UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the crash of an Air India flight in Ahmedabad as “devastating.” In a statement released by Downing Street on Thursday, Starmer said, “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
The tragic incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed in the Meghani area of Ahmedabad, triggering a massive explosion and sending a thick column of black smoke into the sky. Emergency services responded swiftly to the disaster.
According to Air India, 53 British nationals were on board the ill-fated flight. Authorities continue to assess the full impact of the crash and conduct rescue and recovery operations.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation following the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. In his first official statement since the incident, he expressed deep sorrow and shock. “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 impacted,” said Prime Minister Modi.
The crash involved Flight AI 171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, which went down shortly after takeoff, just outside Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. In response, airport authorities have temporarily suspended all operations until further notice. “Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airport. As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice,” read the official statement.