Fifty-three British nationals were among the 242 people on board the doomed jet
A GATWICK-BOUND Air India jet carrying 242 people, including 53 British nationals, has crashed into a densely populated residential area in Ahmedabad, India. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner came down just five minutes after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday (June 12), erupting into flames on impact.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft plummet into the Meghani Nagar district, where it ignited a huge blaze and left a trail of destruction through homes and narrow streets. Videos circulating on social media show thick black smoke billowing above the city skyline as emergency services battle to contain the inferno.
Officials have confirmed that the aircraft—operating as Air India Flight AI171—was en route to London Gatwick and had reached an altitude of just 625 feet when radar contact was lost. The plane departed Ahmedabad at 1:38pm local time and was scheduled to arrive in London at 6:25pm.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has confirmed that the aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Nationalities onboard included 169 Indian nationals, 53 from the UK, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese.
The Indian Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, said: “We are on highest alert. Rescue teams have been mobilised and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support at the site.” India’s Home Affairs Minister, Amit Shah, expressed his sorrow in a statement, saying he was “pained beyond words” and was personally coordinating with local authorities.
Air India confirmed the crash in a statement, adding that a passenger hotline has been set up and emergency teams are on-site. The airline’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. We are doing everything in our power to assist emergency response teams and to support the families.”
The UK Foreign Office released a statement acknowledging the crash and confirmed it was working with local authorities to establish the facts and provide consular assistance. “British nationals who require help should call 020 7008 5000,” the statement read.
In Westminster, Commons Leader Lucy Powell addressed the tragedy during Thursday’s session. “The thoughts of the whole House and the Government will be with the families of those travelling on flight AI171,” she said. “This is an unfolding story… The Government will provide all the support it can, both to those in India and to families here in the UK.”
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle added: “All our prayers and thoughts go to the families of that London-bound aircraft that’s crashed. Let’s hope there’s better news to come.”
Gatwick Airport confirmed the flight had been due to arrive at 6:25pm, and all arrivals and departures from Ahmedabad airport have been suspended following the incident.
This is the first major crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2009. The aircraft is known for its advanced safety features and has a strong safety record, with more than 1,000 delivered to airlines worldwide.
As of Thursday afternoon, the full extent of casualties is not yet confirmed. Rescuers are combing through the debris, with injured passengers and local residents being transported to nearby hospitals.
The Herald will continue to follow this developing story.
