Key questions about Air India Ahmedabad-London plane crash answered

The aircraft took off at 1:39 p.m. IST from Runway 23 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Shortly after takeoff, the crew issued a MAYDAY distress signal but did not respond to follow-up communications. The aircraft crashed just beyond the airport perimeter in the Meghani Nagar area. It reportedly lost signal at 625 feet and descended rapidly. The crash occurred around nine minutes after the flight was cleared for departure.

There were 242 people on board, including passengers and crew. Among them were 169 Indian nationals—including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani—53 British nationals, a Canadian, and 7 Portuguese citizens, according to Air India. The number of fatalities and injuries has not yet been confirmed, but survivors are being treated at local hospitals.

The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registration VT-ANB, delivered to Air India in January 2014. This is the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 worldwide, a model known for its strong safety record. The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with 8,200 flight hours, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours.

Yes. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft issued a Mayday call moments after takeoff, indicating a critical emergency. However, further communication attempts by air traffic control reportedly went unanswered. The exact nature of the emergency is yet to be determined.

Local fire and emergency units were dispatched immediately, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are on site. Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu has arrived in Ahmedabad to oversee operations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are leading the investigation.

Calling the incident "heartbreaking beyond words," Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked for continuous updates and ordered all agencies to provide full support. Taking to X, Modi said, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the plane crash site in Ahmedabad on Thursday evening. Shah said, “The aviation department had started its probe, and the Civil Aviation Minister has directed officials to ensure that the investigation proceeds swiftly. I once again thank those who are involved in the rescue operation. Also, I once again pay my tributes to the kin of those who have lost their loved ones.”

Boeing said it was aware of initial reports of the plane crashing after taking off from Ahmedabad airport, even while the company's shares tumbled in pre-market trading.

Boeing said in a brief statement: “We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information".

Following the incident, Ahmedabad airport has suspended all flight operations until further notice. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad issued a statement, advising passengers "to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport".

Minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft crash-landed in Ahmedabad's Meghani Nagar. Reports suggested that the plane crashed into residential quarters of BJ Medical College.