Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 12: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) confirmed on Thursday that it has launched full-scale rescue operations at the crash site of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad. The London-bound aircraft crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport earlier in the day.
In an official post on X, CISF stated, “Following the tragic crash of the London-bound Air India flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad Airport, CISF personnel immediately activated emergency protocols and rushed to the site. Rescue operations are being carried out in close coordination with local authorities and emergency services.”
The CISF, which is responsible for aviation security across the country, expressed deep grief over the incident. “CISF stands in solidarity with the victims and their families in this hour of grief,” it added.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, had 242 individuals on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian citizen. The aircraft crashed in the Meghaninagar area, just outside the airport perimeter.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed on the situation by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah. The Prime Minister directed both ministers to rush to Ahmedabad and ensure immediate relief and assistance to affected individuals.
The Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed that Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is on-site overseeing the ground operations, and all emergency agencies have been mobilised for coordinated relief.
Due to the crash, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has suspended all flight operations until further notice. Airport authorities urged travelers to check with their respective airlines before proceeding to the airport and assured timely updates as the situation develops.