Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was reportedly onboard the Air India flight AI171, which crashed near Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers, including Rupani, when it went down just minutes after takeoff. Authorities are working to confirm the status of all passengers, and rescue operations are underway at the crash site.
Eyewitnesses described a loud explosion followed by thick black smoke rising from the wreckage. Emergency responders, including fire brigades and ambulances, rushed to the scene to assist survivors and control the fire. The aircraft reportedly collided with the airport’s perimeter wall before crashing, though the exact cause remains unknown. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have begun a detailed probe into the incident.
Initial reports indicate that Vijay Rupani was traveling to London to meet his daughter, who resides there. His presence on the flight has raised concerns among political circles, with leaders expressing shock over the tragedy. Authorities have yet to release an official list of casualties or survivors, and Rupani’s condition remains unconfirmed as search and rescue operations continue. Families of passengers are being escorted to the airport for updates, and Air India has assured that further details will be shared soon.
This crash marks one of the most serious aviation disasters in India in recent years, prompting urgent discussions on flight safety protocols and aircraft readiness. The Ahmedabad airport has been temporarily shut down, and officials are working to determine the sequence of events leading to the crash. As investigations progress, updates on passenger status and possible causes will be released.