“With Profound Sorrow…”: Tata Chairman Confirms Air India Crash, Emergency Centre Activated

Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has expressed deep grief following the crash of Air India flight AI171, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner went down shortly after take-off, carrying 242 people on board.

“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today,” Chandrasekaran said in a public statement. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.”

He also confirmed that an emergency response system had been activated. “We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information,” he added.

The aircraft, a Dreamliner operating as flight AI171, departed from Ahmedabad airport at 1:38 PM on Thursday. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), it crashed within minutes of take-off, near the Meghaninagar area of the city.

DGCA Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai confirmed the timeline and stated that a full investigation is now underway. On board were 242 individuals, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members. The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kundar serving as co-pilot.

Air India acknowledged the incident in an official statement,“Flight AI171, operating on the Ahmedabad–London Gatwick route, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. We are currently establishing the facts and will provide further updates on our website and on our X (formerly Twitter) handle.”

Emergency services responded rapidly, with fire brigades and local agencies reaching the crash site quickly. Three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel, were deployed from Gandhinagar. Three additional teams are being moved from Vadodara to support the ongoing rescue operations.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state’s Home Minister, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner. He assured them of full central government assistance in responding to the disaster. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the ground situation.

This is a developing story. Further details will follow as they are confirmed.