An Air India flight bound for London crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 787 aircraft was carrying around 232 passengers and 10 crew members.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:17 PM, with thick black smoke seen billowing from the Dharpur area near Meghaninagar. Firefighters and emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene.
The flight tracking website, Flight Radar, posted on X: “We are following reports of a crash of Air India flight #AI171, from Ahmedabad to London. We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after takeoff.”
India’s aviation regulator confirmed that the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff “outside the airport perimeter,” according to Reuters.
India’s Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, expressed deep concern over the incident. “We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilized, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he said.
Naidu also stated he was “shocked and devastated” by the crash.
Gatwick Airport confirmed that the aircraft had been scheduled to arrive in the UK later that evening. In a statement on X, the airport said: “We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25.”
Further details, including the number of casualties, are yet to be officially confirmed.
