Ahmedabad Air India flight crashes after ‘Mayday’ call: Understanding this emergency signal

An Air India flight bound for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, resulting in a tragic accident killing over 133 passengers. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, failed to gain altitude and plummeted at around 1:38 pm. The aircraft exploded into flames shortly after its descent, leaving behind a scene of devastation.

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According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, issued a "Mayday" distress call moments before the aircraft lost contact with Air Traffic Control. This urgent transmission signaled a critical situation onboard, marking the pilot’s final communication before the crash.

What is a Mayday call?

A Mayday call is an internationally accepted emergency alert used in aviation and maritime sectors. Derived from the French expression m’aider ("help me"), the signal has been in use since the 1920s. It is repeated three times—"Mayday, Mayday, Mayday"— to alert threats and to ensure clarity, especially under poor radio conditions.

This distress signal is issued by the person in command—typically a pilot or ship captain—during emergencies that jeopardize the safety of the vehicle and lives onboard. Scenarios warranting a Mayday include engine failure, onboard fires, structural damage, or severe navigational issues.

Once declared, all other radio communications are halted. The aircraft in distress is given immediate priority as the pilot provides crucial information such as location and the nature of the emergency, allowing emergency teams to coordinate swift rescue efforts.