London Bound AI Flight Crashes At Ahmedabad, Rescue Ops Underway

AHMEDABAD (IANS) – An Air India flight bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport this afternoon. The aircraft, which departed at 1:38 p.m. from Runway 23, came down in the Meghani Nagar area, triggering panic among residents.

According to airline records, the flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. The crew comprised 10 cabin crew members and two pilots: Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had over 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours logged.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah immediately spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner to assess the situation and coordinate emergency response.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos at the crash site, with heavy smoke billowing from the area, visible from several miles away. Roads surrounding the crash site have been immediately locked down to facilitate the swift movement of rescue teams and emergency services. Several injured passengers have been transported to the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for treatment. Firefighters and emergency response teams are actively engaged in containment and rescue efforts.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed his distress on social media platform X, stating, “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. 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.” He affirmed that rescue operations are ongoing and medical aid is being rushed to the scene.

Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran conveyed the airline’s profound sorrow via X, confirming, “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.” He added, “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.” The airline has activated an emergency center and support teams for families, setting up a dedicated passenger hotline at 1800 5691 444. As a mark of respect, the Tata Group-managed airline also changed its official ‘X’ account profile and cover photo to black.

Other political leaders also shared condolences. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted, “Stunned and profoundly shocked to know of the most tragic Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad today. It is most sad news for all of us, even while we anxiously wait for survivor details and pray for the survival of all. The crash has shaken me at my core.” Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis similarly expressed being “pained and shocked,” praying for everyone’s safety on X.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a Mayday call was issued moments after takeoff, but no further communication was received from the cockpit, and the aircraft crashed outside the airport boundary, suggesting it failed to climb properly.

The cause of the crash remains unconfirmed, and an investigation has been launched. DGCA officials are on site collecting flight data, voice recordings, and witness accounts. Boeing representatives are also expected to assist the ground staff in the ongoing inquiry. Early reports indicated that former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was believed to be onboard in seat 2D, though his condition remains unconfirmed.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the crash area to ensure smooth rescue and relief operations. This incident marks the first major crash for the national carrier since its privatization in January 2022.