Air India plane with 242 on board crashes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, multiple fatalities reported

An Air India flight en route to London with 242 passengers on board crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, a city in western India, on Thursday. 

Both the airline and local police confirmed the incident, with India’s federal health minister stating that "many people" had lost their lives.

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a doctors’ hostel near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday after transmitting a mayday distress signal minutes following takeoff, aviation authorities said.

Flight AI171, carrying 242 people to London Gatwick, went down in a residential area adjacent to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft departed runway 23 at 13:39 local time before losing contact.

India’s Health Ministry confirmed multiple fatalities without providing specific casualty figures. The aircraft carried 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national.

The aircraft was bound for Gatwick Airport in the UK, according to Air India. Police said it went down in a civilian area near the airport.

“The plane crashed into a doctors' hostel. We have managed to clear about 70% to 80% of the debris and are working to clear the rest,” a senior police official reported.

Sources told Reuters that the passengers included 217 adults and 11 children. Air India detailed the nationalities on board: 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

Flightradar24, a flight tracking service, identified the aircraft as a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most advanced commercial jets in use. Air India posted on X that they are still confirming details and that injured individuals are being taken to nearby hospitals.

Television coverage showed the aircraft taking off over a residential neighborhood before disappearing from view. Moments later, a massive fireball was seen rising from beyond the buildings. Other visuals showed burning debris, heavy black smoke, and emergency personnel transporting the injured on stretchers.

Ahmedabad Airport officials reported the aircraft departed from runway 23 at 1:39 p.m. local time (0809 GMT). A "Mayday" distress call was made shortly after takeoff, but the aircraft did not respond thereafter.

Flightradar24 noted that the final signal from the plane was received just seconds after departure. The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was confirmed to be a Boeing 787-8.

Boeing acknowledged the incident and said it is gathering more information. Following news of the crash, Boeing shares dropped 6.8% to $199.13 in pre-market trading.

A map showing the flight path of the aircraft from the airport and the approximate crash site based on social media images.

International and National Response

The UK Foreign Office said it is working urgently with Indian authorities to ascertain the facts and provide support to those affected. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose home state is Gujarat, directed the aviation ministry to mobilize immediate rescue operations and ensure full support.

The Indian aviation minister’s office reported that all relevant agencies were on high alert and coordinating efforts.

Ahmedabad Airport, operated by the Adani Group, has suspended all flight operations. Gautam Adani, chairman of the group, expressed deep sorrow on X, stating, “Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss. We are working closely with authorities and providing all necessary support on the ground.”

A History of Tragedy

This marks the first major plane crash in India since 2020, when an Air India Express flight overshot a runway in Kozhikode, plunging into a valley and resulting in 21 fatalities.

Air India, once government-owned, was acquired by the Tata Group in 2022. In 2024, it merged with Vistara, a joint venture between Tata and Singapore Airlines. The company said it has activated an emergency response center and assembled a support team to assist families seeking information.