AHMEDABAD, India — A tragic aviation disaster has struck in India, as a plane carrying 242 individuals, including 53 British nationals, bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport.
Footage circulating depicts a devastating fireball as the Air India flight impacted a residential area. Police in Ahmedabad, Gujarat state, have confirmed that more than 100 bodies have been brought to local hospitals.
Social media is awash with videos showing immense plumes of thick black smoke billowing skyward near the airport following the crash. Other visuals from the scene reveal debris on fire and emergency responders moving people on stretchers into ambulances.
Air India identified the ill-fated aircraft as flight AI171, which departed from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick at 1:38 PM local time.
The airline stated that the flight was carrying 242 passengers and crew members, comprising 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. “The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals,” the airline confirmed.
Ahmedabad Airport issued a statement announcing the suspension of all flights until further notice, confirming the plane crashed “shortly after take-off, outside the airport.”
London Gatwick also released a statement, noting the flight was scheduled to land at 6:25 PM UK time on Thursday. Flight tracking website Flightradar reported that the last signal from the aircraft was received less than a minute after its departure.
According to the Aviation Safety Network database, this marks the first-ever crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner model. The wide-body, twin-engine aircraft has completed five million journeys in the 14 years since its inaugural passenger flight.
Global leaders and officials have expressed profound sorrow. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer conveyed that “the scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.” He added that he was being kept updated on the developing situation, while Buckingham Palace confirmed the King was also being informed.
The UK Foreign Office stated that the UK is “working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved” and advised British nationals requiring consular assistance to call 020 7008 5000.
In addition to a dedicated helpline number in India – 1800 5691 444 – Air India has also set up a number for foreign nationals – 0091 8062779200.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X: “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.”
India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu voiced his shock and devastation upon learning of the crash. “We are on highest alert,” he stated. “I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.”
Aviation expert Julian Bray informed Vivid Voice News that he understands the pilot managed to make a mayday call, suggesting the crew was aware of a problem prior to the crash.
Air India was acquired by Tata Group from the Indian government in January 2022, following accumulated losses amounting to billions of pounds. The group currently operates over 8,300 weekly flights on 312 routes, connecting more than 100 domestic and international destinations with a fleet of 300 aircraft.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the airline’s chairman, described the incident as a “tragic accident” and a “devastating event,” confirming that emergency response teams were at the site.
“At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families,” he affirmed. “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.”
A Boeing spokesperson simply stated: “We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information.”
