The tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick has now claimed at least 317 lives, making it one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent history. Officials have confirmed that all 242 people onboard — including 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, and 2 pilots — have perished, with no survivors found so far, according to the Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner and the Associated Press.
In addition to the passengers, the crash has devastated a residential complex in Meghani Nagar, just outside the airport perimeter, where the aircraft fell shortly after takeoff from Runway 23 at 1:39 PM IST on Wednesday. As per Civil Hospital staff records, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner struck Atulyam Flats — three buildings with around 94 flats — housing mostly healthcare professionals and their families.
Officials have confirmed 75 dead bodies recovered from the buildings, with 200 residents reportedly present at the time of the crash. The aircraft’s fuel-heavy load intensified the post-crash fire, complicating recovery efforts.
The DGCA confirmed the aircraft issued a MAYDAY call moments after takeoff before communication ceased. Emergency teams remain at the site, with rescue and identification operations ongoing.
This includes prominent names like Cargo Motors founder Pramukh Nanda and family, who were reportedly onboard, along with 53 British nationals and several other foreign citizens.
The government has activated emergency protocols, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi directing Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to reach Ahmedabad and oversee relief efforts. An investigation has been initiated by the DGCA in collaboration with Boeing.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash