Air India plane crash: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif sends condolences from UAE
London-bound flight had 242 onboard, including nationals of India, UK, Portugal, Canada
DUBAI: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the crash of Air India flight AI171 near Ahmedabad, calling it a “heartbreaking tragedy.”
His statement came while on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he is leading a high-level delegation for strategic talks with UAE leadership.
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people including passengers and crew, crashed minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft issued a Mayday call before plummeting into a hostel attached to a medical college in the Meghani Nagar locality.
Air India plane crash
Eyewitnesses reported a fireball and deafening explosion as the aircraft tore through the residential compound. Debris was scattered across rooftops and courtyards. Thick plumes of black smoke were seen billowing from the crash site, where emergency crews continued efforts into the night.
Local police chief Vishwas Kumar Ramesh confirmed 204 bodies had been recovered. One survivor – identified as a British national – was reportedly pulled from the wreckage and hospitalised with injuries.
A local resident said her son, a doctor-in-training, survived by jumping from a second-floor window of the burning hostel.
Nationalities confirmed
Air India confirmed the aircraft was carrying:
- 169 Indian nationals
- 53 British nationals
- 7 Portuguese nationals
- 1 Canadian national
Twelve crew members were also on board, including Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar. A full passenger list is being verified by aviation authorities.
Investigation in process
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation into the crash. Flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered, and Boeing representatives are expected to assist with the technical inquiry.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, though unverified reports suggest a possible technical malfunction shortly after take-off. Officials have urged the public and media to avoid speculation until findings are confirmed.
Flight operations at Ahmedabad airport remain limited as recovery operations continue.
Shehbaz Sharif in UAE
Sharif’s condolence message was shared on social media platform X: “Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”
Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 12, 2025
We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
The gesture comes just weeks after a military standoff between India and Pakistan in May, and is being viewed as a rare instance of cross-border empathy. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also offered condolences, calling the incident “deeply saddening.”
Sharif landed at Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen Airport on Thursday and was received by UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His delegation includes Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا ایک روزہ سرکاری دورۂ متحدہ عرب امارت
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 12, 2025
وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف متحدہ عرب امارات کے صدر اور ابو ظہبی کے فرمانروا عزت مآب شیخ محمد بن زاید النہیان کی دعوت پر متحدہ عرب امارات کے ایک روزہ سرکاری دورے پر ابو ظہبی پہنچ گئے۔
نائب وزیرِ اعظم و وزیرِ… pic.twitter.com/MVm97zh5Pv
During his visit, Sharif met UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders discussed political cooperation, investment, energy, and regional security. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the trip aims to reinforce “long-standing ties rooted in mutual respect and shared vision.”
The visit builds upon previous engagements, including Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to Pakistan earlier this year, which focused on humanitarian aid, economic support, and strategic alignment.