Reuters

An Air India passenger plane en route to London Gatwick crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, in western India, on
Thursday. The airline has reported that over 240 individuals were on board the flight, terming the incident a “tragic accident.”
Details continue to emerge from the crash site. Here’s what is currently known.

When and where did plane crash?

Air India flight AI171 departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT),
according to Air India. The flight had been scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST.

“involved in an accident today after take-off”

The model of the aircraft involved in the crash was launched 14 years ago. just six weeks prior to the incident, Boeing celebrated
reaching a milestone of transporting one billion passengers on this model.

Boeing issued a statement saying, “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our
thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected.”

What have the airline and authorities said?

Air India confirmed on X that the flight was “involved in an accident today after take-off.” The airline stated it is fully
co-operating with authorities investigating the crash, will provide further updates, and has established a dedicated passenger
hotline: 1800 5691 444.

The airline’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, said in a statement: “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.”

A spokesperson for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport announced that all operations have been suspended until further
notice, advising passengers to check with their airline before traveling to the airport.

AP

India’s aviation minister said he had directed “all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.”

ram Mohan Naidu Kinjaparu added on X: “Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and
relief support are being rushed to the site.”

Gatwick Airport stated that a reception center for relatives of passengers was being established to provide facts and that it
was liaising closely with Air India.

Gatwick Airport also posted on X: “British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should
call 0207 008 5000.”

How have India and the UK reacted?

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed that he was “stunned and saddened” by the crash.

“It is heartbreaking beyond words,” he stated in a statement on X, adding that he had been in contact with officials assisting those affected.

UK Prime Minster Sir Keir starmer described the scenes emerging from Ahmedabad as “devastating.”

“I am being kept updated as the situation develops,and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply
distressing time,” he said.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the UK was working with local authorities in India to “urgently establish the facts” and
provide support.

Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King was being kept informed about the crash.