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Key Points

A devastating Air India Dreamliner crash has shocked the nation with 242 passengers aboard Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London. The aircraft reportedly failed to climb properly after takeoff, triggering an immediate emergency response from aviation authorities. Air India has established a dedicated helpline (1800 5691 444) to support affected families and provide critical information. The Civil Aviation Ministry has activated an operational control room to coordinate rescue and investigation efforts.

Key Points: Air India 171 Crash Ahmedabad London Flight Emergency Response

  • Flight AI 171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad
  • 242 passengers including 169 Indians onboard
  • Mayday call issued moments after departure
  • Immediate rescue and support operations launched
2 min read

Air India Dreamliner crash: Helpline number issued, Aviation Ministry activates control room

Tragic Air India Dreamliner crash near Ahmedabad leaves 242 passengers affected, ministry activates control room and helpline for families

"We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams - N Chandrasekaran, Air India Chairman"

Ahmedabad, June 12

Following the tragic crash of Air India's Flight AI 171, while en route from Ahmedabad to London, emergency relief and rescue efforts are being carried out in full gear.

While the nation prays for over 200 passengers on board, Air India issued a dedicated helpline number to help families and relatives of flyers seeking information about their condition.

"We have set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information," Air India said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Ministry has set up a control room to coordinate all the details pertaining to AI 171 crash.

"In light of the AI171 crash, an Operational Control Room has been activated at the Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate all details. Contact: 011-24610843 | 9650391859. We are committed to swift response and full support to all affected," said the Ministry in a post on X.

The ill-fated flight departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 hours and was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Out of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals.

The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.

N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Air India, sharing profound sorrow over the airliner crash, stated that the airline carrier's primary focus is supporting all the affected people and their families.

"We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted,” he said in a statement.

The aircraft took off from Runway 23 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. According to officials, a 'Mayday' (distress) call was issued moments after take-off, but no further communication was received from the cockpit.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) statement, the aircraft crashed outside the airport boundary, suggesting it failed to climb properly after takeoff.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya K.
This is absolutely heartbreaking 💔 My prayers are with all passengers and their families. The quick response from Air India and Aviation Ministry is commendable. Hope the injured receive best medical care. We need a thorough investigation - safety can't be compromised!
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Rahul S.
Very sad news. But why do we keep hearing about technical issues with Air India flights? Just last month there was that emergency landing in Mumbai. The government must audit all Dreamliners in our fleet. Safety should be top priority, not just profits.
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Ananya M.
My cousin was supposed to be on this flight but changed plans last minute. Feeling so grateful but also devastated for others. The helpline numbers are helpful but authorities should also arrange counseling for affected families. Trauma like this lasts lifetimes.
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Vikram P.
The Mayday call suggests pilots knew something was wrong. Salute to their efforts to save lives till last moment. Hope DGCA investigation is transparent - we deserve to know if this was technical failure, human error or maintenance issue. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
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Sunita R.
My heart goes out to all affected families. The international passengers make this even more complex - hope our foreign ministry coordinates well with other governments. Air India should immediately arrange for relatives to visit crash site if they wish to.
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Karan D.
While the response is good, we need to ask tough questions. Is our aviation infrastructure keeping pace with growing traffic? Are we compromising on maintenance to cut costs? This is wake up call for entire industry. #SafetyFirst

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