Flight AI171 Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport, Operations Suspended

Flight Operations Halted at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

Ahmedabad, June 12: Officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) announced on Thursday that all flight operations are temporarily halted following the crash of Air India's London-bound Flight AI171, which had 242 individuals on board, including crew members.

A spokesperson for SVPIA stated, "Currently, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is not operational."

"All flight activities are suspended until further notice. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for the latest updates before heading to the airport," the spokesperson added.

"We appreciate your understanding and patience as authorities address this developing situation. Additional updates will be provided as they become available," the spokesperson continued.

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, who was in Vijayawada for the NDA government's first anniversary celebrations, immediately traveled to Ahmedabad upon learning of the crash.

"The Minister is treating this incident with the utmost urgency, having cut short his engagements to personally oversee the situation. He is in constant communication with senior officials from the DGCA, AAI, NDRF, and the Gujarat State administration to ensure a swift and coordinated response," a statement from the Ministry indicated.

"Rescue and medical teams are currently on-site. The safety of passengers and emergency response efforts are our top priorities. Further updates will be released by the Ministry as the situation evolves," it added.

According to an official statement, the Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff.

"The aircraft had 242 individuals on board, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members. The flight was commanded by Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, who has 8,200 hours of flying experience, along with First Officer Clive Kundar, who has 1,100 hours of experience," the statement noted.

"As per Air Traffic Control, the aircraft took off from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It issued a MAYDAY call but did not respond to subsequent communications from ATC. The aircraft fell to the ground outside the airport perimeter immediately after departure from Runway 23, with heavy black smoke observed at the crash site," the statement further explained.

Meanwhile, London Gatwick Airport confirmed via its social media that flight AI171, which crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad, was scheduled to land at London Gatwick at 18:25. More information will follow.