AHMEDABAD, — June 13: Air India confirmed late Thursday that 241 people aboard its London-bound flight were killed after the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI-171 to London Gatwick, had departed at 1:38 p.m. with 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. Among the victims were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian citizen.
“We regret to inform that of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities,” the airline said in a statement. A single passenger, identified as a British national of Indian origin, survived and is undergoing treatment at a city hospital.
Air India expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the families of those lost. “Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones,” it added.
The national carrier dispatched a team of caregivers to Ahmedabad and announced a 24/7 emergency helpline for relatives. Those in India can call 1800 5691 444, while international callers may reach the airline at +91 80627 79200.
The aircraft, in service for 12 years, plunged into a residential area near Meghaninagar minutes after takeoff, triggering panic and chaos on the ground. Emergency responders rushed to the site as heavy smoke engulfed the crash zone.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday to assess the situation. Accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Modi drove directly from the airport to the crash site. No official comment has yet been made from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other regulatory bodies have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the accident. Air India assured full cooperation with authorities.
