A tragic aviation disaster has shaken India after an Air India flight bound for London was lost shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it encountered a severe emergency soon after departure on Thursday afternoon.
According to early information, the flight left Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 1:10 p.m. local time. Within minutes, the pilot reported technical difficulties and issued a distress call to Air Traffic Control. Communication was soon lost, and the aircraft came down near the airport’s perimeter area.
Emergency services were dispatched immediately. Firefighters, police, and medical response teams worked through the afternoon and into the evening to secure the area and begin recovery operations. The scene was described as extremely difficult due to wreckage and fire.
Air India released an official statement confirming the incident and expressing deep sorrow. “We are deeply saddened by today’s event involving flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick,” the statement read. “Our immediate priority is to support affected families and assist authorities in every possible way.”
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran also conveyed condolences, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to full cooperation with investigators and to providing all necessary assistance to victims’ families.
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