A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed Thursday afternoon in a residential area of Ahmedabad, in the western Indian state of Gujarat, shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
According to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft took off at 1:39 p.m. local time and issued a Mayday call before losing contact with air traffic control. It crashed in the densely populated Meghaninagar neighborhood, prompting a large-scale emergency response.
Authorities said the flight, AI171, was en route to London Gatwick and had 169 Indian nationals on board, along with 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. In total, the flight included two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.
Air India confirmed the incident and said it is working with local emergency services. The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry has activated an Operational Control Room to oversee rescue efforts and manage communications with families.
The crash has forced the closure of all operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport as emergency teams work to clear debris and search for survivors.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the airline was “deeply saddened” by the incident and pledged full support to those affected and to emergency crews at the crash site.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the crash “devastating,” adding that his thoughts were with the passengers and their families. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said British authorities were in contact with Indian officials to gather information and provide consular assistance.
Indian lawmaker Yusuf Pathan described the news as “shocking” and expressed hopes for the safety of those onboard.
As of now, officials have not confirmed casualty figures. Rescue operations remain ongoing.