Airborne for 27 Seconds, Then Deadly Crash: CCTV Shows How Long AI 171 Flight Was in Air

Air India Plane Crash: The devastating crash of Air India Flight AI171 on Thursday has left the nation reeling, and newly accessed CCTV footage has revealed a chilling detail, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner was airborne for just 27 seconds before it plunged to the ground near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The aircraft, which took off at 1:38 PM for London Gatwick, crashed almost immediately after departure, slamming into the hostel mess area of BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar. The tragic incident claimed several lives on board and caused widespread casualties and destruction on the ground.

The CCTV footage, sourced from a building near the airport perimeter, shows the aircraft taking off and struggling mid-air before it begins to lose altitude rapidly. Within 27 seconds, the aircraft disappears from view, followed by a visible plume of black smoke rising in the distance. The video has become a key part of the ongoing investigation.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft issued a Mayday call shortly after take-off but lost communication with Air Traffic Control immediately after. The crash site lies just outside the airport perimeter, in a densely populated residential and institutional zone.

The impact of the crash has really devastated BJ Medical College, where the aircraft struck the hostel mess during lunchtime. At least 50 to 60 MBBS students have been admitted to nearby hospitals, with 4 to 5 still reported missing. Two to three students are said to be in critical condition in the ICU/HDU, and tragically, the wife of a senior super-specialist doctor at the hospital has been confirmed dead. Several relatives of resident doctors are also feared missing.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken with the Gujarat Chief Minister, the state Home Minister, and the Police Commissioner, assuring full Central support for rescue and relief efforts. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also activated a helpline (9974111327) for families seeking information about passengers and victims.

The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has announced ₹1 crore compensation for the families of those who died in the crash, in a significant gesture of support. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport remains shut for flight operations, with restoration work underway.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Ahmedabad Plane Crash Live, India, and around the world.