An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, two pilots, and 10 cabin crew members. Later in the evening, police confirmed that all 242 passengers and crew members had died in the crash.
Air India’s Response Air India released a brief statement confirming the incident: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.” The airline has set up a dedicated helpline — 1800 5691 444 — to assist and provide information to the families of passengers.
Current Situation Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the tragedy, saying the incident has “stunned and saddened everyone.” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad has been closed until further notice. State officials reported that the crash occurred about nine minutes after the aircraft was cleared for takeoff. Dense smoke at the crash site has hampered ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
“Absolutely heartbroken with the news about the crash in Ahmedabad… my prayers for the victims, their families, and all affected.”
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its safety record and fuel efficiency, had no previous fatal crashes before this incident. The aircraft involved was a 787-8 model delivered in 2014, typically seating 248 passengers.
Muhammad Yunus offered prayers and expressed solidarity with India.
Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his deepest condolences, offering sympathy and support to the victims' families.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said he was “shocked and saddened” by the tragedy and offered prayers to the affected families.
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER
"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."
King Charles III
"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."
PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER SHEHBAZ SHARIF
"Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss."
PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA, MARK CARNEY, ON X
"Canada is deeply saddened by the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad with 242 people on board, including one Canadian."
"Canadian officials remain in close contact with counterparts in the wake of this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those affected."
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
"We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims' loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi."
AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE
"The news of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is absolutely devastating. In this time of tragedy, Australia's thoughts are with everyone affected."
ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI
"On behalf of the Italian Government and myself, I express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and our full solidarity with the Indian people in this moment of great sorrow."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, calling it “heartbreaking beyond words.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said:
“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.”
We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171.
— Tata Group (@TataCompanies) June 12, 2025
No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured.
Tata Group will…
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed to ANI over a phone call that one survivor has been found from the wreckage of Air India Flight 171. “A survivor was located in seat 11A and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. We cannot confirm the exact number of fatalities yet, as the plane crashed in a residential area. The death toll may rise,” Malik said.
Air India Chairman N. Chandra Calls Crash ‘Devastating Tragedy,ragedy” and the worst day of his professional career. He confirmed that a team from Boeing is en route to India to assist with the investigation. He also announced compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of the victims.
