Air India flight to London crashes after takeoff from Ahmedabad; PM reviews situation, emergency response in full swing

Ahmedabad/New Delhi: A London-bound Air India flight (AI 171) crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, prompting the temporary suspension of all flight operations at the airport and triggering a full-scale emergency response.

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The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, crashed into the Meghaninagar residential area, just outside the airport perimeter, around 2 pm. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft departed at 13:39 IST from Runway 23 and issued a Mayday call before losing contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC). The plane was being piloted by Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, a line training captain with 8,200 hours of experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience.

Heavy black smoke was seen billowing from the crash site, and several casualties are feared, though official figures were awaited at the time of reporting.

Airport Operations Suspended

Following the crash, all operations at Ahmedabad airport were suspended indefinitely. "All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice," the airport said in a statement, advising passengers to contact their respective airlines for updates.

Control Rooms and Helplines Activated

In response to the tragedy, the Ministry of Civil Aviation set up a control room in Delhi and Ahmedabad to coordinate rescue and relief efforts. Passengers and their families can reach out via the following numbers:

• Delhi Control Room: 011-24610843 / 9650391859

• Ahmedabad Control Room: 9978405304 / 079-23251900

• Ahmedabad Airport Helpline: 9974111327

• Air India Passenger Hotline: 1800 5691 444

Air India confirmed that the aircraft was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian.

Top-Level Oversight and Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed on the incident by Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, who is heading to Ahmedabad to oversee the ongoing rescue operations. The Prime Minister also directed Home Minister Amit Shah to assist on the ground and ensure all possible support is extended to victims and their families.

“All relevant agencies are on high alert and working in a coordinated manner,” said an official from the civil aviation ministry.

Air India, Tata Group Respond

Air India Chairman and Tata Group head N Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected,” he said in a statement.

He added that the airline is doing “everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site” and has set up support teams for affected families. “An emergency centre has been activated, and we will share further updates once verified information is available,” Chandrasekaran said.

Investigation Underway

The DGCA has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. According to preliminary information, the Mayday call was the last communication received from the aircraft. The aviation regulator is expected to examine flight data and cockpit voice recorders once recovery operations allow.

The incident marks a major aviation tragedy for India, and authorities have pledged a thorough and transparent probe.

Further details are awaited as emergency response teams continue to manage the aftermath and support victims and their families.

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