Modi and Starmer react to Air India plane crash
Emergency services activated in both India and United Kingdom
DUBAI: Hours after a devastating plane crash in Gujarat’s capital, leaders from India and the United Kingdom have issued heartfelt statements over the loss of lives aboard an Air India flight that went down minutes after takeoff.
The wide-body Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI171, was en route to London Gatwick when it crashed just outside Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon.
The aircraft, carrying 242 people – including 230 passengers and 12 crew members – took off from Runway 23 at 1:38 PM IST. Within five minutes, it issued a “MAYDAY” distress call and then lost contact with air traffic control. The plane crashed into the Meghaninagar locality, a densely populated area near the airport perimeter, triggering a large fire and heavy smoke.
Visuals from the scene showed scattered debris, charred wreckage, and emergency crews battling flames amid a chaotic rescue operation.
How did Modi react to plane crash?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to respond to the unfolding crisis. Calling the crash “heartbreaking beyond words,” Modi said in a post on social media: “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.”
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. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025
He confirmed being in close contact with government officials overseeing relief efforts. "Ministers and local authorities are working tirelessly to assist the victims and their families," he added.
UK PM: ‘Devastating scenes’
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also reacted strongly to the crash, as dozens of British nationals were reportedly on board the ill-fated flight.
The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 12, 2025
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,” Starmer said in an official statement. “My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time. I am receiving regular updates from officials.”
British and Indian nationals among victims
While a full passenger list has not yet been released, Air India
Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are…
Both the Indian government and the UK High Commission in New Delhi have activated emergency helplines to support affected families. Investigations into the cause of the crash are currently being led by the DGCA, with Boeing representatives expected to assist.