A tragic air disaster involving an Air India flight en route to London has left dozens feared dead and sparked an outpouring of grief, with officials pledging full support for the victims' families.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad, a major city in western India. Bound for London Gatwick, the aircraft was carrying over 240 people, including 53 British nationals, when it went down earlier today (June 12). The crash sent thick plumes of black smoke into the sky, visible for miles, as emergency crews rushed to the site, BBC News details.
In the hours following the disaster, Air India confirmed the nationalities of those on board. The Daily Mail states that, among the 228 passengers were 169 Indian citizens, 53 from the UK, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. According to Reuters, 217 adults and 11 children were traveling on the flight.
The chairman of Air India, N. Chandrasekaran, issued a solemn statement in the wake of the crash, describing the moment as one of “profound sorrow,” per The Express.
“With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today,” Chandrasekaran said. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
He added that the airline’s primary focus now is offering immediate support to the victims and their families.
“We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted,” the statement continued. “An emergency centre has been activated and a support team has been set up for families seeking information. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information.”
The emotional message from Air India’s top official underscores the gravity of the loss and the urgency of the humanitarian response underway. The airline has activated crisis teams and is working closely with local authorities and international agencies to manage the aftermath of the crash.
In the UK, Commons Leader Lucy Powell offered condolences and assured that the British Government would “provide all the support that it can” to those impacted by the tragedy, particularly the families of the 53 British passengers, per Politico.
Gatwick Airport, where the aircraft had been due to land at 6:25 p.m. local time, also acknowledged the incident in a public statement posted on X. A spokesperson confirmed the flight was expected to arrive at the airport today and promised more updates as details emerge.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and officials have not yet released information regarding survivors or fatalities. Search and recovery operations are ongoing, and authorities have sealed off the area near the crash site as emergency personnel continue to assess the scene.
This incident marks one of the most serious aviation tragedies involving Air India in recent years. The airline, India’s flag carrier, has pledged full transparency as the investigation progresses and is expected to release additional statements as more verified information becomes available.
For now, the global focus remains on the victims and their loved ones, as communities across India, the UK, and beyond begin to process the devastating impact of this unexpected loss.