Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashes near Ahmedabad airport after take-off

An Air India passenger aircraft flying from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick airport crashed into a residential area shortly after take-off near the Ahmedabad airport.

Air India flight AI 171, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The plane was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals, the airline said, adding that the injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.

Air India said it is cooperating with the authorities investigating the air crash. The airline has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.

The plane took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 pm and crashed 5 minutes after takeoff.

Plumes of smoke were seen in the vicinity of the Ahmedabad airport following the air crash.

In a statement, U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing said, "We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information."

Commenting on the Air India plane crash, Union minister of civil aviation Rammohan Naidu said, "Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. 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."

Following the crash, Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice.

Reacting to the tragic news, Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani Group, the operator of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, said, "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss. We are working closely with all authorities and extending full support to the families on the ground.

Tata Sons and Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran released a statement following the crash of Air India Flight AI 171, which departed from Ahmedabad en route to London on Thursday afternoon. “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad-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. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families,” Chandrasekaran said. “We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information,” he added.