US, UK, France, Russia Mourn Loss After Air India Plane Crashes In Ahmedabad
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Ahmedabad Plane Crash: World leaders and diplomatic missions from Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom and France expressed deep condolences.
A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, triggering a wave of shock and sorrow across the globe. World leaders and diplomatic missions from Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom and France expressed deep condolences and solidarity with India in the wake of the tragedy.
Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM en route to London Gatwick but was involved in a catastrophic incident minutes after takeoff. On board were 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian, and the remaining passengers were Indian citizens.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash of the London-bound Air India flight in Ahmedabad, calling the emerging scenes 'devastating." In a post on X, Keir Starmer said he is being kept updated on the developing situation and extended his thoughts to the passengers and their families. 'My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time," he wrote, acknowledging the presence of many British nationals on board the ill-fated flight.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, calling it 'heartbreaking." In a message addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she offered her condolences to the bereaved families and said, 'Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow."
French Ambassador Thierry Mathou echoed the sentiment, saying, 'France is deeply saddened by reports of a plane crash in #Ahmedabad. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. We express our full solidarity at this difficult time."
Gideon Sa'ar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, expressed his condolences over the Ahmedabad plane crash, saying he was deeply saddened by the tragedy. 'Our hearts are with the Indian people following this terrible incident," he wrote, extending solidarity to those affected.
The US Consulate in Mumbai acknowledged the crash and advised American citizens in the region to check in with loved ones: 'We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad today, June 12, 2025… If you are in the affected area and need immediate emergency services, please contact local authorities."
The UK Embassy confirmed that the flight was headed for London and added, 'We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected."
What We Know So Far
Air India has not yet disclosed the number of casualties but stated that injured passengers are being taken to nearby hospitals. The nature of the crash remains under investigation. Emergency response teams are at the site, and the Civil Aviation Ministry has launched a formal inquiry.
First Published:
June 12, 2025, 16:01 IST
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