Ahmedabad: Tata Group and Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of each person who lost their life in the Air India Flight 171 crash near Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Expressing “deep anguish” over the incident, Chandrasekaran said, “No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured.”

He also stated that the Tata Group will bear the full medical expenses of the injured and ensure they receive necessary care. Additionally, the Group will support the construction of a hostel for BJ Medical College.

An Air India flight carrying 242 people, including 10 crew mebers, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad , en route to London Gatwick.

Air India CEO calls crash ‘a difficult day’

Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said the day marked one of the most difficult in the airline’s history.

“This is a difficult day for all of us here in India. And it's now focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families, and loved ones,” he said in a video statement.

Wilson confirmed that Flight AI-171, operated with a Boeing 787-8, had crashed minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, landing in a crowded residential area.

Emergency services transported the injured to nearby hospitals, and the airline is coordinating closely with authorities.

Special teams, helpline launched

Wilson said a special team of caregivers from Air India was en route to Ahmedabad to provide on-ground support.

“We know that many people are concerned for the welfare of their loved ones. We have set up a special helpline that friends and family can reach us at,” he added.

He stressed that investigations will take time but assured that the airline is doing everything possible to assist those affected.

“We are actively working with the authorities on all emergency response efforts,” he said.