Ahmedabad, India — Air India has confirmed that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident shortly after take-off earlier today.
The Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:38 IST, carrying a total of 242 individuals, including passengers and crew. Onboard were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national.
According to the airline’s official statement, the injured are currently being transported to the nearest hospitals for medical attention. The nature of the accident and the extent of injuries have not yet been disclosed.
Air India has established a dedicated passenger hotline — 1800 5691 444 — to assist families and provide updated information. However, the airline has requested that members of the media refrain from using this number to avoid obstructing support for affected families.
In response to the incident, the Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi issued a statement expressing its condolences:
“The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi is deeply saddened by the tragic incident involving an Air India aircraft near the airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, today.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, crew members, and their families during this difficult time.
The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi, in close coordination with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Mumbai, is in contact with the airline and relevant authorities to determine whether any Thai nationals were on board.”
Air India has assured full cooperation with authorities in the ongoing investigation. Regular updates will be shared through its official X handle @airindia and on airindia.com.
More details are expected as the situation develops.