Air India Ahmedabad Crash: 241 Dead in Boeing 787 Tragedy, PM Modi Visits Survivor

The Air India Ahmedabad Crash has become one of the most tragic events in Indian aviation history. A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 people, including passengers, crew, and civilians on the ground.

PM Modi Visits Air India Ahmedabad Crash Site and Survivor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly visited the accident location on Friday morning. He also met the only surviving passenger, who is under treatment at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. The crash has left the entire nation in mourning.

Flight Went Down at Just 600 Feet Altitude

According to early investigations, the aircraft encountered a critical emergency at an altitude of approximately 600 feet, a phase where the aircraft is in initial climb and the pilot workload is at its peak. Aviation expert Greg Feith noted that possible hydraulic or flap issues could have severely compromised performance, giving the crew barely seconds to react.

Search Continues for the Flight’s Black Box

Recovery teams are working around the clock to locate the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder—the two components of the black box—which will provide crucial insights into the last moments of the flight. Only then can the cause of the tragedy be determined conclusively.

Massive Compensation Announced for Victims’ Families

In response to the scale of the loss, Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, has declared ₹1 crore compensation for the families of each deceased passenger. Additionally, under the Montreal Convention, Air India will pay another ₹1.5 crore per victim. Combined, the compensation is expected to total over ₹360 crore, as the aircraft was fully insured.

The victims of the Air India Ahmedabad Crash included people from different nationalities and walks of life…

Among the dead were:

• Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani (68), who was flying to meet his daughter in the UK.

• 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian.

• 24 individuals on the ground, including 4 medical students, died when the plane crashed into a hostel building of B J Medical College in Meghaninagar.

Relief Measures and Hotline Set Up

Air India has activated an emergency helpline (1800 5691 444) for families and relatives seeking information. Meanwhile, DNA testing is being conducted to confirm the identity of the victims. Partial operations have resumed at Ahmedabad Airport.

Aviation Community Awaits Final Investigation Report

While India’s aviation regulator and safety authorities are involved, international aviation bodies are expected to join the probe due to the aircraft type and international route. The final report could take months but will be critical in preventing future tragedies.

Air India Ahmedabad Crash Raises Questions on Aviation Safety Protocols

The Air India Ahmedabad Crash has not only shocked the public but also reignited a nationwide debate on the safety standards of Indian aviation. Questions are being raised about maintenance protocols, pilot training, and emergency preparedness for long-haul flights. Aviation experts argue that more stringent checks are required, especially for wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787, which operate international routes. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is reportedly preparing a review of airport emergency response times and aircraft maintenance schedules. The incident may lead to policy-level reforms aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future. Public confidence in air travel, especially with national carriers, now faces a serious test.

Public Response and Mourning

The incident has triggered a wave of grief across India and the global aviation community. Citizens, politicians, and global leaders have expressed their condolences and called for transparency and accountability.