A passenger jet bound for London Gatwick Airport has crashed into a residential neighbourhood shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, western India.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was operating as Air India Flight AI171, with 242 people on board — including 169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian national.
The crash occurred just seconds after takeoff at 13:39 IST, prompting a major emergency response and global aviation investigation.
What We Know So Far
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Flight AI171 issued a mayday call moments after departing from Runway 23
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Communication was lost when the plane was just 625 feet in the air, according to flight tracking data
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The aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter into a densely populated residential area
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Emergency crews are at the scene, and recovery operations are underway
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No official casualty figures have yet been released
Pilot Experience & Aircraft Data
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), confirmed:
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The captain had over 8,200 flight hours
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The co-pilot had logged 1,100 hours
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The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Despite issuing a mayday, no further communication was received before the aircraft went down.
Statements and Reactions
Air India:
"We are deeply saddened by the developing incident involving AI171. All resources are being deployed to assist affected families. We will provide updates as soon as confirmed information becomes available."
Boeing:
"We are aware of initial reports and are working with relevant authorities to gather more information."
Investigation Underway
The DGCA has launched a full-scale aviation investigation, with assistance from Air India, Boeing, and international air safety bodies.
Flight safety teams are now combing through wreckage at the crash site. Local hospitals have been placed on high alert, and emergency triage units have been deployed.
Passenger Manifest Summary
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Total onboard: 242
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Passengers: 230
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Crew: 12 (2 pilots, 10 cabin crew)
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Nationalities:
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169 Indian
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53 British
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7 Portuguese
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1 Canadian
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Ongoing Situation
This is a developing story. The number of fatalities or survivors has not yet been confirmed. Investigators are expected to release a preliminary report within 48 hours.
Residents in the area have been evacuated and support services are being coordinated.
Stay with UK News in Pictures for live updates, survivor accounts, flight data analysis, and official statements as they become available.
If you have a relative on board AI171, contact the Air India emergency helpline or visit airindia.com.
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