 "Emergency personnel work at the crash site of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025, in this still image taken from video. Source: ANI")
Air India on Thursday (June 12) confirmed that flight AI171 bound to Gatwick in London, was involved in an accident after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
“Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident,” the Airline said
The aircraft fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter immediately after departure from Runway 23. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen at the accident spot as emergency crews reached the spot.
Meanwhile, reactions are now pouring in from around the world following the deadly plane crash in India.
France
Ambassador of France to India, Thierry Mathou, issued a statement, saying France was ‘saddened’ by the reports of plane crash.
“France is deeply saddened by reports of a plane crash in #Ahmedabad. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. We express our full solidarity at this difficult time."
UK
UK PM Keir Starmer called the incident “devastating”.
“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.”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a statement.
“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,” he wrote on X.
The UK high commission also issued a statement, saying it was in touch with local authorities to establish facts.
“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”
British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron said in a post on X “I’m deeply saddened by the news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad today. My thoughts are with the people and families of everyone affected.
We’re working with local authorities and the airline to seek further information. We stand ready to support British nationals who require consular assistance - you can call the FCDO on +44 20 7008 5000 or Air India on 1800 5691 444.”
US
The US consulate in Mumbai issued an advisory for its citizens in the area.
“We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad today, June 12, 2025. We urge U.S. citizens in the affected areas who are safe to contact their loved ones directly and/or update their status on social media. If you are in the affected area and need immediate emergency services, please contact local authorities,” it said in a statement.
Russia
Putin offers condolences to India over Ahmedabad plane crash
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the tragic passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
In an official message addressed to both Indian leaders, President Putin expressed sorrow over the incident. “Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad,” Putin said.
The Russian President also offered words of comfort to those affected, saying, “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.”
Iran
“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of #Iran in New Delhi expresses its deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences over the tragic crash of a passenger aircraft in #Ahmedabad. We extend our sympathies to the Government and people of India, especially to the bereaved families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. We also wish a swift and full recovery to all those who have been injured in this heartbreaking incident. We stand with the people of India in this moment of sorrow,” posts Iran in India
Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: To my friend @PMOIndia @narendramodi and the people of India, I was saddened to learn of the tragic Air India crash that has taken the lives of 242 men, women and children. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen.
Foemer UK PM Rishi Sinal said in a post on X “Akshata and I are deeply shocked and distressed by the news of the Air India tragedy.
There is a unique bond between our two nations and our thoughts and prayers go out to the British and Indian families who have lost loved ones today.”
Pakistan
Foriegn Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar said in a post on X “Saddened at the crash of Air India flight in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Condolences over the loss of precious lives in this tragic incident. Our sympathies are with the families of the victims in this hour of grief.”
Afghanistan
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Abdul Qahar Balkhi said in a post on X, “IEA-MoFA is deeply saddened by crash of an Indian commercial aircraft, and expresses its sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims and government of India.”