Explosion and Immediate Emergency Call
Moments after takeoff, the flight crew issued a MAYDAY call, signaling an emergency. However, contact was lost shortly thereafter. Eyewitnesses in the Meghani Nagar area described horrifying scenes as the aircraft descended rapidly, followed by a massive explosion that sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky. The crash caused widespread destruction, including the collapse of a doctors’ hostel near the airport perimeter.
Passengers and Crew
The ill-fated flight carried a total of 242 individuals—230 passengers and 12 crew members. Among them were 169 Indian nationals, 53 from the United Kingdom, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was reportedly aboard the flight, traveling to London to visit his daughter.
Emergency Response and Casualties
Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying at least seven fire engines, multiple ambulances, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed full federal support for rescue efforts, while Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has declared the situation a “highest alert” and is personally overseeing operations.
Local hospitals began receiving injured victims shortly after the crash, and health officials have confirmed that there were “many fatalities,” although the exact death toll has yet to be released.
Airport Shutdown and Investigation
All flights at Ahmedabad Airport were suspended immediately following the crash. Air India, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), has launched a full-scale investigation. Data from aircraft tracking services confirms that the aircraft's last signal was received just seconds after takeoff.
Boeing has acknowledged the crash and confirmed it is cooperating fully with Indian authorities in the investigation.
Historical Context
This tragedy marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 worldwide and represents Air India’s most serious aircraft loss since the 1985 Kanishka bombing.
Ongoing Efforts and Support
Air India has activated emergency support centers for the families of those affected. Foreign governments, including those of the UK and Canada, are coordinating efforts to support and, where needed, repatriate their citizens.
Residents of Meghani Nagar have been advised to avoid the debris zone as rescue operations and investigation work continue. Authorities expect to release further updates in the coming days, including official casualty numbers and preliminary findings on the cause of the crash.