Shillong, June 12: In a devastating tragedy, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick on Wednesday afternoon.
Flight AI 171 lifted off from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST but failed to gain altitude and plummeted just beyond the airport perimeter, erupting into a massive fireball. Eyewitnesses described the harrowing scene of the aircraft flying alarmingly low before nosediving into the ground and exploding. A video of the crash, now viral, shows the aircraft struggling to ascend before it vanishes in flames.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the pilot issued a MAYDAY call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) seconds after takeoff. Contact was lost shortly thereafter, and the crash occurred almost immediately. Emergency services rushed to the site as smoke engulfed the area.
“At least two dozen ambulances were dispatched instantly. Multiple injured passengers have been taken to nearby hospitals,” a senior official at the site reported. Authorities have sealed the crash zone and redirected traffic to allow swift rescue operations.
Air India, in an official statement, said: “Flight No. AI 171, 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 airline confirmed that the aircraft was carrying 242 people — including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian national.
The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned Line Training Captain with over 8,200 hours of flying experience. The co-pilot had logged around 1,100 hours. Both were reportedly following standard operating procedures.
The DGCA has launched a detailed investigation, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has dispatched a team to examine the wreckage.
So far, authorities have not released any official casualty count. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency crews combing the wreckage for survivors.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed grief over the incident:
“Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. I am personally monitoring the situation. All aviation and emergency agencies have been directed to act swiftly and in coordination. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
Air India has activated an emergency helpline — 1800 5691 444 — for families seeking information. Regular updates will be posted via Air India’s official X handle and website.
Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran, in a statement, said: “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 was involved in a tragic accident today. Our deepest condolences go out to the families of those affected. We are fully supporting emergency teams and families on the ground.”
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, whose firm operates the Ahmedabad airport, said:
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. We are working closely with all authorities and extending full support to the families on the ground.”
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has suspended all operations until further notice. “Passengers are advised to check with airlines before arriving at the airport. We request your patience and cooperation,” said an airport spokesperson.
