Tragic Crash of Air India Flight AI171 Shortly After Takeoff

Overview of the Air India Flight AI171 Incident

A devastating incident occurred shortly after Air India flight AI171 departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, en route to Gatwick, London. The airport has announced a temporary suspension of all flight operations until further notice. Air India has confirmed that the flight was carrying a total of 242 passengers, including 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

Timeline of Events Leading to the Crash

The aircraft took off from runway 23 at 1:38 PM. Shortly thereafter, the crew issued a MAYDAY call, indicating a critical situation. Unfortunately, there was no further communication from the aircraft following this distress signal.

Flightradar24 reported that the last signal from the plane was received just moments after takeoff. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly and crashed around 2:00 PM, resulting in a massive fireball and thick black smoke rising into the sky.

As a result of the crash, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport was closed for all operations.

Air India released a statement confirming the accident involving flight AI171, which was carrying 242 individuals, including crew members, on a Boeing 787-8. The airline has set up a dedicated hotline at 1800 5691 444 to assist families and provide updates. They are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation into this tragic event.