UK reacts to Air India Crash: Starmer 'deeply distressed', King Charles briefed, British High Commission offers support
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday said he is being 'kept updated as the situation develops' following the crash of Air India Flight AI171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Describing it as a 'deeply distressing time,' Starmer expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. The Labour party leader also expressed deep sorrow over the crash that involved several British nationals 'The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,' Starmer said in a statement. '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 incident involved Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner , which crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick. The flight was carrying 242 passengers and crew, including 53 British nationals, according to the Tata-owned airline.Meanwhile, in a post on social media platform X, the British High Commission in New Delhi confirmed awareness of the crash and said it is actively coordinating with Indian authorities.'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 High Commission said.The mission also shared a link to updated travel advisories and encouraged families of British nationals onboard to reach out for consular assistance. Additional support staff are being mobilised to liaise with Indian officials and offer help to survivors and their families.In addition, Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles III has been kept informed of the crash and its aftermath. A spokesperson told AFP that the King is 'being kept updated about the Air India plane crash.'The monarch's involvement underlines the scale of the tragedy and the attention it is receiving at the highest levels in the UK.The flight departed Ahmedabad at 1:39 pm and made a distress (MAYDAY) call shortly after takeoff, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). No further communication was received from the aircraft before it crashed just outside the airport perimeter, sending up plumes of black smoke.The cause of the crash is under investigation. At the time of writing, there has been no official confirmation of casualties, though several are feared dead. Emergency services, including six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, are continuing rescue and recovery operations.The Tata-owned airline and Indian authorities are expected to release further details as investigations progress. The airline has set up an emergency response centre and dedicated support teams to aid affected families.
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