An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171, crashed minutes after departing from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday. The aircraft was bound for London Gatwick Airport and carried 242 passengers and crew members.
Passenger Details and Nationalities
Air India confirmed that among those onboard were:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 1 Canadian national
- 7 Portuguese nationals
Crash Location and Initial Reports
The aircraft went down in a residential area near the airport, causing widespread destruction. Witnesses reported seeing the plane lose altitude rapidly, followed by a fireball explosion.
Emergency Response and Investigation
- Emergency teams rushed to the scene, transporting injured individuals to hospitals.
- Local authorities have yet to confirm the number of casualties.
- Air India acknowledged the crash on social media, stating that investigations are ongoing.
Aircraft Details and Final Moments
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANB, is one of Air India’s most advanced long-haul aircraft.
- The flight departed at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT) from runway 23.
- Moments after takeoff, the pilot issued a “Mayday” distress call before communication ceased.
- The final signal from the aircraft was recorded seconds after becoming airborne.
Industry Concerns and Historical Context
This marks the first total loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its commercial debut in 2011.
- The last major Indian airline crash occurred in 2020, when an Air India Express Boeing 737 skidded off a runway in Kozhikode, killing 21 people.
- Boeing has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
Conclusion
As investigations continue, authorities will work to determine the cause of the crash and assess its impact on aviation safety. Families of passengers and industry experts alike await further updates on this tragic event.
Air India Boeing Plane by Fasilo
