A catastrophic accident struck Air India Flight AI171 as it crashed shortly after takeoff, carrying 242 people on board. The plane was en route London Gatwick from Ahmedabad in India. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed at 13:38 hrs local time and was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national, as confirmed in an official statement by Air India. The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals, while search-and-rescue operations are ongoing in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area. Updates are being closely monitored as international support and condolence messages arrive.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the incident “devastating”:
“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat – the state where the crash occurred expressed his anguish:
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah echoed the grief, confirming immediate mobilisation of rescue teams:
“Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation.”
Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell extended sympathies in the UK Parliament:
“The thoughts of the whole House and the government will be with the families of those traveling on flight AI171… This is an unfolding story, and it will undoubtedly be causing a huge amount of worry and concern to the many, many families and communities here and those waiting for the arrival of their loved ones. We send our deepest sympathy and thoughts… the government will provide all the support that it can.”
Secretary-General of Commonwealth Shirley Ayokor Botchwey expressed grief and extended sympathies :
Heartbroken to hear reports of the plane crash in Ahmedabad. On behalf of the Commonwealth family, I extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected, Prime Minister @NarendraModi
and the people of India. We are closely monitoring the situation as it develops.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also took to X :
The news of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is absolutely devastating. In this time of tragedy, Australia’s thoughts are with everyone affected. Our government is receiving regular updates and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
The crash has triggered a wave of shock and grief globally, especially given the number of international passengers on board. Air India has activated a dedicated passenger hotline (1800 5691 444) for families seeking information.
