New Delhi / London – A major aviation tragedy struck early Tuesday morning as Air India Flight AI 101, en route from New Delhi to London Heathrow, crashed in the northern region of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with 242 people on board. Authorities have confirmed the loss of contact with the aircraft at approximately 5:47 AM IST, just over three hours into its scheduled 8.5-hour journey.
The Boeing 777-300ER was carrying 229 passengers and 13 crew members when it disappeared from radar without issuing a distress signal. Air India has officially confirmed the incident and activated emergency response protocols.
Timeline of Events
Flight AI 101 took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi at 2:12 AM IST on Tuesday. It was expected to land at London Heathrow around 7:30 AM GMT. According to flight tracking data, the plane was flying at a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet when communication abruptly ceased as it passed over the Himalayan region near the Line of Control (LoC).
Shortly after the loss of signal, reports began surfacing from local villagers in the Neelum Valley region of a loud explosion followed by fire and smoke on a nearby mountainside.
One eyewitness, Ghulam Raza, a shepherd in the area, told reporters:
“It was still dark. I heard a huge boom like thunder. Then the sky lit up. I saw fire falling from the sky… like burning metal raining down. I ran with my family.”
Search and Rescue Efforts
As daylight broke, rescue efforts were hampered by poor weather conditions, including low visibility and heavy winds, which are common in the mountainous terrain. However, Pakistani authorities deployed military helicopters, ground teams, and medical personnel to the suspected crash site. India has offered full cooperation and requested immediate diplomatic clearance to assist in the operation.
By 2 PM local time, Pakistani rescue teams confirmed wreckage had been found on a steep slope near the Shounter Pass, scattered across several hundred meters.
A senior Pakistani army official, who requested anonymity, said:
“Debris has been confirmed as belonging to a large commercial aircraft. There is no sign of survivors so far, but the area is vast, and the search is ongoing.”
Air India Responds
In an emotional press conference in New Delhi, Air India’s Chairman and Managing Director, Captain Rajiv Bhatia, stated:
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic event. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of all those on board. We are doing everything in our power to assist authorities and provide support to affected families.”
Air India has set up an emergency hotline and family assistance centers at both New Delhi and London airports. Counselors, airline officials, and volunteers are providing support to grieving relatives.
Passenger Details
Although the airline has not yet released the full passenger manifest, it confirmed that the 242 individuals on board included:
- 198 Indian nationals
- 23 British citizens
- 9 U.S. citizens
- 4 crew members of British descent
- Others from various countries including Australia, Canada, and Germany
A large number of the passengers were reportedly students, business travelers, and families heading to London for the summer holidays.
International Reactions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Deeply anguished by the crash of Air India flight AI 101. Our prayers are with the victims and their families. We are coordinating all possible support with international partners.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the nation from Downing Street:
“We stand with India and all those affected by this devastating tragedy. British agencies are in contact with Indian officials and offering full assistance.”
The U.S. State Department also expressed condolences and confirmed it is working to verify the identities of the nine American citizens onboard.
Questions About the Crash
The cause of the crash remains unknown, but aviation experts say it is highly unusual for a plane to disappear from radar at cruising altitude without sending a mayday.
Retired Indian Air Force pilot and aviation analyst, Group Captain Arvind Mehra, commented:
“Modern aircraft are designed with multiple fail-safes. For a 777 to go down like this, something catastrophic must have occurred—mechanical failure, structural issue, or possibly external factors like weather or even foul play.”
Initial reports suggest there was no extreme weather in the area at the time of the disappearance. However, the mountainous terrain may have contributed to difficulties in navigation or communication.
Both the Flight Data Recorder (black box) and Cockpit Voice Recorder will be essential in determining what happened. Pakistani authorities have confirmed their recovery teams are actively searching for these devices.
Security Concerns and Speculation
Though authorities have urged caution, some security analysts have raised the possibility of foul play due to the location of the crash near a militarized border region.
Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority released a statement denying any military engagement in the area at the time, and Indian defense officials have ruled out any missile activity. As of now, no terrorist organization has claimed responsibility, and officials emphasize that no evidence currently suggests the crash was a deliberate act.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation have announced a full investigation, which will likely involve coordination with Boeing, Rolls-Royce (the engine manufacturer), and international aviation regulators.
Boeing Issues Statement
Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft involved, issued a short statement from its headquarters in Seattle:
“We are aware of media reports involving Air India Flight AI 101. Our hearts go out to those affected. Boeing is ready to provide technical assistance to investigative authorities as required.”
The Boeing 777-300ER is widely regarded as one of the most reliable long-haul aircraft and is used by major airlines worldwide. This particular aircraft was delivered to Air India in 2016 and had undergone routine maintenance just two months prior.
Looking Ahead
As night falls over the Himalayas, the search continues—both for survivors and for answers. For now, families are left waiting, hoping against hope for a miracle, while the world watches a tragedy unfold in real-time.
Air India has pledged full transparency and support to grieving families. Flags are being flown at half-mast across several Indian government buildings, and candlelight vigils have already begun in airports and temples across the country.
This heartbreaking incident has reminded the world of the fragility of life and the risks that come even with the most routine acts—like boarding a plane home.
Emergency Hotline for Families:
Air India Support: +91-11256-73822 (India)
London Assistance Desk: +44-208-123-0051
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
