What Led to the Suspension of Flight Operations at Ahmedabad Airport After Air India Plane Crash?
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Synopsis
On June 12, Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport temporarily halted all flight operations due to the tragic crash of an Air India flight. With 242 individuals on board, the situation has prompted urgent governmental response and extensive safety measures. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story.
Key Takeaways
- Flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport have been temporarily suspended.
- Air India's Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff.
- A total of 242 individuals were on board, including crew members.
- Civil Aviation Minister is actively managing the situation.
- Safety and emergency response are top priorities for authorities.
Ahmedabad, June 12 (NationPress) Officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) announced on Thursday that all flight operations have been temporarily halted until further notice following the crash of Air India's London-bound Flight AI171, which had 242 passengers on board, including crew members, near the airport.
An SVPIA representative stated, "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently non-operational."
"All flight operations have been temporarily suspended until further updates. Passengers are encouraged to verify the latest information with their respective airlines before heading to the airport," the representative added.
In response to the incident, Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, who was attending the NDA government’s first anniversary celebrations in Vijayawada, hastily traveled to Ahmedabad upon learning of the crash.
"The Minister is treating this incident with the utmost urgency, having cut short his engagements to personally oversee the situation. He is in constant communication with senior officials from DGCA, AAI, NDRF, and the Gujarat State administration to ensure a rapid and coordinated response," a statement from the Ministry detailed.
"Rescue and medical teams are present at the scene. The safety of passengers and the effectiveness of the emergency response are our top priorities. Further information will be released by the Ministry as the situation evolves," it continued.
According to an official report, the Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating Flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after taking off.
"There were 242 individuals aboard, including two pilots and ten cabin crew. The flight was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal, who has over 8,200 hours of flying experience, alongside First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours of experience," the report stated.
"According to ATC, the aircraft took off from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It issued a MAYDAY call to ATC but did not respond thereafter. Shortly after takeoff from runway 23, the aircraft fell to the ground outside the airport perimeter, with heavy black smoke visible from the crash site," the report added.
Meanwhile, London-Gatwick Airport confirmed on its X handle that: "We can verify that flight AI171, which crashed after departing from Ahmedabad Airport today, was scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick at 18:25. More details to follow."
Point of View
We prioritize delivering accurate and timely information to the public. The recent crash involving Air India highlights the importance of rigorous safety protocols and swift government response in aviation emergencies. We remain committed to providing unbiased coverage as the situation develops.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the suspension of flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport?
Flight operations were suspended due to the crash of Air India's Flight AI171, which occurred shortly after takeoff with 242 passengers on board.
How many people were on board the crashed Air India flight?
The crashed Air India flight had a total of 242 individuals on board, including crew members.
What is the current status of the airport?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is currently not operational, and all flight operations remain suspended until further notice.
Who is overseeing the response to the crash?
Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu is overseeing the situation, coordinating with various agencies for a swift response.
What should passengers do amid the flight suspension?
Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates before proceeding to the airport.
