Ahmedabad Air India crash: Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani among passengers

NEW DELHI: Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani is believed to have been onboard the Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon.According to a web check-in document obtained by TOI, Rupani had completed his check-in in business class. The details indicate his boarding time was at 12.10pm from Zone 1, with seat number 2D. The booking reference for his ticket is 6FK2M2, and the e-ticket number is 0982865207073.Authorities have not yet confirmed his status following the crash. The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI171 to London Gatwick, crashed in the Meghani area just minutes after takeoff, sending up a massive plume of black smoke and triggering large-scale rescue efforts.

The aircraft, heavily fueled for the long-haul journey, caught fire upon impact, complicating rescue operations. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft was carrying 242 people — 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 cabin crew members. It was being flown by Capt Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar.

Fire engines, ambulances, police, and NDRF teams rushed to the site. Three teams (90 personnel) from the NDRF’s Gandhinagar unit were deployed immediately, with three more on their way from Vadodara.

There is no official confirmation yet on the number of casualties or survivors. Officials said the fire was intensified by the jet’s full fuel load for the international route. “The heavy fuel load worsened the post-crash fire, making rescue efforts even more difficult,” a DGCA official said. Union home minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, state home minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Ahmedabad Police Commissioner regarding the tragedy.

CM Patel expressed deep grief over the incident and directed authorities to expedite rescue and relief operations. Taking to X, Patel said, “I have instructed officials to carry out rescue and relief work on a war footing and ensure immediate medical treatment for injured passengers. A green corridor has also been set up for quick transportation of the injured to hospitals.” He added that Shah had assured him of full central support in handling the aftermath. Air India, in its initial statement, said: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are currently ascertaining the details.” Later in the evening, Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran issued a statement: “With profound sorrow I confirm that flight AI171 was involved in a tragic accident. Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected.

Our immediate focus is on supporting the victims and their families. Emergency teams are on-site and additional support centres have been activated.” Meanwhile, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport issued a statement confirming the suspension of all operations. “As a result of the crash, the airport is currently not operational. All flights have been suspended until further notice,” said an SVPIA spokesperson, advising passengers to check with airlines before heading to the airport. A formal investigation is expected to be launched by the DGCA, possibly in coordination with a technical team from Boeing. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.