Ahmedabad plane crash: London-bound flight with 242 on board crashes shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport

The Air India spokesperson issued a statement that read: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”

Officials in the state said the crash took place around nine minutes after the plane got clearance for takeoff. According to officials at the spot, dense smoke posed a challenge to rescue operations, which are still underway. A team from the NDRF was also en route.

According to Air Traffic Control sources, the aircraft issued a MAYDAY call shortly after departure. However, it failed to respond to subsequent ATC communications. Moments later, the aircraft crashed just outside the airport perimeter, and thick black smoke was seen rising from the accident site.

Minister of Civil Rammohan Naidu, who was in Vijayawada attending the first anniversary events of the NDA government, rushed to Ahmedabad immediately upon receiving news of the flight crash.

Treating the incident with utmost urgency, the Minister cut short his engagements and is now en route to oversee the situation on the ground. He is in constant contact with senior officials from DGCA, AAI, NDRF, and the Gujarat State administration to ensure a swift and coordinated response and support.

The ministry will share further updates as the situation develops, officials said.