Air India Flight 171 What REALLY Happened?

Tragedy Strikes: Air India Flight Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport

A pall of concern hangs heavy over the aviation community and beyond, as news breaks of an Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad's major international airport. The incident, confirmed by both the airline and the Indian government on Thursday, has sent shockwaves through the nation and international travel networks.

Air India, the country's flagship carrier, released an official statement via X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging that Flight 171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was "involved in an incident." The airline stated it is "ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest."

The flight was originally scheduled to depart at 1:10 p.m. local time (3:40 a.m. ET). Reuters reported that there were 242 people on board, with police sources indicating that the plane crashed into a civilian area near the airport.

The gravity of the situation is evident in the response from top government officials. India's civil aviation minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, expressed his distress in a post on X, stating he was "Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad."

He further added:

• "I am personally monitoring the situation..."
• "...and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action."
• "Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site."
• "My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."

London's Gatwick airport also confirmed the crash via their X account, stating, "We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25."

According to Flightradar24, the aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The flight tracking site reported receiving the last signal from the aircraft mere seconds after takeoff.

Key details at a glance:

• Airline: Air India
• Flight Number: AI171
• Route: Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
• Passengers and Crew: 242
• Incident: Plane crash near Ahmedabad Airport

The situation remains fluid as rescue and emergency response teams continue their operations at the crash site. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with air travel, despite the stringent safety measures in place. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, their families, and all those affected by this devastating event. We will continue to update this story as it develops, providing accurate and timely information in these challenging times.

Tags: Air India, Plane Crash, Ahmedabad, Flight 171, London Gatwick, Aviation News, India, Accident, Air Disaster, Flight Crash

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/air-india-plane-crashes-indias-ahmedabad-airport-rcna212545