Ahmedabad, June 12: Flight operations at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport resumed Thursday evening, hours after an Air India aircraft bound for London crashed just beyond the airport perimeter shortly after takeoff.
“The Ahmedabad Airport is now available for flight operations from 16:05 IST onwards. Flight safety protocols are being followed with utmost care,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement posted on X.
The aircraft, Air India flight AI171, departed at 13:39 IST (08:09 UTC) from Runway 23. Moments later, it crashed outside the airport boundary. The twin-crew flight was commanded by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain (LTC) with 8,200 hours of flying experience. First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours, served as co-pilot, according to Air Traffic Control (ATC) reports.
In the wake of the crash, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow and pledged support for those impacted. “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X. “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.”
Emergency protocols were immediately activated following the crash, with rescue and safety teams deployed at the scene. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash, and investigations are underway.
