Ahmedabad, June 12 – A major aviation tragedy unfolded on Thursday as Air India Flight AI171, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed into a residential area in Ahmedabad just minutes after takeoff. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. and went down in Meghaninagar, a densely populated area near the airport perimeter, around five minutes later.
Following the crash, the Ahmedabad airport suspended all flight operations until further notice. “All arrivals and departures are temporarily suspended,” confirmed an airport spokesperson.
Visuals from the crash site show the aircraft’s fuselage embedded into a hostel structure, with heavy smoke and debris causing panic among residents. The plane was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a senior pilot with over 8,000 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.
The DGCA confirmed that the aircraft issued a “Mayday” call before losing contact. Preliminary reports suggest a possible bird strike and engine failure, though the exact cause is yet to be determined. A DGCA team is on-site collecting evidence.
Emergency teams, including seven fire engines and three NDRF units, responded swiftly. Additional NDRF teams from Vadodara are also en route.
Air India confirmed the crash on social media and has launched a dedicated helpline: 1800 5691 444. The airline is cooperating fully with investigators.
The passenger manifest includes 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Notably, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed the situation and directed authorities to expedite rescue operations. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is on his way to Ahmedabad.
Investigations and rescue efforts continue.
