Tragedy in the Skies: Air India Flight AI171 Crashes Moments After Takeoff from Ahmedabad

A tragic disaster unfolded early Thursday morning as Air India Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed just moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, sending shockwaves through India and the global aviation community. The flight was carrying 242 people, including passengers and crew, when it went down in a field approximately five kilometers from the airport runway.

According to preliminary reports, the aircraft—a Boeing 787 Dreamliner—lost altitude rapidly shortly after lifting off at approximately 5:47 a.m. local time. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom followed by the sight of a fireball and thick, black smoke billowing into the early morning sky.

Emergency response teams rushed to the scene within minutes. Despite a swift and massive response from fire services, airport rescue teams, and local police, the wreckage was already engulfed in flames when crews arrived. The full extent of casualties remains uncertain, but officials fear very few, if any, survivors.

Passengers and Crew

Air India confirmed that 214 passengers and 28 crew members were aboard Flight AI171. The passenger manifest reportedly included international students, families, business travelers, and returning residents, all en route to the United Kingdom. The flight was a direct international service with a scheduled flight time of just over nine hours.

Relatives of passengers gathered in grief and anxiety at both Ahmedabad Airport and London Gatwick, hoping for any news. The Air India helpline was activated, and the airline has committed to assisting families of those on board.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event,” said Sandeep Malhotra, a spokesperson for Air India. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those affected. We are cooperating fully with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and other authorities as they investigate.”

Eye-Witness Accounts

Local residents near the crash site in the Hansol area described the harrowing scenes. “I heard the roar of the engines and then a loud bang,” said one witness. “The aircraft seemed unstable, almost as if it was veering unnaturally before it dropped from the sky. A massive explosion followed, and flames lit up the dawn.”

Others spoke of parts of the fuselage scattered across a wide area, with burning debris crashing into nearby farmland. Emergency personnel cordoned off the area, and several fire units were still working to cool smoldering fragments hours later.

Investigation Underway

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation into the crash, along with the Air Accident Investigation Bureau of India. A team of specialists from Boeing and international aviation safety bodies are expected to arrive within 48 hours to assist in the forensic analysis of flight data and black box recordings.

Initial speculation suggests a potential mechanical failure or engine malfunction, but authorities have cautioned against premature conclusions. “We must rely on evidence from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder to understand what went wrong,” said DGCA Director-General Anjali Rao. “Safety remains our top priority.”

Global Reaction

The crash has prompted condolences from across the globe. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement expressing “profound grief” and directed aviation and disaster management officials to “leave no stone unturned” in rescue and support efforts. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended condolences and pledged to provide assistance to families of British citizens aboard the flight.

Aviation experts noted that while commercial air travel remains statistically one of the safest modes of transportation, any crash—especially one involving a large aircraft shortly after takeoff—is cause for serious concern. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the aircraft type involved, has a strong safety record and is widely used for long-haul international flights.

National Mourning

India has declared a national day of mourning, and Air India has grounded all other flights of the same aircraft model pending safety inspections. Memorial services are expected to be held in major cities across India and the UK.

In Ahmedabad, people gathered near the airport, lighting candles and offering prayers. Some carried photos of missing loved ones, still clinging to hope.

As recovery operations continue, the world watches closely. The answers will take time, but for now, the tragedy of Flight AI171 serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the responsibility borne by modern aviation.