Air India CEO Campbell Wilson Calls Ahmedabad Crash ‘A Tragic Day for Us All’
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has described the crash of Flight AI171 as “a tragic day for all of us,” as the airline grapples with the deadliest aviation disaster India has seen in over a decade.
In his first statement since the crash, Wilson expressed deep sorrow and pledged full support to the victims’ families. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected. This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India,” he said in a video message shared on social media platform X.
“Our immediate focus is on the needs of our passengers, crew, and their families. We are working closely with local authorities and emergency services to support those impacted,” he added.
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon, killing at least 204 people and injuring 41. The aircraft, carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, went down in the densely populated Meghaninagar area, slamming into a hospital hostel and igniting a massive fire.
Among the dead were three medical students, and several others remain in critical condition, according to the Indian Medical Association’s Gujarat chapter. Rescue workers recovered bodies and transported survivors to nearby hospitals, with emergency corridors set up to expedite treatment.
The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar — both experienced aviators with a combined 9,000 hours of flying time. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that a “MAYDAY” call was sent moments after take-off, but communication was lost soon after.
Air India has deployed a special caregiver team to Ahmedabad and activated a helpline (1800-56-91-444) for families seeking updates. It is also working with the Ministry of External Affairs and foreign missions to assist relatives of international passengers — which included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.
Chairman N. Chandrasekaran also issued a statement, calling the crash an “unbearable tragedy” and reaffirming Air India’s commitment to supporting victims and their families.
A formal investigation led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been launched. Wilson assured that the airline is cooperating fully and will maintain transparency throughout the probe.
“Investigations will take time,” Wilson said, “but our commitment to those affected is immediate. We are doing everything in our power to support and comfort them during this devastating time.”
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