Ahmedabad: All 232 passengers and 10 crew members on board the Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday are believed to have been killed, media reports said.

AI171, carrying 242 people, went down within five minutes of departure at 1:38 PM, sending up plumes of smoke near the crash site.

The flight carried 169 Indian passengers, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Dense smoke was seen rising from the Dharpur area near Meghaninagar in Ahmedabad, prompting the immediate deployment of fire brigades and emergency response units. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the crash.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu posted on X, "Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

"Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."

Emergency services, including fire brigades, rushed to the scene. Three NDRF teams with 90 personnel were dispatched from Gandhinagar, with additional teams have been also sent from Vadodara.

Air India confirms crash

In a statement, Air India said, "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.

"The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals."

Tata Group, which owns Air India, issued its first official confirmation of the crash. Group chairperson N Chandrasekaran expressed grief over the tragedy:

“With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”

He added that the company’s immediate priority was supporting the victims and their families. “An emergency centre has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information,” Chandrasekaran said.

Roads closed, thick smoke covers area

The roads have been closed and a huge number of ambulances are rushed to the spot.

In the horrific videos that have surfaced, a thick smoke is seen rising from the areas close to the airport.

In a video that has captured the moment of the crash, the plane is seen losing the elevation near the airport and ultimately crashed into the ground causing a massive fire outbreak.

Operations at airport suspended

Flight AI 171, travelling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed outside the airport perimeter.

In response, airport authorities suspended all flight operations.

“Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airport. As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice,” an official statement said.

Boeing Co. issues official statement

Meanwhile, Boeing Co., which manufactured the ill-fated aircraft, has issued an official statement following the tragic crash. The plane was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

"We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information," the aircraft maker said.

Modi expresses deep sorrow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences following the incident. “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. I have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those impacted,” he said in an official statement.

UK PM Starmer describes Air India crash with 53 Britons on board as 'deeply distressing'

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday called the crash of a London-bound Air India flight in Ahmedabad “devastating,” after 242 people, including 53 British nationals, were killed when the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff.

In a statement from Downing Street, Starmer said, “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin condoles Ahmdeabad crash

In a message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin wrote: “Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad.

“Kindly convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and near ones of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe.”