Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 12: In the aftermath of the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has activated an Operational Control Room to streamline response efforts and assist victims and their families.
To ensure rapid information flow and public support, the Ministry has also released two helpline numbers: 011-24610843 and 9650391859. In a post shared on its official X handle, MoCA assured that swift, coordinated action is being taken and full assistance is being extended to those impacted by the tragedy.
Air India confirmed that its flight AI171, headed to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft had 242 people on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals.
“We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline — 1800 5691 444 — to provide real-time updates to family members. Air India is fully cooperating with authorities investigating the incident,” the airline said in an official statement.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, departed from runway 23 at 13:39 IST (0809 UTC) and issued a mayday call before losing contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC). The aircraft crashed into the Meghani Nagar area just outside the airport perimeter.
The aircraft was being flown by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with over 8200 flying hours, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who has logged 1100 hours. The DGCA has dispatched a team to the crash site to begin its investigation.
Eyewitnesses reported thick black smoke rising from the site, with multiple fire tenders and emergency teams already deployed.