An Air India passenger plane carrying 242 individuals crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, prompting a wave of shock and condolences from leaders across the world.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANB, was operating Flight AI-171 bound for Gatwick Airport in London when it went down minutes after departing, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers, alongside 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members.
Emergency responders were swiftly mobilized to the crash site as details of the incident unfolded throughout the day.
PM Modi Says Tragedy Is ‘Heartbreaking Beyond Words’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the accident and emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to assist those impacted.
“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,” Modi stated in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.
Modi has reportedly been in direct contact with senior officials to ensure a coordinated emergency response.
Indian Cabinet Members Express Grief
Prominent members of the Indian government have also conveyed their condolences as the nation comes to grips with the catastrophe.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described the event as distressing, saying, “Distressed on hearing about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. My prayers are with all families and friends of those on board the flight.”
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal voiced similar sentiments. “Deeply pained to learn about the plane crash in Ahmedabad,” Goyal posted on X. “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.”
International Leaders Offer Condolences
The crash of a plane carrying many international passengers drew responses from leaders around the world, with several expressing solidarity with India.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among the first to comment, given that Flight AI-171 was en route to London. “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” Starmer posted. “I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
British Foreign Minister David Lammy also responded, stating that the UK is working closely with Indian authorities. “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 wrote on X.
Later, addressing the British Parliament, Lammy confirmed that UK crisis teams have been activated in both New Delhi and London to provide assistance to British nationals involved in the incident.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extended condolences on behalf of Ukraine. “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.
Emergency Response Underway
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed that an operational control room was immediately activated to coordinate all emergency response measures.
The AAI also provided emergency helpline numbers for those seeking information on the crash. The Delhi control room can be reached at 011-24610843 and 9650391859, while the Ahmedabad control room is accessible at 9978405304 and 079-23251900. Rescue operations were ongoing as authorities worked to locate survivors and manage the aftermath. Both Indian and international teams are collaborating to assess the full impact of the crash.
The DGCA has launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft encountered technical difficulties shortly after takeoff, although officials caution that a comprehensive inquiry is required before conclusions can be drawn. Sources within the aviation authority stated that a team of investigators, including experts from the DGCA and representatives from Boeing, will examine the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) once they are recovered. Aviation experts are also working to establish a clear timeline of events in coordination with air traffic control and the flight operations team of Air India.
Air India Pledges Full Support to Affected Families
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, Air India expressed profound regret over the crash and pledged full support to the families of those affected. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragic event. Air India is fully cooperating with authorities and providing assistance to the passengers’ families and loved ones,” the airline said. The airline added that dedicated support teams had been deployed to Ahmedabad and London to coordinate relief efforts and assist families.
Community and Diplomatic Reactions
The incident has sparked grief and solidarity across India’s aviation community and among foreign diplomatic missions.
The British High Commission in New Delhi issued a statement acknowledging that a significant number of British citizens were on board Flight AI-171. “We are coordinating with Indian authorities and working closely with Air India to gather details and provide support to British families impacted by the crash,” a spokesperson for the High Commission said. Similarly, representatives from the embassies of Portugal and Canada have confirmed they are in touch with Indian officials to account for any of their nationals who may have been on board.
The crash of the Air India Dreamliner has sent ripples through the global aviation community. Industry analysts noted that this was one of the first major incidents involving a Boeing 787-8 in recent years. The Boeing 787 series, widely used for international routes, is considered one of the most advanced aircraft in operation today. Aviation analysts expect the findings of the DGCA investigation to be closely scrutinized across the sector. Aviation safety expert Ramesh Kumar stated that while modern aircraft are designed with multiple safety redundancies, unexpected failures can still occur. “It is vital to understand the technical reasons behind this crash. Every detail will be important for the global aviation community,” he said.
As rescue and recovery operations continued, hundreds of relatives gathered at Ahmedabad Airport and at Gatwick Airport in London, anxiously awaiting updates.
Counseling services have been set up at both locations, and authorities are working to keep families informed as the situation develops. Thursday’s Air India crash in Ahmedabad has triggered an outpouring of grief across India and beyond. The tragedy has prompted swift reactions from government officials, international leaders, and aviation authorities. While a comprehensive investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the crash, efforts remain focused on supporting the survivors, comforting bereaved families, and ensuring that critical questions about flight safety are addressed. The coming days will be crucial in understanding the full scope of this devastating incident.
