"Heartbreaking": How World Leaders Reacted To Air India Plane Crash In Ahmedabad
The United Kingdom expressed grief over the devastating plane crash in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Thursday. An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers crashed shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. The flight was enroute to London.
Britain's King Charles in a statement said that he was "desperately shocked" about the plane crash. He wrote on X, "My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones."
A message from His Majesty The King following this morning's tragic incident in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/H5zb6KlNnf
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 12, 2025
Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, took to X to offer condolences to the families affected. He posted, "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
French President Emmanuel Macron also extended his thoughts to the loved ones of the victims of the plane crash. He took to X to say, "We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims' loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi."
We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims' loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 12, 2025
Vladimir Putin, Russia's President, in a post on Telegram offered his condolences to Prime Minister Modi saying, "Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes of a swift recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the news of the plane crash was "absolutely devastating" and wrote on X, "In this time of tragedy, Australia's thoughts are with everyone affected."
The news of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is absolutely devastating.
In this time of tragedy, Australia's thoughts are with everyone affected.
Our government is receiving regular updates and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) June 12, 2025
Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh's Chief Advisor said that Bangladesh stands in solidarity with India, and said, "Shocked at the tragic crash of #AirIndia flight carrying 242 passengers in Ahmedabad.
We join all in prayers for the bereaved ones and their families. #Bangladesh stands in solidarity with people and government of #India at this trying time."
Shocked at the tragic crash of #AirIndia flight carrying 242 passengers in Ahmedabad.
We join all in prayers for the bereaved ones and their families. #Bangladesh stands in solidarity with people and government of #India at this trying time.
— Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) June 12, 2025
Britain's High Commission in New Delhi took to X to provide support.
"We are aware that a flight from Ahmedabad to London has crashed near Ahmedabad airport.
We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected", the British High Commission posted on X.
We are aware that a flight from Ahmedabad to London has crashed near Ahmedabad airport.
We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected. https://t.co/F4EhI9H9Qx
— UK in India🇬🇧🇮🇳 (@UKinIndia) June 12, 2025
David Lammy, Britain's Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs condoled those affected by the crash. He 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."
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
Russian Ambassador to India said that the news was "heartbreaking", and offered sympathy to the families of those affected and to the Indian people.
He said, "Heartbreaking news is coming from Ahmedabad.😢 My heartfelt sympathy to the families and near ones of the victims and to all Indian people and the Government of India over this tragic major catastrophe! 🙏🏻"
Heartbreaking news is coming from Ahmedabad.😢 My heartfelt sympathy to the families and near ones of the victims and to all Indian people and the Government of India over this tragic major catastrophe! 🙏🏻
— Denis Alipov 🇷🇺 (@AmbRus_India) June 12, 2025
French Ambassador Thierry Mathou said that, '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."
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.
— Thierry Mathou (@thierry_mathou) June 12, 2025
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed grief over the crash and said "Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow."
Heartbreaking news from India with the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad.
My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss.
We share your pain. Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of… https://t.co/jWdKEmGGW1
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 12, 2025
Gideon Sa'ar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, said he was "deeply saddened" to hear about the plane crash and wrote on X, "Our hearts are with the Indian people following this terrible incident."
Deeply saddened to hear about the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad, India.
Our hearts are with the Indian people following this terrible incident.
🇮🇱🙏🇮🇳 @DrSJaishankar
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) June 12, 2025
There were 169 Indians, 53 British citizens on the flight.
In light of the plane crash, an Operational Control Room has been activated at the Ministry of Civil Aviation to coordinate all details.
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