Air India Flight AI171 Crash: Helpline Activated for Affected Families

Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed into Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar, a residential area, minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. In response, Air India activated an emergency helpline, 1800-258-7575, at 3:59 PM IST to assist families seeking information about loved ones. The crash, which sparked fires and chaos, has claimed at least 30 lives, with rescue operations ongoing. The helpline is a critical resource as the nation grapples with this tragedy.

Helpline Offers Vital Support

Air India’s toll-free helpline, 1800-258-7575, was launched to provide real-time updates on survivors and victims, addressing the anguish of families across India and abroad, including 53 British nationals onboard. Announced via Air India’s X handle, the helpline operates 24/7, staffed by trained personnel to handle inquiries and offer counseling referrals. The airline also established support desks at Ahmedabad and London Gatwick airports. Families are urged to provide passenger details, such as names and booking references, to expedite information. The helpline has already received thousands of calls, reflecting the scale of public concern.

Rescue Efforts Amid Devastation

The crash site in Meghani Nagar is marked by thick smoke and scattered debris, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Border Security Force (BSF) teams working alongside local fire brigades to rescue survivors. A green corridor facilitates the transfer of the injured to hospitals like Civil Hospital Ahmedabad. Videos on X show residents aiding rescuers amidst damaged homes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, en route to Ahmedabad, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are overseeing relief efforts, with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel on-site. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing the pilot’s MAYDAY call, indicating a possible mechanical failure.

National and Global Response

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed condolences, noting the loss of UK citizens. The UK’s AAIB is assisting the DGCA’s investigation. Social media reflects national grief, with calls for enhanced aviation safety. As the helpline supports families, the focus remains on rescuing survivors and uncovering the cause of this heart-wrenching disaster.