Ahmedabad: A major aviation disaster unfolded on Wednesday morning when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London crashed minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft reportedly went down near the Meghani Nagar area, just outside the airport perimeter, sending shockwaves across the nation.
The ill-fated aircraft was operating the Ahmedabad–London Heathrow route with over 242 people on board, including passengers and crew. The flight had just taken off and climbed to an initial altitude when it reportedly experienced a sudden mechanical failure. Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion followed by a fireball in the sky.
Black smoke was seen billowing from the crash site near the airport premises, which falls under an area administered by the Adani-operated Ahmedabad airport. Initial footage and images from the scene showed the aircraft’s wreckage engulfed in flames and rescue personnel rushing to the site.
Emergency services, including firefighters, airport security, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units, and paramedics, were quickly mobilized. Rescue teams began pulling bodies and survivors from the debris. As of the latest reports, casualty numbers are feared to be high, although official confirmation is still awaited. The Gujarat government has declared a state of emergency in the region surrounding the crash.
Ambulances transported the injured to local hospitals, including Civil Hospital and Apollo Hospital in Ahmedabad, where critical care facilities have been prepared. The airport has suspended all departures and arrivals until further notice.
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full-scale investigation into the crash. A special inquiry committee has been formed under the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and black box retrieval efforts are underway.
The Union Minister of Civil Aviation, speaking from New Delhi, called the crash “one of the darkest days in Indian aviation.” He assured the public that “every possible effort will be made to determine the cause of the accident and extend support to the victims’ families.”
While official findings will take time, early speculation among aviation experts suggests possible engine failure or structural malfunction. Some reports suggest the aircraft may have experienced a bird strike or fuel system issue, though these remain unconfirmed. Weather conditions in Ahmedabad at the time were clear, ruling out climatic interference.
The Dreamliner model involved in the crash had reportedly undergone its routine maintenance check only weeks prior, adding further complexity to the unfolding investigation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing grief, tweeted:
"Deeply anguished by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Prayers for the bereaved families. Authorities are working tirelessly on rescue operations.”
International messages of support have poured in, including from the UK Prime Minister and aviation safety bodies across the globe.
Meanwhile, public outrage is mounting over safety protocols and the transparency of Air India operations following its acquisition by the Tata Group. Critics are questioning whether cost-cutting measures or fleet management practices may have played a role.
The crash has once again placed Indian civil aviation safety in the spotlight. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered an audit of all Dreamliner aircraft operating under Indian carriers. Flight services from Ahmedabad have been significantly disrupted, and counseling services are being provided at the airport for distressed families.
As search and recovery operations continue into the night, India mourns a heartbreaking disaster, even as it awaits answers that could prevent future tragedies. The full passenger list is expected to be released following family notifications, and DNA testing will assist in identification where necessary.