A horrifying India to London plane crash has left 242 people feared dead after an Air India flight crashed just moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was bound for London Gatwick when it plunged into a residential area, igniting a massive fireball and leaving no known survivors.
What Happened?
The Crash Timeline
Flight AI171 departed Ahmedabad Airport at 1:38 PM local time en route to London Gatwick. Within a minute, contact with the aircraft was lost, according to flight tracking data from Flightradar. Moments later, the aircraft crashed into a residential area, hitting a doctors’ hostel and triggering a deadly blaze.
Immediate Aftermath
Footage posted online shows thick black smoke billowing from the crash site as emergency services rushed to the scene. Stretchers, ambulances, and rescue teams were seen moving through debris-strewn streets.
Who Was on Board?
The Air India flight was carrying:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian national
Air India confirmed that all onboard—passengers and crew—totaled 242 people. So far, local police report no survivors.
Global Reactions to the India to London Plane Crash
From Leaders and Royalty
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the incident “devastating,” while King Charles said he and the Queen were “desperately shocked.”
In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the tragedy was “heartbreaking beyond words,” while Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirmed emergency measures were in full swing.
Airline and Manufacturer Response
Air India, now operated by Tata Group, called it a “tragic accident.” Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran pledged full support to affected families. Boeing, the plane’s manufacturer, said it is assisting Air India and expressed deep condolences.
Why This Crash Is Significant
First-Ever Boeing 787 Dreamliner Crash
This is the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its commercial debut 14 years ago. The model has made over five million flights worldwide, making this a shocking development for aviation experts.
Possible Mayday Call
Aviation analyst Julian Bray revealed that the pilot may have made a mayday call before the crash, suggesting the crew detected a critical issue shortly after takeoff.
Emergency Support and Hotlines
- UK Foreign Office Helpline: +44 20 7008 5000
- Air India Hotline: 1800 5691 444
- Reception center at London Gatwick has been set up for relatives of passengers.
Authorities urge concerned relatives to avoid speculation and await verified updates.
Final Thoughts
The India to London plane crash is a global tragedy affecting multiple nations. As investigations continue, the priority remains on providing support to the victims’ families and understanding what led to the catastrophic failure of a modern aircraft.
