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Travel Daily News
2 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Tragedy in India: Air India plane crashes, shaking the travel world
An Air India plane crashed in India, killing many, including British and Portuguese nationals, causing global concern. India – A profound sorrow and concern has swept across the global aviation and tourism sectors today, following the tragic news of an Air India plane crash just minutes after its takeoff from Ahmedabad, India. The flight, carrying 242 passengers and crew bound for London's Gatwick Airport, went down in a residential area, with initial reports indicating 'many killed.' The incident involves flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, an aircraft considered among the most modern and technologically advanced in airline fleets. The aircraft took off around 13:39 local time and, according to air traffic control, sent a 'Mayday' distress call before all communication was lost. Videos and images circulating show thick black smoke and flames rising from the crash site, which is reportedly a doctors' hostel. International Dimension and Implications The tragedy takes on an international dimension due to the nationalities of those on board. Air India confirmed that among the 242 individuals (217 adults and 11 children) were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian. The presence of such a large number of European citizens, particularly from Britain, which is a significant tourism market for Greece as well, adds an extra layer to the tragedy. The international community is watching developments with bated breath, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating he is 'heartbroken' and ordering all possible assistance to the rescue efforts. Similarly, the British Foreign Office is working closely with Indian authorities to ascertain the facts and provide support to those affected. Ahmedabad Airport has suspended all flight operations. Psychological Impact on the Travel Sector For the travel and tourism industry, especially in Greece, which is one of the world's leading tourist destinations, such events, though rare, inevitably have a psychological impact. The safety of air travel is a fundamental parameter for traveler confidence. Although statistics show that air travel is among the safest forms of transportation, high-profile accidents can cause temporary anxiety and influence travelers' decisions. Boeing, the manufacturer of the Dreamliner, announced it is gathering information about the incident, and its shares fell. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, while having a 'spotless safety record' before today's tragedy, has faced various controversies in the past regarding manufacturing quality and safety issues. Air India, now owned by the Indian conglomerate Tata Group, has activated an emergency center and support hotline for the families of the passengers. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and all those affected by this unspeakable tragedy. The travel world is closely monitoring developments, awaiting the results of the investigation into the cause of the accident and the broader impact it may have on public confidence in air travel.
Sky News
2 days ago
- General
- Sky News
India plane crash live: Flight to Gatwick carrying 242 people crashes at Ahmedabad airport
Watch: Thick black smoke rises as ambulances arrive at scene This video shows plumes of black smoke rising from a residential area near the airport after the plane came down. Other footage circulating online shows images of people being moved in stretchers and taken away in ambulances. More than 50 Britons on board There were 53 Britons on board the Air India flight when it crashed, according to the airline. More than 240 passengers are believed to have been on the craft in total, with the majority Indian nationals. There were seven Portuguese nationals on the flight, with one Canadian. Here's the airline's statement in full: 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 hrs, 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. All flights suspended at Ahmedabad airport All flights to and from Ahmedabad have been suspended, an airport spokesperson has said in its first statement since the crash. "Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London, Gatwick, earlier today, was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airport. "As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. "All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice. "Passengers are advised to check their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport. "We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation." Pilot made mayday signal before crash, expert says Aviation expert Julian Bray has told Sky News he understands the pilot managed to make a mayday call. This would mean the crew was aware of a problem before the incident happened. A mayday call is an internationally recognised distress signal used in radio communication. It indicates an imminent danger and the need for immediate assistance. In pictures: Aftermath of crash These are some of the latest images from Ahmedabad, where the plane crashed into a residential area - as we reported at 10.29. 'First ever' Boeing 787 crash This is the first crash ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database. The 787 Dreamliner is a widebody, twin-engined plane. The model has carried out more than five million journeys in the 14 years since its first passenger flight, Boeing's website says. More than 1,000 have been delivered to dozens of airlines, according to the flightradar24 website. Unusual for 'state of the art' plane to crash at take-off, expert says We've just caught up with Aviation expert Julian Bray, who's given his thoughts on the incident. While he says it is "pure speculation", he believes there must be a look into the "security" around the flight. "What I am worried about is, if this instance happened while it's taking off, we really have to look at the security side of things and work out whether there's some evil intent behind this," he told our presenter Gareth Barlow. "Because, basically, the aircraft these days, they sort of fly themselves. "And so there shouldn't have been a problem, in taking off, especially not with a Dreamliner. It's got a pretty good track record. "And, as I say, it is state of the art. So, we really need more detail and the detail will come out today." Plane crashed into residential area The London-bound plane crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, has told the Associated Press. The crash took place five minutes after taking off at 1:38pm local time, he said. There were 232 passengers and 12 crew members onboard, Kidwai added. Medics rushing to crash, says aviation minister India's civil aviation minister says he is "shocked and devastated" by the plane crash. "I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action," says Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu. "Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. "My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families." Gatwick confirms plane was due to land tonight We've just heard from Gatwick Airport, where the flight was heading. "We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25," the airport has said in a statement. "More information to follow."
