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 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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief following the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
“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. I have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” Prime Minister Modi posted on X.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the aircraft was en route to Gatwick Airport when it went down in a densely populated residential area.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also extended her condolences, expressing sorrow over the loss.
“Distressed on hearing about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. My prayers are with all families and friends of those on board the flight,” she said.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal echoed the nation’s grief and offered his support to the victims and their families.
“Deeply pained to learn about the plane crash in Ahmedabad. I convey my deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We stand firmly with those grieving and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. Om Shanti,” Goyal posted on X.
The tragedy has drawn an outpouring of sympathy from world leaders. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged that many British nationals were reportedly among the passengers.
“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,” Starmer wrote on X.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy also offered condolences, affirming the UK’s commitment to support efforts on the ground.
“Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,” Lammy said on X.
Lammy later informed the British Parliament that crisis response teams had been activated in both New Delhi and London to coordinate assistance and support for affected families.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed sorrow and solidarity with the Indian people.
“Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister @narendramodi 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. We pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Zelenskyy posted on X.