Air India London flight crashes after take-off from Ahmedabad, leaders react

Political leaders across the spectrum reacted with shock and sorrow on Thursday after an Air India flight to London crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI-171, had 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said he was “shocked and devastated” by the incident. “I’m personally monitoring the situation. All agencies have been directed to respond swiftly,” he posted on social media. Rescue teams and fire engines were sent to the site immediately after the crash.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the crash “tragic” and said she was praying for survivors. “We anxiously wait for details,” she said in a statement.

The plane, commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar, crashed just minutes after takeoff from runway 23 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. It gave a distress call to ATC, but lost contact soon after.

Officials said a detailed probe has been ordered, and more information will be released after preliminary findings are available.

As of Thursday evening, rescue operations were still ongoing. No official word yet on the number of casualties.