In a devastating turn of events, an Air India passenger plane, Flight AI 171, bound for London with 244 people on board, crashed in the northwestern city of Ahmedabad, India. The incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff, has left the global community in shock and mourning. The Boeing 787-8, a widebody, twin-engine plane known for its safety and reliability, met with an unfortunate accident that has marked the first crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft in history.
The flight, which was scheduled to arrive at London’s Gatwick Airport, took off at 1:38 pm local time but tragically crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar just five minutes later. The crash site was immediately engulfed in smoke, with visuals on local television channels capturing the harrowing scene. Emergency teams and rescue operations were swiftly mobilized to the site, with India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, ensuring all efforts were made to provide medical aid and relief support.
Among the 244 individuals on board, the flight carried a diverse group of passengers, including 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. The international nature of the passengers has drawn global attention, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressing his devastation and offering support to the affected families. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his condolences, describing the crash as “heartbreaking beyond words.”
The aviation community is particularly shaken by this incident, as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been a symbol of modern aviation safety since its introduction in 2009. With over 1,000 units delivered to airlines worldwide, the aircraft has been a cornerstone for many international carriers. Boeing has acknowledged the reports and is working diligently to gather more information about the crash.
As investigations begin, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and loved ones. Air India has set up an emergency center and support team to assist those seeking information about the passengers and crew. The global community stands in solidarity with the victims of this tragic event, offering thoughts and deepest condolences to all those impacted.