In one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in recent memory, 241 people have been confirmed dead after Air India flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to London Gatwick with 242 people onboard, including 12 crew members. Miraculously, one passenger—a British national of Indian origin—survived the crash and is currently hospitalized.
The ill-fated flight departed at 1:38 PM IST and crashed moments later into a residential building used as a doctors’ hostel, located just outside the airport perimeter. “We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital,” Air India confirmed in a statement posted on X.
The aircraft, 12 years old and operated by Tata group-owned Air India, was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. It was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a highly experienced Line Training Captain with over 8,200 flying hours, alongside First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 flying hours.
Shortly after takeoff, the pilots issued a Mayday call, but no further communication was received by Air Traffic Control. Eyewitnesses and authorities reported thick black smoke billowing from the crash site. Rescue teams rushed to the area, but hopes for more survivors faded quickly.
In response to the tragedy, Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran announced compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each deceased passenger. “We will also cover the medical expenses of the injured and assist in rebuilding the B J Medical College doctors’ hostel,” he said.
Air India has activated emergency response mechanisms, including a dedicated passenger helpline: 1800 5691 444 (or +91 8062779200 for international callers), and deployed caregiver teams to assist families of victims in Ahmedabad. The airline has also urged media representatives not to use the passenger hotline.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has assured the public of a comprehensive and impartial investigation. “We are going to do a fair and thorough probe to determine exactly what went wrong,” he stated, adding that a detailed inquiry is underway.
Meanwhile, the Gujarat government has mobilized three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, totaling 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar to lead the rescue and recovery operations at the crash site.
Further updates are expected as investigations progress into the cause of the catastrophic crash.