Air India Flight to London Crashes Minutes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad; 242 Onboard
Ahmedabad, Thursday: An Air India flight bound for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) on Thursday afternoon, airline and police officials confirmed. The tragic incident involved Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner registered as VT-ANB, carrying 242 individuals, including 2 pilots, 10 cabin crew members, and 230 passengers.
The flight departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 IST and went down shortly thereafter. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the crash site, prompting immediate response from fire services and emergency teams. Flight operations at SVPIA were suspended until further notice.
Air India stated that among the 242 onboard, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese citizens.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “heartbreaking beyond words.” In a post on X, he wrote, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.” He added that he was in touch with ministers and authorities for ongoing support efforts.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran confirmed the activation of an emergency response centre and said that all possible support is being extended to affected families and emergency teams on site. “Our primary focus is on supporting the people affected and coordinating with rescue operations,” he said in a statement.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state Home Minister, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, assuring complete support from the central government.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, who rushed to Ahmedabad from Vijayawada, said, “I am personally monitoring the situation. All aviation and emergency agencies have been directed to take swift, coordinated action. Rescue and medical aid efforts are underway.”
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel stated that all injured passengers are being provided urgent medical care. A green corridor has been arranged for swift transport of the injured to hospitals. “Relief operations are being carried out on a war footing,” he said, also noting full cooperation from the Union Home Minister.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the aircraft was involved in an accident shortly after departure. An investigation has been initiated.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has set up an operational control room to coordinate the emergency response and issued helpline numbers for assistance.
Delhi Control Room: 011-24610843, 9650391859
Ahmedabad Control Room: 9978405304, 079-23251900
Further updates will be issued as more details emerge.
