In a devastating development, Air India confirmed on Thursday that Flight 171, departing from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed in what the airline described as a “tragic accident.” The incident has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and the families of those onboard.
Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran issued a heartfelt statement, saying, “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.”
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, capable of carrying more than 200 passengers. A local airport official at Ahmedabad confirmed that the flight had over 200 people onboard at the time of the crash.
In the immediate aftermath, Air India has set up an emergency centre and a dedicated support team to provide information and assistance to the families affected by the disaster. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” Chandrasekaran said.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with authorities working to determine the factors that led to this tragic event.
