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A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 passengers and crew members crashed in Ahmedabad’s Meghani area near the city’s airport Thursday afternoon.
The aircraft, a Boeing Dreamliner, took off around 1.47 pm, slightly delayed from schedule. Officials say it crashed 9 minutes after being given clearance for take-off. Soon images and videos of smoke rising from the ground started doing the rounds on the internet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the tragedy had “stunned and saddened” the nation. “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,” he wrote on social media.
Following the crash, Air India, in a statement, said: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.”
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer called the scenes emerging from Ahmedabad “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,” wrote Starmer.
The UK government on its travel advisory website said it was aware of the plane crash in Ahmedabad: “The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved. British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000.”
King Charles also expressed his shock and sympathy on the Instagram page of the royal family: “My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones. I would like to pay a particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted a message on X: “Heartbroken to hear the news of a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My prayers are with all who lost their loved ones in this horrible incident. We continue to monitor developments and stand with the emergency responders working to help those impacted.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed his anguish. “Devastated to learn of the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers — including one Canadian. My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board,” he wrote on X.
President of Russia Vladimir Putin also sent a message for the people of India saying. “Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. Kindly convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and near ones of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe.”
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he shared the nations shock and grief: “Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the entire people of India on this tragic day. Our thoughts are with all victims’ relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We share your shock and grief on this tragic day. We all pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,” he wrote on X.
Calling the incident tragic, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he was “pained beyond words.” “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,” he wrote X (formerly Twitter).
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, “Deeply shocked to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. Our prayers are with the passengers and their families.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was ‘deeply anguished’ and that his thoughts and prayers are with the families of the passengers and the crew.
Senior Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi said the country was hoping against hope that the victims survive. “My heart goes out to the families of the passengers and crew on board the Air India flight. The whole nation is hoping against hope that your loved ones survive this horrifying crash. May God be with all of you,” she wrote.
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel also took to X to express his condolences: “I am deeply saddened by the incident of Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. I have instructed the officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing. I have also instructed to arrange for a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all arrangements for treatment in the hospital on priority basis. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to me and assured full cooperation.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she was “stunned” and “profoundly shocked.”
“Stunned and profoundly shocked to know of the most tragic Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad today. It is a most sad news for all of us and I convey my condolences to victim families, even while we anxiously wait for survivors details and pray for survival of all,” Banerjee wrote in a post on X.
The crash during take-off of the London-bound plane has shaken and saddened me at my core. While we do not know exact figures, media reports indicate that there were 242 passengers in the plane. I am praying to God at this moment,” she added.
Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, wrote in a post on X, “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site…”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote in a post on X, “Deeply concerned by reports of an Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad. Praying for the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew members.”
Air India Chairman, N Chandrasekaran, in a statement said: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
The statement added that the organisation was focussing on supporting all affected persons and their families. “We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted,” the statement said, adding that an emergency centre had been activated and support team had been set up for families seeking information.
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