New Delhi, June 12: In a compassionate move to assist the families of victims affected by the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, the airline on Thursday announced two special relief flights — one each from Delhi and Mumbai — to Ahmedabad.

These flights are meant to bring the next of kin of passengers and Air India staff to the crash site and nearby hospitals.

According to the airline’s post on X, the first relief flight from Delhi (IX1555) will depart at 11 p.m. on Thursday, followed by the return flight (IX1556) from Ahmedabad at 1.10 a.m. on June 13.

From Mumbai, flight AI1402 will also depart at 11 p.m., and the return flight AI1409 is scheduled for 1.15 a.m.

“Families and relatives in Delhi and Mumbai who wish to travel can contact the dedicated hotline at 1800 5691 444,” the airline said in a post on social media platform X.

For those flying in from international locations, Air India has set up a separate helpline at +91 8062779200.

The relief flights come as part of a broader support effort following Thursday’s devastating incident.

The flight was being operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar.

Earlier in the day, Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran announced financial support of Rs 1 crore for the family of each person who lost their life.

“No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured,” Chandrasekaran said.

The company also promised to cover medical expenses for the injured and help construct a new hostel at B.J. Medical College as part of its long-term support plan.

“This heart-wrenching incident has brought immense grief to countless families, and our thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones,” said Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat), June 12: Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who visited the crash site of the Air India flight near Ahmedabad, assured that a fair and thorough investigation would be carried out to uncover the cause behind the tragic incident.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon.

“We are going to do a fair & thorough investigation, and probe why this incident happened. We still have to find out the numbers. We will go to the depths of why this incident happened,” Naidu told the media.

He denied to give details of casualties in the incident as rescue operations are still underway.

“I am shaken by the tragic and horrific incident. I am still in a state of shock. The PM called me and asked me to be here at the site. At this time, I can only think of the passengers and their families. Many agencies have been engaged in rescue operations. I don’t want to say anything about the numbers yet. We are extending all help. The Union Home Minister is also coming to the site here. Very sad to know that (BJP leader) Vijay Rupani was also there, and so were other nationals.

According to an Air India statement, the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating as Flight AI-171, departed from Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm IST with 242 people on board, including crew.

“The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, carried 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,” the airline said in a statement.

The official said the aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an LTC with 8,200 hours of flying experience. He was assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat government has mobilised three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar to the crash site to aid rescue operations.

According to senior police officials, the aircraft crashed into a doctor’s hostel located just outside the airport perimeter. “After the takeoff, the plane crashed here and after a preliminary enquiry, we learned that the… plane crashed into a building, a doctors’ hostel,” Jaipal Singh Rathore, Joint Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad, told reporters.

The Ahmedabad City Police has released an emergency helpline number for assistance and information about the crash. “Ahmedabad City Police Emergency Number for Police Emergency Services and necessary information related to the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 07925620359,” Ahmedabad Police stated in a post on X.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat), June 12 (ANI): One survivor has been found in the deadly crash of an Air India plane carrying 242 people, after it rammed into a nearby doctors’ hostel shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, a senior police officer said.

Speaking to ANI on a phone call, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik says, “The police found one survivor in seat 11A. He has been in the hospital and is under treatment. Cannot say anything about the number of deaths yet. The death toll may increase as the flight crashed in a residential area.”

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon.

“After the takeoff, the plane crashed here and after a preliminary enquiry, we got to know that the … plane crashed into a building, which is a doctors’ hostel,” Jaipal Singh Rathore, Joint Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad, told reporters.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the doctors’ hostel near the airport perimeter.

Air India said that among the 230 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national.

“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.

The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The official added that the copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience.

As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It made a Mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, the aircraft did not respond to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. The official said that heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat government has mobilised three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar to the crash site to aid rescue operations.

The Ahmedabad City Police has released an emergency helpline number for assistance and information related to the crash. “Ahmedabad City Police Emergency Number for Police Emergency Services and necessary information related to the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 07925620359,” Ahmedabad Police stated in a post on X.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat), June 12: The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday announced that flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport have resumed hours after a London-bound Air India aircraft was involved in a tragic accident near its perimeter.

In a post on X, the ministry noted that all flight safety protocols are being followed.

“Ahmedabad Airport is now available for flight operations from 16:05 IST onwards. Flight safety protocols are being followed with utmost care,” Civil Aviation Ministry posted on X.

The aircraft Air India Al171 was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The official added that the copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23.

Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. The official said that heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site.

Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident in Ahmedabad, terming it “heartbreaking beyond words.”

In a post on X, PM Modi conveyed his condolences and assured assistance to those affected.

“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,” the Prime Minister said.

Air India confirmed that flight Al171, which was destined for Gatwick in London, was involved in an accident after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.