Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport today. The aircraft, carrying 242 people, had two pilots and 10 cabin crew members. According to the media reports, 230 individuals were the passengers, of whom 217 were adults, 11 children and 2 infants. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also onboard the flight.
Who was on the Air India Flight?
The passengers on the Air India flights were from different nationalities, including 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese and 1 person with Canadian nationality. The media reports also mentioned that 105 passengers have reportedly been injured.
Air India confirmed the incident, stating that Flight AI171 operating the Ahmedabad-London Gatwick route was involved in an “incident” on Thursday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has rushed a team to the spot for investigation.
A senior DGCA official identified the crashed aircraft as Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB. The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an LTC with 8200 hours of experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1100 hours of flying experience.
According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Runway 23 and issued a “mayday” call. However, subsequent attempts by ATC to establish contact with the aircraft went unanswered. The plane then fell to the ground outside the airport perimeter.
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who was in Vijayawada, immediately rushed to Ahmedabad upon receiving the news. “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on the highest alert,” Minister Naidu stated. He added that he is personally monitoring the situation and has 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. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he conveyed. The Minister’s office confirmed he is in constant contact with senior officials from DGCA, AAI, NDRF, and the Gujarat State administration.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Home Minister, and the Police Commissioner, assuring Central government assistance for the rescue and relief operations.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has instructed immediate rescue and relief operations and prompt treatment for any injured passengers, emphasising a “war footing” approach to the crisis. Rescue and medical teams are currently on site, with passenger safety and emergency response as the highest priorities.
(With ANI Inputs)