LONDON, June 12 — UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday described the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad as “devastating”, killing 242 people, including 53 British nationals.
“The scenes of the crash of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this extremely sad time,” Starmer said in a statement from Downing Street.
The tragedy occurred just after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The London-Gatwick-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in the Meghani area of Ahmedabad, causing a massive explosion and sending black smoke billowing into the air. Emergency services rushed to the scene.
Several British nationals were on board the plane
Air India has confirmed that 53 of the passengers were British nationals. Rescue and recovery operations are underway, as officials assess the full extent of the disaster.
Modi expresses deep grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences following the incident. He said in an official statement, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has left us shocked and saddened. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad moment, my condolences are with all those affected. I am in touch with ministers and officials who are working to assist those affected.”
Flight AI 171, flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed outside the airport perimeter.
In response, airport authorities suspended all flight operations.
An official statement said, “Flight AI 171, flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff outside the airport perimeter. As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is currently not operational. All flight operations have been temporarily suspended until further notice.” DGCA and Air India confirmed details
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), issued a statement identifying the aircraft as a Boeing 787 Dreamliner registered VT-ANB.
It took off from runway 23 at 1:39 pm IST.
“Soon after takeoff, the pilots issued a ‘Mayday’ distress call to air traffic control. However, no further communication was received before the aircraft crashed to the ground. The aircraft crashed to the ground outside the airport perimeter soon after departure from runway 23. Heavy black smoke was seen coming out from the accident site,” the DGCA said.
Air India also acknowledged the incident on social media, saying: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today, 12 June 2025.