An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport this afternoon. The London-bound flight was carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, officials confirmed. Among the crew was a 20-year-old Manipuri girl, Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam.
At least 40 people have been reported dead in the tragic incident. It is yet to be confirmed whether crew member Ngangthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam is among the casualties. The flight took off from Ahmedabad at 1:17 PM and the crash occurred moments later.
The aircraft was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Eyewitnesses reported heavy smoke rising from Dharpur, near the Meghaninagar area in Ahmedabad. Fire brigade units and emergency response teams rushed to the scene immediately. The cause of the crash has not yet been officially determined.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, directing them to visit Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to the victims and their families. Earlier in the day, Amit Shah also spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel regarding the incident.
A viral video shows the aircraft flying at a dangerously low altitude, struggling to gain height before crashing and erupting into a massive fireball at 1:38 PM. Aviation experts said the plane failed to achieve lift and crashed at a low altitude of approximately 825 feet. “The aircraft was clearly unable to climb,” aviation analyst Sanjay Lazar told NDTV.
In a statement, Air India confirmed that flight number AI 171, operating the Ahmedabad–London Gatwick route, was involved in the incident. “At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest,” the airline said.
Visuals from the crash site showed thick plumes of grey smoke billowing into the sky. At least two dozen ambulances were seen transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Police have cordoned off the area and diverted traffic to facilitate rescue operations.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu stated that he is personally monitoring the situation and has instructed all aviation and emergency response agencies to act swiftly and in coordination. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families,” he posted on X.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had logged over 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 flying hours. The crew reportedly issued a Mayday call moments before the crash.