Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad: Tata Group issues statement

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft travelling from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick airport crashed shortly after taking off on Thursday.

The airline said that flight AI171 was “involved in an incident” and that Air India is “ascertaining the details”. Footage shared on social media showed a giant plume of smoke engulfing the crash site, with no reports of fatalities or survivors. The flight was carrying 242 passengers and crew, the Directorate General of India's Civil Aviation said in a statement.

"It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC (air traffic control), but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft," it said in a statement, adding that the aircraft "fell on ground outside the airport perimeter".

The Tata Group, which operates Air India, has issued a statement.

“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,” the statement by N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Group and Air India said.

“At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted,” the statement added.

“Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information,” he said.