An Air India flight bound for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday, killing all 242 people on board, according to Indian media reports.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people — including 217 adults and 11 children — lost control shortly after departure at 1:39 pm local time and crashed in a densely populated residential area near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

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The aircraft gave a “Mayday” call moments after take-off, as confirmed by Air Traffic Control, before all communication ceased. The flight, operating under registration number VT-ANB, was scheduled for an international route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft veered off the runway and crashed just beyond the airport perimeter, striking a building identified as a doctor’s hostel. Rescue teams swiftly reached the scene, where black smoke and fire engulfed the area, prompting a large-scale emergency operation.

“We have cleared 70 to 80 percent of the area so far. The building on which the aircraft crashed was mostly evacuated,” a senior police officer told reporters at the site.

Among the 242 on board were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Several VIPs, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, were reportedly among the passengers, though his condition remains unconfirmed.

Visuals aired by local media showed the aircraft’s debris engulfed in flames and thick plumes of smoke rising above the Meghani Nagar area. Emergency personnel were seen transporting injured victims on stretchers to nearby hospitals.

Air India confirmed the incident in a statement on X (formerly Twitter):

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident. Emergency protocols were activated immediately. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. Further updates will be provided.”

Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 noted the aircraft’s signal vanished seconds after take-off, indicating a sudden and catastrophic failure. Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer, acknowledged the incident and stated:

“We are aware of reports regarding the Air India flight crash and are working to gather more information.”

Following the incident, all departures and arrivals at Ahmedabad Airport were temporarily suspended.

Past Aviation Disasters in India

Thursday’s crash adds to the list of India’s major air disasters. In 2020, an Air India Express plane crashed while landing in Kozhikode amid heavy rainfall, killing 21. India’s deadliest aviation incident remains the 1996 mid-air collision near Charkhi Dadri between a Saudi Arabian Airlines and a Kazakhstan Airlines aircraft, which killed 349 people.

Despite advancements in aviation safety, experts have stressed the need for rigorous technical oversight and improved airport infrastructure, particularly at high-traffic and older airports.

Indian officials offer condolences after death of former Gujarat chief minister in the crash

Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India:

"Deeply pained by the tragic demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani ji in the unfortunate plane crash in Ahmedabad. He will be remembered as a grassroots leader who devoted his life for the development & welfare of his state. Condolences to his bereaved family. Om Shanti."

Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance and Corporate Affair:

"Tragic. Shocked at the demise of Shri. Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat—soft spoken, gentle and a committed leader. A big loss for the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP). Condolences to his family, friends and followers."

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways:

"Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Vijay Rupani Ji, former Chief Minister of Gujarat, in the Ahmedabad flight crash. His contributions to the state and the nation will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti."

Indian President Droupadi Murmu: