NewzVille Desk
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic plane crash of a London-bound Air India flight near Ahmedabad, India. Posting on X, Starmer said, “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.”
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.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 12, 2025
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy also conveyed his condolences on X, stating he was “deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India.” He added that the UK government is working closely with Indian authorities to urgently establish facts and provide support to those affected.
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.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 12, 2025
The British High Commission in India confirmed the crash and urged British nationals needing consular assistance or concerned about relatives to call their helpline at 020 7008 5000. They said on X, “We are aware that a flight from Ahmedabad to London has crashed near Ahmedabad airport. We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected.”
The Air India flight AI-171, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner registered VT-ANB, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 2 pilots, 10 cabin crew, and 230 passengers. The plane crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar approximately five minutes after departure.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was commanding the flight with First Officer Clive Kundar as co-pilot. Of those onboard, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese citizens. The flight had departed Ahmedabad at 13:38 hrs en route to London Gatwick.
Rescue and investigation efforts are ongoing as authorities work to assess the full impact of this tragic accident. The international community has expressed deep sympathy, particularly for the families and loved ones of those onboard.
