Air India Flight AI 171 Crashes After Takeoff in Ahmedabad – 244 Onboard

Tragedy struck on Thursday afternoon when Air India flight AI 171, en route to London Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 244 people — including 232 passengers and 12 crew members — went down in the Meghani Nagar residential area, just minutes after departing at 1:38 p.m. local time.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing loud explosions followed by thick black smoke rising from the crash site. Local news footage showed widespread flames and debris scattered across the area, with emergency responders rushing to rescue survivors and control the fire.

Government and Airline Response

India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, confirmed that rescue and relief operations are ongoing. “We are maintaining the highest level of alert. Emergency teams are providing every possible medical and logistical support to victims and their families,” he shared on X (formerly Twitter).

Air India Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, expressed deep sorrow, announcing that an emergency helpline and family assistance center have been set up. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. We stand with the families in this difficult time,” he stated.

Flight Details at a Glance

• Flight Number: AI 171
  

• Airline: Air India
  

• Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
  

• Departure: Ahmedabad, India
  

• Destination: London Gatwick Airport
  

• People Onboard: 244 (232 passengers, 12 crew)
  

• Crash Site: Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad
  

• Crash Time: Within 5 minutes of takeoff (1:38 p.m. local time)
  

Ongoing Efforts and Investigation

Emergency services, including firefighters, paramedics, and local police, continue to work at the crash site. Preliminary investigations are underway under the supervision of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India’s technical team, with assistance from Boeing representatives.

Officials are currently assessing possible causes, including technical malfunction, bird strike, or engine failure. The black box and cockpit voice recorder have been recovered and sent for detailed examination.

Local hospitals have been placed on high alert, and rescue teams are working through the night to locate survivors and provide aid to affected residents in the crash zone.

Aviation Industry Reaction

This marks the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, an aircraft model introduced in 2009 and widely regarded for its safety and advanced engineering. Aviation experts worldwide are closely watching the investigation, as findings could have implications for global airline operations.