A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, killing at least 110 passengers and crew. The incident marks one of India's deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.
The aircraft, operated by Air India, issued a mayday call before crashing, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams working to locate survivors amid the wreckage. The passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
Swift Response Amid Tragedy
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu directed all agencies to prioritize rescue efforts, stating, "Our focus is on saving lives and supporting affected families." Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with preliminary reports suggesting technical failure during takeoff.
The crash has reignited discussions about aviation safety standards in India, a key market for global air travel. Analysts note the incident could impact short-term travel sentiment, though long-term implications for the region's rapidly growing aviation sector remain unclear.
