Air India flight crashes after takeoff in western India, over 240 on board
Boeing 787 en route to London crashes near Ahmedabad city; emergency response underway as authorities investigate
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — An Air India flight bound for London crashed into a residential area shortly after takeoff from the western Indian city of Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, prompting a major emergency response and ongoing efforts to assess the situation.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 p.m. local time. Within five minutes, the aircraft issued a distress call and then lost contact with air traffic control before crashing near Meghani Nagar, a densely populated neighborhood just beyond the airport perimeter.
The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had over 8,000 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kunder, with 1,100 hours of experience. According to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the plane issued a MAYDAY signal but failed to respond to further communication.
Television footage showed wreckage engulfed in flames, thick plumes of smoke, and emergency workers moving individuals on stretchers into ambulances. Authorities have yet to confirm any casualties or injuries, stating that assessments are still underway.
“We are ascertaining the details and will share further updates,” Air India said in a statement.
N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Air India, expressed deep sorrow and emphasized that the airline’s priority is supporting affected passengers and their families. Emergency centers have been activated to assist those seeking information.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, said he was personally monitoring the situation. “Rescue teams have been mobilized, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site,” he said.
Three Natural Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Gandhinagar — comprising 90 personnel — have been deployed, with three more teams en route from Vadodara.
Brief history of air crashes in India from 1973 to present.
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