In the aftermath of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 near Ahmedabad, international and national leaders have expressed their condolences and extended support. US President Donald Trump described the incident as one of the worst aviation disasters in recent history and offered immediate assistance to India.
“The plane crash was terrible. I’ve told them — anything we can do, we’ll be there immediately,” President Trump said. “It looked like the engines may have lost power… a terrible crash, one of the worst in aviation history.”
Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Ahmedabad airport en route to London’s Gatwick but crashed minutes later. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and 10 crew members, went down near a residential facility that housed intern doctors, intensifying the tragedy.
Air India Responds: “A Difficult Day”
Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson issued a heartfelt message on Thursday, calling it “a difficult day for all of us at Air India.” In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), he confirmed that immediate relief and rescue efforts had been launched, with a focus on helping passengers, crew, and their families. “Our efforts are now focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones,” Wilson said.
Emergency Teams Deployed, Helpline Activated
The injured were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals, thanks to the coordinated response by local authorities. Air India has dispatched a special care team to Ahmedabad to provide additional on-ground support.
“A dedicated caregiver team is en route to Ahmedabad to assist with ongoing support operations,” Wilson confirmed.
To assist worried relatives, a special helpline has been established to provide verified information about passengers. Wilson urged the public and media to refrain from spreading speculation and emphasized the airline’s commitment to transparency and accuracy. “Anything we report must be factual and not speculative. We owe that to everyone involved.”
Investigation Underway
Though preliminary observations suggest engine failure, Wilson cautioned that the cause of the crash remains under investigation and that definitive answers will take time. “Our teams are working around the clock to support those affected and assist investigators in every possible way,” he said. As the global aviation community mourns the loss, Air India, in collaboration with central and local authorities, continues to prioritize rescue, relief, and accountability.
