Air India Flight Crashes Into Residential Area Near Ahmedabad Airport

Tragedy struck today when Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner registered VT‑ANB, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, came down in the Meghani Nagar area, just beyond the airport perimeter.

Timeline of events of Air India Flight AI 171 accident in Ahmedabad

• 1:39 p.m. IST (08:09 UTC): Flight AI 171 departed runway 23 carrying 242 passengers and 12 crew members.

• Within nine minutes, the crew issued a “mayday” call, and the aircraft briefly climbed to approximately 625 ft before descending rapidly.

• The plane crashed into a residential zone near Meghani Nagar, igniting a fireball and plumes of black smoke visible across the area. Eyewitnesses described “a massive fireball” upon impact.

Passengers & crew of Air India Flight AI 171

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner carried 242 individuals, including 232 passengers and 12 crew members - piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned aviator with 8,200 flight hours, and a co‑pilot with approximately 1,100 hours of experience. Among the injured are 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. They are currently being transported to the nearest hospitals for treatment.

Emergency Response

Firefighting squads, ambulances, and rescue crews from multiple agencies swiftly converged on the crash site. Authorities sealed off access to facilitate operations, evacuating the injured to nearby hospitals. The Civil Aviation Ministry and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu - who described himself as “shocked and devastated” - have been overseeing rescue and relief efforts.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also contacted Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, pledging full central government support.

Casualties & damage of Air India accident in Ahmedabad

Casualty figures remain unconfirmed. According to Aviation Safety Network records, this would mark the first-ever crash of a Boeing 787 series. Local reports estimate fifty fatalities, but official numbers have not yet been released.

What we know so far

Both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India have initiated formal investigations. Preliminary flight data from Flightradar24 confirms ascent to only ~625 ft, followed by a descent rate of approximately –475 ft/min. There are reports the aircraft may have struck the airport perimeter wall.

Gatwick Airport issued a statement indicating flight AI 171 was scheduled to land at around 6:25 p.m. UK time. Air India has stated that further updates will be shared via its official channels and social media, as the airline assesses the full scope of the incident.

What Happens Next

• Search and Rescue: Emergency teams remain on site to manage the aftermath and locate any survivors.

• Casualty Confirmation: Official updates on fatalities and injuries are pending from hospitals and authorities.

• Technical Probe: Investigators will focus on aircraft systems, crew communications, and possible mechanical or procedural failures.

• Public Reassurance: Air India and aviation regulators are expected to issue further communications and support to affected passengers and families.

This is a developing story. Further official statements on casualties, causes, and the status of those on board are anticipated within the next 24–48 hours.