In a shocking incident today, Air India flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The airline confirmed the accident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was carrying 242 passengers and crew members. The crash has raised immediate concerns about aviation safety, with authorities and experts scrambling to determine the cause.
The flight, which departed at 1:38 PM local time, reached a maximum altitude of just 625 feet before the pilots issued a Mayday call, after which contact was lost, according to data from Flightradar24. Dramatic visuals circulating on social media depicted thick black smoke and debris engulfed in flames near the runway, underscoring the severity of the incident. The airline has set up a dedicated passenger hotline (1800 5691 444) to assist affected families, though media have been requested not to contact the number.
Passenger and Crew Details
The onboard manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals, reflecting Air India’s expanding international network. Initial reports indicate that injured passengers are being transported to nearby hospitals, though the full extent of casualties remains unclear as rescue operations continue.
Air India has pledged full cooperation with the authorities investigating the crash, including the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), whose Director General and a technical team are en route to Ahmedabad. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu is also headed to the crash site to oversee the response.
A Rare Incident for the Boeing 787
The Boeing 787-8, a widely used long-haul aircraft, has an exemplary safety record, with a global accident rate of just 0.14 per million departures, based on a 2022 Boeing safety analysis. This rarity amplifies questions about potential contributing factors, such as mechanical failure, weather conditions, or human error—issues that have historically plagued low-altitude crashes, as noted in the Aviation Safety Network database.
Global Scrutiny on Indian Aviation
The diverse passenger nationalities highlight Air India’s growing presence on international routes, a strategic shift from its historical focus on domestic travel following its privatization in 2022. This incident is likely to draw significant global attention to India’s aviation safety standards, especially as the country aims to become a major aviation hub under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024.
Ongoing Investigation and Updates
As of 10:56 PM IST, Air India has promised regular updates via its official X handle (@airindia
) and website (https://www.airindia.com). The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with preliminary data suggesting the aircraft struggled to gain altitude shortly after takeoff. Social media reactions range from calls for accountability to prayers for the victims, with users sharing videos and flight tracking data to piece together the sequence of events.
The aviation community and the public await further details as rescue efforts persist and investigators work to unravel the circumstances behind this tragic event. Air India has urged patience as it supports affected families and collaborates with authorities to ensure a thorough inquiry.
