A catastrophic incident unfolded today in Gujarat’s capital as Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, leaving at least over 200 people dead.
The aircraft, carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, plummeted into the Meghani Nagar residential area, triggering a massive explosion and sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:50 PM IST, roughly five minutes after the plane departed Ahmedabad at 1:17 PM. According to initial reports, the pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, issued a Mayday call to Air Traffic Control moments before the disaster, indicating a critical issue onboard. The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, had earlier completed a flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad without incident, per aviation tracking data from Flightradar24.
Eyewitnesses described a deafening explosion followed by chaos as the plane struck near the airport’s boundary wall, igniting a fire fueled by the jet’s heavy load of fuel for the long-haul journey. Visuals from the crash site showed debris scattered across the residential neighborhood, with emergency responders, including three fire brigade tenders and 90 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), rushing to extinguish the blaze and conduct rescue operations. All roads to the area were promptly sealed off by local authorities.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the crash, noting that the aircraft was en route to London when it went down. Among the passengers was reportedly former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, though official confirmation of his status remains pending. The exact cause of the crash is under investigation, with no definitive details released yet. Speculation about mechanical failure or external factors has emerged, but authorities have urged the public to await the findings of a formal inquiry.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed profound shock, stating, ‘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.’ Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also engaged with Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Police Commissioner GS Malik, pledging central government support.
Gujarat CM Patel instructed officials to prioritize rescue efforts and provide immediate medical treatment to any survivors.
Air India issued a statement through Chairman N Chandrasekaran: ‘With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident today. We are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.’
The airline has not yet confirmed the number of casualties, though reports from News18 indicate at least 30 fatalities, with fears of a higher toll given the severity of the crash.
The incident has sent shockwaves across India and beyond. UK Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel expressed solidarity, noting, ‘My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the plane crash at Ahmedabad and with the emergency services at the scene. The Government needs to ensure it is working with Indian authorities to support British families affected.’ Former cricketer and politician Yusuf Pathan also shared his grief on social media, praying for the safety of those onboard.
Ahmedabad’s airport operations have been suspended, and the crash site remains cordoned off as rescue teams work tirelessly. This tragedy marks the first major passenger plane crash in India since the 2020 Air India Express incident in Kozhikode.