An Air India aircraft bound for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday morning, according to initial reports. The flight, numbered AI171, was carrying more than 100 passengers and crew members at the time of the incident.
As of Thursday afternoon, there has been no official confirmation regarding casualties or injuries. Emergency services are actively engaged at the scene.
India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, issued a statement expressing deep concern over the situation: “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 confirmed that rescue teams were on the ground and that medical and relief support were being rushed to the site.
According to data from the flight tracking service FlightRadar24, the aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The platform reported on X (formerly Twitter): “We are following reports of a crash of Air India flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London. We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after takeoff.”
Further updates from aviation authorities and Air India are expected as the investigation unfolds.
