Ahmedabad Plane Crash : Air India Flight with 242 on Board Crashes Minutes After Takeoff

Ahmedabad, June 12 :  An Air India flight AI171, operating a Boeing 787-8 aircraft from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed in a residential area of Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff, carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board.

In an official statement, Air India confirmed the flight had 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals. “The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals,” the airline said.

The aircraft took off from Ahmedabad airport at 1:38 PM IST from runway 23 and issued a MAYDAY call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) shortly thereafter. Officials stated, “It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC.” The crash occurred just five minutes after takeoff in the Meghani Nagar area, a densely populated residential zone.

Air India Chairperson N. Chandrasekaran, in an official statement shared via the Tata Group on X, said: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.” He added that an emergency centre has been activated, and support teams have been set up for families seeking information.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel responded promptly, expressing deep sorrow over the incident. He stated on X: “I am deeply saddened by the accident of the Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. I have instructed the officials to take immediate rescue and relief operations in the accident and to make arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing. I have also instructed to arrange a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all the treatment arrangements in the hospital on priority. The Honorable Union Home Minister Shri Amitbhai Shah has also spoken to me and assured full support of the NDRF teams and the Central Government for the rescue and relief operations in this plane crash.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took swift action, speaking to Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu following the crash. The minister is reportedly en route to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief efforts. According to the PMO, “All relevant agencies are on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and grief: “Stunned and profoundly shocked to know of the most tragic Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad today. It is a most sad news for all of us, even while we anxiously wait for survivors details and pray for survival of all. The crash during take-off of the London-bound plane has shaken and saddened me at my core. While we do not know exact figures, media reports indicate that there were 242 passengers in the plane. I am praying to God at this moment,” she wrote on X.

Meanwhile, fellow airline IndiGo has also issued condolences, stating: “We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident at Ahmedabad airport. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and their families. We stand united in spirit with Air India in this very difficult time.”

Rescue operations are currently underway, and more details are awaited as authorities continue to manage the aftermath of this tragic incident.