Who Were the Passengers on Board the Crashed Air India Flight in Ahmedabad?

A London-bound Air India flight crashed just 33 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, killing 229 passengers and 12 crew members.

The flight, AI 171, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed into the doctors’ hostel of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area at 1:39 PM, reducing the building to rubble and sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky.

Only One Survivor

Miraculously, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin seated in 11A, was the lone survivor of the crash. He remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Former Gujarat CM Among Victims

Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Other victims included a family of five who were seen taking selfies moments before takeoff, a couple from Agra on holiday, two young British siblings on a summer trip, and multiple international tourists who had just completed visits to India.

Passenger Demographics

Air India confirmed the flight carried:

• 169 Indian nationals

• 53 British nationals

• 7 Portuguese nationals

• 1 Canadian national

The full list of passengers includes a cross-section of families, tourists, professionals, and students.

Compensation and Response

The Tata Group, owner of Air India, announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹1 crore to the families of each person who lost their life. A 24/7 helpline has also been activated for the families of passengers.

Investigation Underway

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a formal inquiry into the crash. The aircraft’s black box has been recovered, and preliminary findings are awaited.

International Support

U.S. and U.K. authorities have sent investigation teams to support the probe. Both the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and British safety experts are coordinating with Indian officials as part of the investigation.

The tragedy has triggered nationwide mourning and international condolences, with tributes pouring in for the victims and support extended to their families.