With many British nationals on board, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also reacted to the crash, stating on X (formerly Twitter),
India, UK Leaders React as Air India AI-171 Crash Prompts Emergency Response; Helplines Activated
In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 en route from Ahmedabad to London (Gatwick), the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, has activated an Operational Control Room to coordinate rescue, relief, and response efforts.
The helpline numbers for information and assistance are:
Ministry of Civil Aviation Control Room: 011-24610843, 9650391859
Ahmedabad Airport Helpline: 9974111327
"We are committed to a swift response and full support to all affected families," the Ministry stated in an official release.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), crashed just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, falling into a residential locality in Meghani Nagar. The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 52 British nationals, 6 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian, apart from Indian passengers and crew.
Central & State Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep grief, saying, “Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. I have spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and the Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation.”
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had earlier announced the creation of a green corridor to ensure the swift transport of injured passengers to hospitals.
UK PM Keir Starmer Issues Statement
With many British nationals on board, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also reacted to the crash, stating on X (formerly Twitter),
“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 aircraft was under the command of Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 flying hours) with First Officer Clive Kundar (1,100 flying hours).
Operations at Ahmedabad Airport have been suspended until further notice.
Rescue operations underway.
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