CHAOS IN THE SKIES: “We Have Lost a Lot of People” – MEA After Air India Flight Crash in Ahmedabad

A London-bound Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew tragically crashed in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep sorrow, stating “we have lost a lot of people,” as rescue teams work amid devastating scenes and investigations begin into the cause of the disaster.

Flight AI171 and the Crash

Flight AI171 departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12 at around 1:38 PM IST. Eyewitnesses reported the plane struggling to ascend, issuing a Mayday, and crashing into a doctors’ hostel near the BJ Medical College campus, creating a fireball and thick smoke plume

Human Cost and Chaotic Rescue

The flight had 242 people onboard—169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Preliminary figures indicate over 240 lives lost, including victims on the ground among medical students

Ahmedabad’s Civil Hospital and nearby facilities are treating dozens of injured. The lone survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, escaped from seat 11A and was hospitalized Rescue operations, led by NDRF, CRPF, and local authorities, continue amidst sprawling wreckage.

MEA and Government Response

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the crash as a “very tragic accident,” conveying heartfelt condolences and confirming significant fatalities

Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah visited the crash site. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said all agencies are on high alert. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel ordered a green corridor for the injured, with state-run hospital teams working round the clock

Investigation Begins

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), DGCA, Boeing, GE Aerospace, and NTSB have launched a joint investigation. Preliminary focus is on whether technical malfunction—such as engine thrust, flap/slat configuration, or landing gear issues—played a role

One of the crashed plane’s black boxes has been recovered. Investigators will analyse flight data and cockpit voice recordings to help determine the crash’s cause.

Impact on Tier 2 Cities and Aviation Safety Concerns

The crash hit close to home for Tier 2 cities, where aviation infrastructure is expanding. Ahmedabad saw rapid aviation growth, but this tragedy raises urgent questions about the robustness of safety protocols, small-aircraft oversight, and emergency preparedness in smaller urban centres.

Conclusion

This disaster, India’s deadliest aviation accident since 2014 and the first involving a Boeing 787, has shaken the nation. As rescue teams continue their work and investigations deepen, the focus now shifts to supporting affected families, understanding what went wrong, and ensuring such tragedies are never repeated.