Air India aircraft carrying 242 passengers bound for the UK crashes in western India.
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Air India aircraft carrying 242 passengers bound for the UK crashes in western India.

UK-Bound Air India Flight Crashes in Gujarat

A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 passengers met with disaster shortly after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Gujarat. The aircraft, which took off at approximately 1:39 p.m. local time, plunged into a residential area in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad.

Air India Flight Crash in Gujarat

Flight Details and Distress Signals

Officials from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation reported that the aircraft was carrying 242 individuals, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members. Early in the flight, a Mayday call was transmitted to air traffic control, but subsequent communications were not answered. Among the passengers, around 20 were identified as Muslim.

Air India confirmed that Flight AI171—destined for London Gatwick—had encountered an “incident” after departing from Ahmedabad. The passenger list reportedly included 169 Indian nationals, 53 UK citizens, seven from Portugal, and one from Canada, in addition to the operating crew.

Rescue Operations and On-Site Response

Emergency services rushed to the scene immediately after the aircraft’s crash. The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry has activated an Operational Control Room to manage response efforts and coordinate the rescue operations. As teams work to clear debris and aid those affected, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has suspended all its operations.

Sources indicate that the aircraft impacted buildings in the Meghaninagar area. According to local media, the plane collided with a hostel attached to a medical college, resulting in the deaths of at least five students and leaving several others injured and receiving treatment at a nearby facility.

International Reactions

The scheduled landing for the flight was set for 6:25 p.m. local time at London Gatwick Airport. In the wake of the tragedy, Air India’s chairman expressed profound sorrow and emphasized that the airline’s focus is on supporting those affected by the incident, working closely with emergency response teams.

The incident has also prompted heartfelt responses from international leaders. India’s prime minister voiced shock and sorrow over the occurrence, while top British officials expressed their condolences and confirmed that the United Kingdom is cooperating with local authorities in India to ascertain the facts and provide assistance.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and additional details are expected to emerge soon.

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