New Delhi: An Air India flight AI 171, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The flight was carrying 242 passengers and crew members when it encountered a critical failure moments after becoming airborne.
Operations at SVPIA have been suspended after the accident which happened at 1.17pm. “As a result of the incident, SVPIA is currently not operational. All flight movements are temporarily suspended,” said an airport spokesperson. “We urge all passengers to check with their respective airlines before heading to the airport.”
According to initial reports, the crash occurred just outside the airport perimeter. Emergency rescue teams, NDRF and the local authorities immediately rushed to the site and began rescue and containment operations. The number of casualties or survivors have not been officially confirmed.
