Air India Flight AI171 Crashes Near Ahmedabad Minutes After Takeoff

In a devastating incident, Air India Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed into a residential area Meghani Nagar just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport at 1:38 PM today.

The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was carrying 232 passengers, including 2 infants, along with 12 crew members. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the pilot issued a “Mayday” distress call moments after departure, indicating a serious emergency.

Eyewitnesses reported flames and thick smoke visible from afar as the aircraft crashed just outside the airport’s periphery. Fire Officer Jaish Khadia stated that multiple fire brigade units were dispatched immediately to the scene to control the blaze. Several injured passengers have been shifted to City Civil Hospital.

India’s Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is en route to Ahmedabad to oversee the emergency response and situation.

Air India confirmed the incident on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, met with an accident today. We are assessing the situation and will provide updates shortly.”

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. A formal inquiry by DGCA and other aviation safety authorities is expected to begin immediately.