What Happened to Air India Flight AI171 with 169 Indians and 53 British Nationals?
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Synopsis
In a tragic turn of events, Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, carrying 169 Indians and 53 British nationals. The aviation community mourns as investigations unfold.
Key Takeaways
- 169 Indians and 53 British nationals were aboard the ill-fated flight.
- The flight crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad.
- Air India is providing support to affected families.
- An emergency center has been activated for information dissemination.
- Investigation teams are on-site to gather evidence.
New Delhi, June 12 (NationPress) At least 169 Indians and 53 British nationals were onboard Air India’s flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, which tragically crashed shortly after take-off, as confirmed by an airline representative on Thursday.
The flight, departing from Ahmedabad at 1:38 p.m. with a total of 242 passengers and crew, also included seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national.
There were 10 cabin crew members and two pilots: Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned Air India pilot with over 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who has logged 1,100 hours.
This incident marks the first significant crash since the privatization of the national carrier in January 2022. In response to the tragedy, the Tata Group-managed airline has altered its official 'X' account profile and cover photo to black as a sign of respect for those who lost their lives.
N. Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Air India, expressed his condolences via X, stating, “With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in a tragic accident today.”
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. Right now, our primary focus is on supporting all those impacted and their families,” he added.
“We are committed to assisting the emergency response teams at the site and providing necessary support and care to those affected. Additional updates will be shared as we obtain more verified information. An emergency center has been activated, and support teams are available for families seeking information,” Chandrasekaran stated.
The airline has established a dedicated passenger hotline at 1800 5691 444 for additional information.
The aircraft took off from Runway 23 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m.. Officials reported that a Mayday call was issued moments after take-off, but no further communication was received from the cockpit.
A statement from the DGCA indicated that the aircraft crashed outside the airport boundary, implying it failed to gain altitude properly after take-off.
DGCA officials have arrived at the site to gather flight data, voice recordings, and witness accounts as part of their investigation.
Sources indicate that representatives from Boeing will also assist ground staff.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this tragic incident with sensitivity. The loss of life is deeply saddening, and our focus should remain on providing support to the affected families and ensuring a thorough investigation is conducted to prevent such occurrences in the future.
NationPress
15/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers were on Air India Flight AI171?
There were a total of 242 passengers and crew members on board Air India Flight AI171.
What happened shortly after the take-off of AI171?
The flight crashed shortly after take-off, and a Mayday call was issued but no further communication was received from the cockpit.
What is the response from Air India regarding the crash?
Air India expressed condolences and stated that their primary focus is on supporting affected families and assisting emergency response teams.
What are the emergency procedures being implemented?
An emergency center has been activated, and a dedicated hotline has been set up for families seeking information.
What is being done for the investigation?
DGCA officials are collecting flight data, voice recordings, and witness accounts to investigate the cause of the crash.
