Air India Flight AI171 Explodes Into Building After Takeoff from Ahmedabad, 242 Onboard

Ahmedabad - An Air India aircraft bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, slamming into a building in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area and triggering a massive explosion.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171, took off at 1:39 PM from Runway 23. It carried 242 people, including passengers, pilots, and cabin crew. Commanded by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, the aircraft issued a MAYDAY alert moments after departure.

Eyewitness footage captured the aircraft rapidly losing altitude before crashing into a building and erupting in flames. Authorities say the full fuel load for the long-haul route intensified the fire and explosion.

Emergency responders from Gandhinagar and Vadodara were immediately deployed. A total of six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising over 90 personnel, are engaged in rescue operations.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has begun an official investigation. The black box is being recovered to determine the cause of the crash. No official word yet on the number of casualties or survivors.

The area has been sealed off, and rescue operations are ongoing. Local authorities urge citizens to stay away from the site.