An Air India flight bound for London tragically crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, carrying 242 people on board. According to initial reports, the pilot issued a Mayday distress call to Air Traffic Control moments before the accident, signaling a severe in-flight emergency.
The aircraft, identified as Flight AI171, was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick. It departed Ahmedabad airport at approximately 1:10 PM, with 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Within minutes of takeoff, the plane went down near the Ghoda Camp area, close to the airport perimeter, causing widespread alarm and panic.
Air India confirmed the incident in an official statement, noting that the airline is still gathering details. “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest,” the statement said.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed profound sorrow following the tragedy. “With deep sorrow, I confirm that Air India flight AI171 was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected,” he said. He added that the airline’s immediate focus is on supporting victims’ families and assisting emergency teams at the crash site.
Emergency personnel and rescue teams rushed to the scene, where thick smoke was seen rising from the wreckage. The crash site is located between Meghaninagar and Ahmedabad Cantonment, reportedly in a residential zone, raising concerns of additional casualties on the ground. Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud explosions, followed by plumes of heavy smoke.
Preliminary reports from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) indicate a catastrophic event. While official confirmation of casualties is pending, early indications suggest a high death toll, with all 242 people on board feared dead.
Authorities have launched extensive rescue and recovery operations, and investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. More verified updates are expected as emergency teams and officials continue to assess the situation and provide information to the public.
This devastating incident marks one of the deadliest aviation accidents in India in recent years, and it has sparked grief and concern nationwide.
