Air India Flight to London Plunges 5 Minutes After Takeoff

Air India Flight to London Crashes Minutes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad: 242 Onboard, Rescue Operations Underway

In a tragic aviation disaster, an Air India flight en route to London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, sending shockwaves across the country and abroad. The ill-fated aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating as Air India Flight 171, was carrying 242 people—including 230 passengers and 12 crew members—when it went down just five minutes into its journey.

Mayday Call Before Crash

Distress Call Sent After Air India Flight Takeoff from Runway 23; Communication Lost

According to a statement issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft took off from Runway 23 at 1:38 pm IST (08:09 UTC). Mere moments after takeoff, the cockpit crew issued a distress signal, a mayday call, suggesting the aircraft was facing a critical emergency. However, air traffic control (ATC) lost communication shortly afterward.

Authorities have since confirmed that the aircraft crashed just outside the airport perimeter in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area. Eyewitnesses and ATC personnel observed dense, black smoke billowing from the crash site. Several visuals from the ground showed intense flames and plumes of smoke rising into the sky, alarming nearby residents.

Immediate Emergency Response

Following the crash, emergency protocols were activated immediately. Seven fire engines were rushed to the crash site in an effort to douse the fire and conduct rescue operations. The local administration has mobilized additional rescue and medical support. Hospitals in the vicinity have been put on high alert to receive injured survivors, though official reports on casualties are still awaited.

In light of the disaster, all flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have been temporarily suspended. A spokesperson from the airport stated, “All flight operations have been temporarily suspended until further notice to facilitate rescue and recovery efforts and ensure safety on the premises.”

Passengers and Crew Onboard

The Boeing 787-8 was carrying a diverse group of passengers. The DGCA confirmed that of the 242 people on board, 169 were Indian nationals. The rest included 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens.

The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot and Line Training Captain (LTC) with over 8,200 hours of flying experience. The co-pilot was First Officer Clive Kundar, who had accumulated 1,100 hours of flight time. Their combined experience, however, could not prevent the catastrophe that unfolded shortly after takeoff.

National Leaders React

The horrific incident prompted immediate responses from the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash “heartbreaking” and confirmed he is closely monitoring the situation. In a statement, PM Modi said, “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.”

He added that he had spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, asking them to rush to Ahmedabad and personally oversee rescue operations.

Centre and State Governments in Action

Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu are reportedly on their way to the crash site. Shah assured that the central government would provide all necessary support, including National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployment and coordination with local authorities.

Civil Aviation Minister Naidu expressed deep sorrow upon learning of the crash. “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on the highest alert,” he said. “Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.”

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has also taken swift action. “I have directed officials to immediately begin rescue and relief operations and to ensure that injured passengers receive urgent medical treatment on a war footing,” he said in a statement. The Chief Minister added that arrangements for a green corridor had been made to facilitate smooth transport of emergency vehicles.

International Reaction

The tragedy has also drawn international attention, especially from the United Kingdom, given the number of British nationals aboard the flight. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a statement expressing his concern: “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”

The UK Foreign Office is working closely with Indian authorities to gather more information and assist affected families.

Passenger Assistance and Helpline Numbers

In the wake of the crash, Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline—1800 5691 444—to provide real-time updates and support to the families of those on board. Additionally, the Ahmedabad City Police has activated an emergency helpline at 07925620359 for information related to police services and rescue efforts.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and misinformation, asking people to follow verified government channels and media updates for accurate information.

Investigation Underway

Though the immediate focus remains on rescue and relief efforts, an official investigation into the cause of the crash has already been initiated by the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). A team of aviation experts is expected to arrive in Ahmedabad shortly to begin examining the aircraft’s black box and other flight data.

Initial speculation points to a possible technical failure, but officials have cautioned against jumping to conclusions until all evidence has been analyzed. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is generally considered one of the safest and most advanced commercial aircraft globally, making the sudden failure all the more shocking.

Survivors and Casualty Status

As of now, authorities have not officially confirmed the number of survivors or fatalities. Rescue teams are combing through the debris to locate and extract victims. Medical triage units have been set up nearby to provide immediate care to those rescued.

Hospitals across Ahmedabad have been asked to remain on standby and prepare for mass casualty protocols, including emergency surgeries, trauma care, and psychological counseling for survivors and families.

A Nation in Mourning on Air India Flight incident

As rescue efforts continue, the nation mourns yet another devastating blow in the skies. With 242 souls on board and families anxiously awaiting word, this tragedy has brought India’s aviation safety back into the spotlight. The government is expected to announce compensation for victims’ families and issue a more comprehensive report once the investigation progresses.

The coming hours will be crucial for determining the exact chain of events that led to the crash. Meanwhile, India stands united in grief, hoping for survivors and bracing for the full scale of this unimaginable loss.

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