Air India Plane Crash: Ahmedabad Airport Operator Adani Group Issues Statement
“Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational," the statement said.
Air India Plane Crash: A major air disaster unfolded in Ahmedabad on June 12 when Air India’s Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 aircraft operating from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff. The incident occurred just moments after the aircraft departed from Runway 23 at 1:39 pm IST (08:09 UTC), with 242 people on board — including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew.
Tragically, the aircraft plummeted to the ground outside the airport perimeter, with thick black smoke billowing from the site. The co-pilot, identified as Clive Kundar, had 1,100 hours of flying experience. The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, as per DGCA.
According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the crew issued a 'mayday' call, but there was no further response after that. Authorities are investigating the crash site, and details about survivors or casualties are still awaited.
Adani Airport Releases Official Statement
Following the crash, Adani Group, which operates the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, issued an official statement confirming the accident and the temporary suspension of all flight operations.
“Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice,” the operator said. “Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport. We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation.”
The statement added that further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
Flight Operations Suspended, Probe Underway
The airport has been completely shut down as emergency teams and aviation authorities attend to the aftermath of the crash. Investigative teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India’s technical wing are expected to arrive at the crash site to begin preliminary inquiries.
The priority at this stage remains search and rescue, as well as securing the area to understand what led to the catastrophic failure. This incident raises significant concerns over flight safety and protocol adherence, particularly in cases involving distress calls.
Further details are awaited as authorities work through the wreckage.
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