In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, Air India has initiated two special relief flights, one each from Delhi and Mumbai, to Ahmedabad for the next of kin of passengers and airline staff.
Relief Flight Details
• Flight IX1555 (Delhi–Ahmedabad)
Departure: 2300 hrs IST on 12 June
• Flight IX1556 (Ahmedabad–Delhi)
Departure: 0110 hrs IST on 13 June
• Flight AI1402 (Mumbai–Ahmedabad)
Departure: 2300 hrs IST on 12 June
• Flight AI1409 (Ahmedabad–Mumbai)
Departure: 0115 hrs IST on 13 June
Family members in Delhi and Mumbai wishing to travel on these flights may contact the dedicated Air India hotline at 1800 5691 444. For those arriving from international destinations, assistance is available via +91 8062779200.
These special flights were announced in response to the fatal accident involving Flight AI171, which crashed in the Meghaninagar area shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on 12 June. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying 242 individuals, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft departed at 13:38 IST from Runway 23. Shortly after takeoff, the crew issued a “MAYDAY” distress call to air traffic control. No further communication was received before the aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter, with witnesses reporting heavy black smoke at the site. Rescue operations are underway, and several injured passengers have been admitted to nearby hospitals.
The DGCA has launched a comprehensive investigation, exploring all potential causes, including mechanical failure, crew actions, and air traffic protocols. The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with over 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.
In a video statement shared on social media platform X, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson expressed his condolences, calling it a “difficult day” for the airline, “I would like to express deep sorrow about this event. This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India. Our focus is entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families, and loved ones.”
He also assured that while investigations will take time, “anything we can do, we are doing.”
