Air India flight to London with 242 passengers crashes near Ahmedabad airport
An Air India Boeing Dreamliner flight heading to London crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, in what could be one of India’s most devastating air disasters in nearly 30 years.
The plane, carrying 242 people, took off from runway 23 at 1:39 PM and went down within five minutes, according to information from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Videos and images circulating on social media show thick plumes of smoke rising from the crash site near the airport.
Here’s what we know so far:
-The Air India flight, a Boeing Dreamliner, was bound for London and the incident took place shortly after takeoff at the Ahmedabad airport.
-As per preliminary reports, the aircraft crashed in a densely populated area near the airport. Immediately post the crash, local residents rushed to the area to help with rescue efforts.
-Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel has reportedly rushed to Ahmedabad from Surat to assess the situation.
According to an ANI report, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Gujarat Chief Minister, Home Minister and the Police Commissioner regarding the plane crash. He also assured to provide central government assistance.
-Air India took to X and confirmed the development in a post on X. “The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals,” it said. The airline further said it has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.
-Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to Gatwick) crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad, the DGCA said. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kunder.
-Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu took to X and wrote, “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad.”
“We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he said.
-Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran shared condolences for the people affected by the tragic event. “At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. 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,” he said. Chandrasekaran further informed that an emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.
-Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel said he has instructed officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing. “I have also instructed to arrange for a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all arrangements for treatment in the hospital on priority basis. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to me and assured full cooperation,” he said.
-An airport spokesperson shared that the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is currently not operational. The spokesperson added that all flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice.
-In a post on X, the Gatwick Airport stated, “We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25.”
-Ministry of Civil Aviation sources told ANI that the director general of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), along with the team, is leaving for Ahmedabad for the investigation.
-Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Shah and Naidu and asked them to go to Ahmedabad to ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap, sources told ANI.
-Home Minister Amit Shah is currently on his way to Ahmedabad. Taking to X, he wrote, “Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation.”
-The Ministry of Civil Aviation has set up an operational control room post the incident to coordinate all details. Contact details: 011-24610843 | 9650391859
