The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that the pilots of the London-bound Air India flight issued a mayday call shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport. However, following the distress call, the aircraft did not respond to further communications from Air Traffic Control (ATC), the DGCA noted.
In an official statement, the DGCA said, “Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight Al-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of two pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar.”
The DGCA added that Captain Sabharwal had logged 8,200 flying hours, while First Officer Kundar had 1,100 hours of experience. “As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site,” the statement added.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assured that all necessary steps were being taken. “We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site,” he said in a post on X.