At least 169 Indian nationals and 53 British citizens were on board Air India flight AI171, which crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick, an airline official confirmed on Thursday.
The flight departed at 1:38 PM from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. It carried 242 people, including seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft also had 10 cabin crew members and two pilots on duty.
This marks the first major crash involving Air India since its privatisation under the Tata Group in January 2022. The airline changed its official profile and cover image on X (formerly Twitter) to black in remembrance of the lives lost.
Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran posted, “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected.”
He further added, “We are doing everything in our power to assist emergency teams at the site and to support those impacted. An emergency centre is active, and support teams have been deployed for family assistance.” A hotline number, 1800 5691 444, was set up for passenger information.
The aircraft, commanded by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, reportedly issued a Mayday call moments after take-off but lost communication soon after.
Officials said the aircraft crashed beyond the airport boundary, pointing to a possible failure to climb properly after takeoff. DGCA teams reached the site to gather cockpit voice recordings, flight data, and eyewitness accounts.
Sources said Boeing officials will also assist in the investigation, as the probe moves into its technical phase.
Also Read: London Bound Air India Flight AI 171 Crashes During Takeoff At Ahmedabad Airport
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