025, for tickets issued till 12 June 2025. 

 

“No rescheduling fee or fare difference will apply. Full cancellation charges will be waived for those who wish to cancel their travel. For more assistance, please contact our customer support.”

 

Gatwick airport said on X that the aircraft had been due to land at the London airport at 18:25 BST.

 

“London Gatwick is liaising closely with Air India and a reception centre for relatives of those on board is being set up where information and support will be provided,” added the airport statement.

 

“Our thoughts are with family and friends of those on board. Further updates will be issued in due course.”

 

India’s aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said in a statement posted on X: “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. 

 

“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.”

 

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for India, saying: “We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. 

 

“The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved. 

 

“British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000.

 

“The Government of Gujarat State have established an Emergency Centre that can be contacted on: +91 (0) 79 23251900 / +91 (0) 9078405304.”

 

Amy Leversidge, general secretary of the British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa), said: “Pilots around the globe are deeply saddened by this news. Members of the British Airline Pilots’ Association send condolences to all those affected.

 

“It is vital a full and thorough investigation is now carried out without interference or unhelpful speculation about the contributory factors so that future tragedies can be avoided.”

 

The airline raised frequency on the Ahmedabad-Gatwick route from three to five flights a week for this summer.