Full ops continue at airport; high-level meetings held
Ahmedabad: Operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport remained fully functional even as investigations into the Air India Flight 171 crash began. Airport authorities issued a passenger advisory confirming that all flight services are operational and that dedicated helplines have been set up to assist those affected.
"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport remains fully operational for passengers. In light of yesterday's incident involving Air India Flight AI171, dedicated helpline numbers have been created for passenger queries and assistance," the advisory stated.
Sources said a series of high-level meetings were convened between senior state and central govt officials, aviation authorities, and security agencies, focusing on ongoing rescue and relief measures, safety audits, and ensuring minimal disruption to airport operations.
Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Gujarat govt, and Air India attended these meetings.
The emphasis of the meetings remained coordinated support for crash victims, reviewing emergency response protocols, and securing the crash perimeter. "The airport operator is committed to extending maximum support to all the family members and relatives of the deceased," said an official on condition of anonymity.
Flight operations at the city airport remained as usual with no major disruptions.
A help desk was set up outside Terminal 2 of the airport on Friday for family members of passengers to get the deceased's boarding pass or ticket copy and other details verified and seek assistance to reach the hospital for further process. Paramedics, along with basic medical equipment such as stretchers and wheelchairs, have been kept at the help desk apart from refreshments.
The airport operator also started a helpline. "In light of the incident involving Air India Flight AI171, a dedicated helpline number has been created at Ahmedabad airport for passenger queries and assistance. Please call +91 99741 11327," the city airport said in a statement.
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