Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 – Tragedy struck in the early hours of Thursday when Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing aircraft, crashed into the Meghaninagar IGP compound in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff. The flight, which departed at 1:38 AM, crashed at 1:40 AM, hitting a residential building reportedly housing doctors from Civil Hospital.
The aircraft was carrying 242 individuals, including 128 men, 114 women, and 14 children. Among them were 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian citizen. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also reportedly on board. As of now, 50 bodies have been recovered, with the death toll feared to rise up to 100.
Pilot’s Last Distress Call: “Mede”
In a desperate final attempt, Captain Sumit Subbarwal, the pilot, issued an international emergency distress call: “Mede Mede Mede”. The term, derived from the French phrase “M’Aidez” (meaning “help me”), signals a life-threatening emergency. The triple repetition ensures clarity in communication and emphasizes the urgency.
Airport Operations Temporarily Suspended, Now Resumed
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, all flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport were suspended. A statement from Adani Airport Holdings confirmed the closure and advised passengers to check with their airlines and monitor official social media channels for updates.
Later, airport authorities announced that all flights have resumed, though on a limited schedule, resulting in increased congestion and delays at the terminal.
Passenger Testimony: Flight to Pune Cancelled
Falgun, a passenger scheduled to fly to Pune at 1:55 AM, described the confusion at the airport:
“We boarded the plane, but noticed smoke outside. Suddenly, the flight was delayed. We received an SMS that it was rescheduled for 4 PM. Eventually, we were told it was officially cancelled. No further details were provided.”
Helpline Numbers Announced for Assistance
In response to the incident, authorities have set up dedicated helpline numbers:
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Ahmedabad Airport Assistance: +91 99741 11327
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State Emergency Operations Centre: 079-23251900 / +91 99784 05304
These helplines will address passenger queries and provide support to affected families.
Search for Black Box and Ongoing Rescue Operations
Rescue teams, airport officials, and Air India personnel are actively searching for the flight’s black box, which holds vital flight data and audio recordings from the cockpit. The information could provide key insights into the cause of the crash.
A 1.5 km radius around the crash site has been cordoned off. 25 fire engines from Vadodara Fire Department have been dispatched to assist local authorities.
Chief Minister Responds to Tragedy
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel departed from Vadodara Airport by air and is en route to Gandhinagar Helipad. A special convoy was arranged for his immediate travel, and a by-road corridor outside the airport has been secured.
Flight AI 171: The Crash in Numbers
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Flight Number: AI 171
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Aircraft Type: Air India Boeing
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Takeoff Time: 1:38 AM
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Crash Time: 1:40 AM
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Passengers and Crew: 242
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Fatalities (confirmed so far): 50
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Possible Death Toll: 100+
Emergency Response and Investigation Underway
A control room has been activated by the State Emergency Operation Centre to manage rescue efforts and communication. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation. Further updates from Air India and state officials are awaited.
