New Delhi: An Air India passenger flight headed for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed on Thursday shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which had 242 passengers and crew on board, departed Ahmedabad at 1:39 pm local time. Moments are liftoff, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal had radioed a “Mayday” message to air traffic control just before communication was lost, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Subsequent communication attempts by air traffic control went unanswered.
The plane crashed in the densely populated Meghani Nagar locality, just outside the perimeter of the airport.
What does ‘Mayday’ actually mean?
“Mayday” is the global term for an emergency call used by aircraft and ships. It is a way to alert authorities that there is a serious and immediate threat to life or safety. The word comes from the French phrase m’aider, meaning “help me”.
Introduced nearly a century ago, this emergency signal is now part of standard safety procedures. It must be repeated three times — “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” — to make sure it’s clearly heard over static or noise.
Who is allowed to make a Mayday call?
Only the person in control of the plane or vessel, usually the pilot or captain, is responsible for making a Mayday call. It is used in critical moments such as engine trouble, fire on board, severe system failure, or any situation where the safety of people is at risk.
If the person in charge is unable to communicate, another nearby flight or ship may send out the distress call on their behalf.
What follows once Mayday is declared?
As soon as the call is made, all other radio communication on that frequency is paused to avoid interference. The pilot gives details such as their position, the nature of the emergency, and any immediate needs. Ground controllers and emergency teams then take over and coordinate rescue and response efforts.
Air India Ahmedabad-London plane crash: Here’s what we know so far
Initial reports suggest the aircraft lost control while still low in the air at just 825 feet. It was carrying a full load of fuel for the long-haul journey, which likely caused the blast to be even more intense.
Images from the scene show thick smoke clouds and burning debris. Emergency teams and ambulances rushed to the site, while police sealed off the area and diverted traffic nearby.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is closely tracking the situation and has asked all agencies to respond swiftly.
