Operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad resumed on Wednesday after a brief suspension following a small aircraft crash on the runway earlier in the day. The incident prompted immediate emergency response and temporarily disrupted flight schedules.
According to airport officials, a small private aircraft crash-landed on the runway around mid-morning due to suspected technical failure. The aircraft, which had just taken off, attempted an emergency landing after reporting engine trouble. The pilot managed to execute a controlled landing, preventing any fatalities.
All passengers and crew aboard the aircraft were safely evacuated. Emergency services, including airport fire crews, medical teams, and rescue units, responded swiftly to the crash site. The injured were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were declared out of danger.
Following the incident, all incoming and outgoing flights were put on hold as authorities assessed the situation and cleared the runway. Several flights were delayed or diverted to alternate airports such as Mumbai and Udaipur. Normal operations resumed after safety checks and inspections were completed by airport authorities and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
“The runway has been cleared and all operations have resumed after thorough inspection,” said an airport spokesperson. “We ensured passenger safety was not compromised at any stage.”
The DGCA has launched a probe into the incident to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings point towards an engine malfunction, though a detailed technical analysis is awaited. Investigators are reviewing flight data, communication logs, and maintenance records of the aircraft.
Civil aviation experts have stressed the importance of strict safety measures for private aircraft, including regular maintenance and adherence to pre-flight inspection protocols. The aviation ministry has also called for a safety review to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Despite the scare, the quick response and professionalism of the emergency teams ensured minimal disruption and no loss of life. Officials have reiterated their commitment to passenger safety and operational integrity.
