Air India Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Timeline of events that led to one of the deadliest plane crashes in Indian aviation history

Air India flight AI171 with destination to Gatwick in London, crashed on Thursday, shortly after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational, and all flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice, the airport said.

Confirming the incident, Air India said that among the 242 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 Britishers, seven Portugese and one Canadian national.


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"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 hours, 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. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident," the Airlines said.

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Here is a timeline of events that led to the deadly plane crash

• Plane departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport's runway 23 at 1.39 p.m.
• Shortly after takeoff, the crew issued a MAYDAY call, signalling a critical emergency.
• No further communication was received from the aircraft after the distress call. Flightradar24 also said that it received the last signal from the aircraft seconds after it took off.
• The accident occurred around 2 pm with the aircraft losing altitude rapidly and crashing in a ball of fire that sent plumes of thick black smoke spiralling up in the air.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport was shut for operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the crash as heartbreaking beyond words and said it has "stunned and saddened us". He said he is in touch with ministers and other authorities who are working to assist those affected.

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In a post on X, PM Modi said, "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. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."