An Air India passenger jet en route to London’s Gatwick Airport crashed just moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, leaving over 240 people on board and the world watching in horror as the tragedy unfolds. Here's what we know so far about the devastating incident.
When and Where Did the Crash Happen?
Air India flight AI171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 13:39 IST (08:09 GMT). It was scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick Airport at 18:25 BST.
However, just seconds after takeoff, the aircraft disappeared from radar. According to FlightRadar24, the signal was lost less than a minute into the flight, with the final altitude recorded at 625 feet (190 meters). The aircraft issued a mayday call, but there was no response after that.
The plane crashed into a densely populated residential area in Meghaninagar, reportedly hitting a doctors' hostel. Emergency teams rushed to the scene, battling thick plumes of smoke and flames.
Who Was On Board?
Air India confirmed there were 242 passengers and crew on board, including:
- 53 British nationals
- 169 Indian nationals
- 1 Canadian national
- 7 Portuguese nationals
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 256 seats. While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, visuals from the crash site show emergency responders recovering bodies and transporting the injured to hospitals.
What Have Officials Said?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, saying on X (formerly Twitter): “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
He also spoke directly to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjaparu, instructing him to lead a coordinated emergency response and ensure all possible help is extended.
The Minister wrote on X: “Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.”
Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran called it a “tragic accident” and said, “We are doing everything in our power to assist emergency teams and provide all necessary care and support to those impacted.”
How Have the UK and Global Leaders Reacted?
New UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “The scenes emerging from Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the UK is coordinating with Indian authorities to establish the facts and assist citizens.
Buckingham Palace also confirmed that King Charles is being kept updated on the crash.
Investigation Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sent a high-level investigation team to the crash site. All operations at Ahmedabad Airport have been suspended until further notice, and passengers are advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Authorities continue to search for the aircraft’s black box to determine the cause of the crash. While technical failure is suspected, no official cause has been confirmed yet.
