Highlights
- The plane was headed to Britain’s Gatwick airport
- Flight included 217 adults and 11 children
- 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian
- The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB
A tragic air disaster unfolded near India’s western city of Ahmedabad on Thursday, as an Air India flight bound for the United Kingdom crashed just minutes after takeoff, killing many on board, according to Indian health officials and police sources.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with the registration number VT-ANB, had departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 p.m. local time (0809 GMT). Headed for Gatwick Airport in London, the plane was carrying a total of 242 people, including 217 adults, 11 children, and 14 crew members.
According to a police report, the plane crashed into a civilian area shortly after takeoff, hitting a multi-storey building used as a doctor’s hostel located close to the airport perimeter. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, battling flames and thick black smoke as they attempted to rescue survivors. A senior police official told reporters that “around 70% to 80% of the affected area” had been cleared, and efforts were ongoing to secure the rest.
The passenger list revealed a diverse group of travelers: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, according to Air India. The presence of numerous international passengers has triggered diplomatic coordination, with consular officials being briefed on the situation.
Initial flight data suggests that shortly after departure, the plane issued a “Mayday” call, indicating an emergency. However, air traffic control reportedly lost all contact with the aircraft within seconds of the distress signal. Aviation tracking platform Flightradar24 confirmed that it received the final transmission from the aircraft moments after takeoff. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Television channels and social media were flooded with harrowing visuals from the crash site. One news broadcast showed the plane ascending over a residential area before disappearing from view, followed by a sudden eruption of flames. Other footage captured the devastating aftermath — flaming debris scattered across the neighborhood, thick plumes of smoke rising, and emergency personnel transporting injured passengers and residents on stretchers.
Air India issued a brief statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the incident. “We are aware of the accident involving our flight AI-177 from Ahmedabad to London. Rescue operations are underway, and the injured are being taken to nearby hospitals. We are working to gather more information and will share updates as they become available,” the airline posted.
The aircraft involved, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, is considered one of the most advanced and fuel-efficient long-haul jets currently in operation. It is equipped with state-of-the-art safety features and is widely used by major international airlines. Boeing, the American aerospace manufacturer behind the aircraft, said it was aware of the initial reports and was “working to gather more information.” Following news of the crash, Boeing shares fell 6.8% in pre-market trading to $199.13.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an immediate investigation, and a team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is en route to the crash site. A black box recovery operation is underway and will be crucial in determining the technical circumstances leading to the crash.
Local hospitals have declared emergency protocols, and additional medical staff have been mobilized to treat survivors. The federal government has expressed deep concern, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to issue a statement once more information is confirmed.
This tragedy marks one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years and raises urgent questions about aircraft safety, emergency response, and airport infrastructure in densely populated zones. As search and rescue efforts continue through the evening, the full toll of this catastrophe is yet to be known.
