Ahmedabad, June 11 (Updated): In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history, an Air India Dreamliner flight bound for London crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport this afternoon. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, flight number AI-171, was carrying 242 passengers and crew onboard when the tragedy struck.
What We Know So Far:
- Flight AI-171, a Boeing Dreamliner (VT-ANB), departed from Ahmedabad airport at 1:39 PM and crashed within 5 minutes of takeoff, as per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
- The plane went down in a densely populated area near the airport, sending plumes of smoke visible across the city.
- Initial visuals from the crash site shared on social media show debris, heavy smoke, and local residents rushing to assist in rescue operations.
Passenger and Crew Details
According to Air India’s official statement, the flight carried 242 people including:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British citizens
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian national
- 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members
The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kunder.
Airport Operations Suspended
An airport official confirmed that all flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have been suspended until further notice. Emergency protocols have been activated and airspace has been restricted in the region.
Passenger Helpline & Emergency Support
Air India has launched an emergency support number:
Hotline for Families: 1800-5691-444
Additionally, a dedicated emergency center and support teams have been activated to assist families of the passengers.
Government & Official Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
Sources confirmed that PM Modi has spoken to Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, asking them to visit Ahmedabad and coordinate immediate relief and investigation efforts.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah:
“I have spoken to Gujarat CM, Home Minister, and the Police Commissioner. The Centre will provide full support in rescue and recovery efforts,” said Shah. He is expected to arrive in Ahmedabad shortly.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu:
“Shocked and devastated by the Air India flight crash. Rescue teams have been mobilized, and medical and emergency response is underway,” he posted on X. “We are on highest alert, and I am personally monitoring the situation.”
Rescue & Relief Operations Underway
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, who rushed from Surat to Ahmedabad, said, “Instructions have been issued to immediately begin rescue and treatment on a war footing. A green corridor has been arranged for transporting the injured to hospitals. All hospitals are on emergency standby.”
Fire services, NDRF units, local police, and medical teams are working together at the site. However, official casualty or injury numbers have not yet been confirmed.
Flight Destination: Gatwick Airport, London
Gatwick Airport in the UK confirmed the flight was scheduled to land at 18:25 local time. “We are aware of the situation and are in touch with Indian authorities,” their official post stated.
Investigation Ordered by DGCA & AAIB
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has deployed a full team to the crash site. Investigators are expected to reach Ahmedabad by tonight, with black box recovery and site mapping among their top priorities.
Experts will analyze:
- Possible technical failure of the Boeing 787
- Weather or external impact factors
- Communication logs between the cockpit and Air Traffic Control (ATC)
Statement by Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Our first priority is to support all affected families. Our teams are cooperating fully with the authorities to manage the emergency response,” said Chandrasekaran. He also confirmed Air India has activated all crisis management protocols.
Context: One of India’s Deadliest Air Tragedies in Decades
This crash could become India’s worst aviation tragedy since the 1996 mid-air collision over Charkhi Dadri, which killed 349 people. While the full scale of loss is not yet confirmed, today’s event marks a grim chapter in Indian aviation history.
This is a developing story.
Updates on casualty figures, survivor status, and investigation findings will be shared as new information becomes available.