An Air India aircraft carrying 242 people has crashed in western India near the airport in Ahmedabad, according to statements from both the airline and local police.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there are any fatalities however the airline says the injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals which is a positive sign.

Air India confirmed that the flight was en route to London’s Gatwick Airport in the UK. Local police reported that the aircraft crashed in a civilian area close to the airport.

“At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates,” Air India said in a post on X.

The crash reportedly occurred during takeoff. TV broadcasts showed visuals from near the site, with wreckage ablaze and thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Emergency responders could be seen evacuating injured individuals on stretchers and transporting them via ambulance.

There were 242 people on board the aircraft, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew (an official earlier said there were 244 people on board). The captain had 8,200 hours of flying experience. The co-pilot had 1,100 hours of flying experience

Air India has given the breakdown of the different nationalities on-board flight AI171. There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals on board.

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director-General of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, told The Associated Press that Air India Flight AI171—a Boeing 787—crashed into a residential neighbourhood called Meghani Nagar just five minutes after departing at 1:38pm local time (6:38pm AEST).

Kidwai confirmed the aircraft had 232 passengers and 12 crew members aboard. Emergency response teams were promptly activated at the airport.

According to Ahmedabad Airport’s air traffic control, the aircraft departed from Runway 23 at 1:39pm local time. Shortly after takeoff, it issued a "Mayday" emergency signal before losing all communication.

A spokesperson from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad confirmed that the airport is currently not operational. All flight operations are suspended until further notice.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that the crew of Air India Flight AI171 issued a "Mayday" call immediately after takeoff but failed to respond to subsequent attempts at contact by Air Traffic Control (ATC).

Flight tracking site Flightradar24 reported receiving the final signal from the aircraft just seconds after departure. “The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB,” the site said.

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Group—Air India’s majority owner—confirmed the accident and extended condolences.

“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today,” he posted on X.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. Our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.”

India’s Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, said he was “shocked and devastated” by the crash.

“I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action,” he said in a statement. “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.”

The last fatal plane crash in India occurred in 2020 when an Air India Express Boeing 737 overshot the "table-top" runway at Kozhikode International Airport in southern India. The aircraft plunged into a valley and crashed nose-first, killing 21 people.

Local media have also confirmed that thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site shortly after the incident, which happened during takeoff.

Flightradar24 reiterated, “We received the last signal from the aircraft at 6:08pm Sydney time, just seconds after takeoff.”

Air India stated it is continuing to ascertain the details and will provide updates as soon as possible.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu again expressed shock and said rescue operations are underway. “We are on highest alert,” he added.