'Deeply Distressing': UK PM Keir Starmer Reacts To Air India Plane Crash In Ahmedabad

According to Air India, the ill-fated Air India flight from Ahmedabad to Gatwick had 169 Indians, 53 British, and one Canadian national on-board.

United Kingdom PM Keir Starmer called the Ahmedabad plane crash "deeply distressing," assuring his support to families affected by the incident.

Source : Other

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed grief over the Air India plane crash in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. Calling it a "deeply distressing time," he said he is being updated about the latest developments, and assured his support to the passengers and their families.

According to Air India, the ill-fated Air India flight from Ahmedabad to Gatwick had 169 Indians, 53 British, and one Canadian national on-board.

In a post on X, Starmer wrote: "The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. 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.

I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 12, 2025

The London-bound Air India plane crashed in a residential area minutes after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport today. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft (AI171) lost altitude rapidly and crashed in a ball of fire. The aircraft carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew crashed in Meghaninagar area near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 2:00 PM.

Air India confirmed that its flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, met with an accident today after take-off.

UK MP for Tottenham David Lammy said he was "deeply saddened" by the crash. He assured that the UK is working with local authorities in India to "urgently establish the facts and provide support."

"Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India.  My thoughts are with all those affected," Lammy wrote on X.

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.

— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 12, 2025

London Mayor Sadiq Khan reacted to the "deeply distressing" news of the plane crash, saying that he remains in close contact with the UK government and the Indian High Commission.

The news from India is deeply distressing. My thoughts are with the family & friends of those on board the Air India flight—I can only imagine how devastating this must be.

I’m in close contact with the Government & Indian High Commission. More information from @AirIndia: https://t.co/V8iFrxxAPJ

— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) June 12, 2025

PM Modi Reacts To Ahmedabad Plane Crash

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to the plane crash, calling the tragedy "heartbreaking".     

“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," PM Modi wrote on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is on his way to Ahmedabad, spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to assess the situation. Shah also spoke to Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi and the Ahmedabad police commissioner.