An Air India flight en route to London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, killing at least 110 people, according to local media reports.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, carrying 242 people — including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members — took off at 13:38 local time. The plane was bound for London Gatwick and was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens, Air India confirmed.
The aircraft reportedly reached an altitude of about 825 feet before it abruptly descended and crashed into a doctors’ hostel in the Meghani area of Ahmedabad, approximately 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and destruction as thick smoke billowed from the crash site. Video footage aired by television news channels showed columns of smoke rising and emergency workers rushing to the scene.
Over two dozen ambulances were deployed for rescue efforts. Police and emergency personnel arrived at the crash site within minutes. Authorities have diverted traffic in the area and established a green corridor to quickly transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
“Almost 70–80 percent of the area has been cleared,” a senior police officer said. “All agencies are working here. At this point, there are no reports of survivors.”
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy:
“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
He added that an emergency center had been activated and support teams were in place to assist the families of passengers.
Further details on the cause of the crash and the full list of casualties are yet to be officially released.
