Air India Boeing 787 crashes during takeoff from Ahmedabad

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Air India's Chair, expressed condolences: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event."

London Gatwick Airport confirmed that "AI171, that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today, was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25." The aircraft was scheduled to return to Goa later in the day; however, this flight has been canceled.

In response to the crash, operations at Ahmedabad Airport were temporarily suspended. Emergency services responded promptly under instructions from Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation reported that the crew issued a MAYDAY call before losing contact.

Boeing's shares dropped by 7.8% following news of the crash. The company stated: "We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them."

BBC reports confirm over 200 bodies have been recovered. Additionally, around 50-60 medical students were hospitalized after being rescued from their accommodation hit by the plane.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik noted one survivor—a British male—who described hearing a loud noise before crashing shortly after takeoff.

UK officials and US investigators are assisting in India while Tata plans compensation for victims' families and covers medical expenses for those injured.

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