Air India London-Bound Flight Crashes After Take-Off from Ahmedabad, 242 Onboard
- Air India Flight AI 171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing or injuring many of the 242 onboard.
- Mayday call issued by experienced pilots before the aircraft failed to gain altitude and exploded.
- Emergency response underway, with DGCA investigation launched and a helpline set up for families.
In one of the gravest aviation tragedies in India, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM on Wednesday. The flight, AI171, was carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
The aircraft reportedly struggled to gain altitude after liftoff and was flying unusually low. Eyewitness footage captured the aircraft crashing into the ground and exploding in a massive fireball, sending thick smoke billowing across the area. The plane was heavily fuelled for the long-haul international route, contributing to the intensity of the fire.
Moments after take-off, the pilot issued a mayday call indicating a critical emergency. However, no further communication was received from the cockpit, according to air traffic control sources. Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar told NDTV that the aircraft suffered a catastrophic failure to gain lift at an altitude of just 825 feet.
The flight was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had over 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar with 1,100 hours of flight experience. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a full-scale investigation into the incident.
Emergency response teams, including over two dozen ambulances, fire services, and police, swiftly reached the crash site. Several injured individuals have been rushed to nearby hospitals. Traffic around the airport vicinity has been diverted.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is personally monitoring the situation and has ordered coordinated efforts by aviation and disaster response teams. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he posted on X.
Air India has activated an emergency helpline, 1800 5691 444, for family members and concerned individuals seeking updates.
