An Air India passenger plane bound for London carrying 242 people crashed this morning shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, local authorities said.
The plane crashed in the Meghaninagar residential area of Ahmedabad after taking off at 1:39 p.m. local time. Emergency services were on the scene and there were fears of casualties, although officials did not release details of the casualties.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said there were 242 people on board, including two pilots and ten cabin crew.
According to the DGCA, the plane sent a call to air traffic control (ATC) shortly after takeoff but did not respond to further communications.
Air India confirmed the crash, saying that flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, was involved in an “incident” after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
“We are currently working out the details,” the airline said on its platform X.
Gatwick Airport officials said the plane was scheduled to land in London at 6:25 p.m. local time.
Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran expressed “deep sorrow” over the crash.
“Our primary focus is on supporting all those affected and their families,” he said in a statement, adding:
“We are doing everything in our power to assist emergency response teams at the scene and provide all necessary support and care.”
Indian MP Yusuf Pathan called the crash “shocking” and prayed for the safety of the passengers on board, AA writes.
