An Air India plane travelling to London has crashed shortly after take-off, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew.
According to reports, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed after leaving Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, in the west of the country at 13:47 local time, nine minutes after being given clearance for take-off.
Air India issued a statement to say: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick was involved in an accident on 12 June 2025.
“At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest opportunity.”
It later said there were 169 Indian nationals on the flight, 53 Britons, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals.
Police said the plane crashed into a ‘civilian area’ in Meghaninagar.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said: “Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
Air India Chair Natarajan Chandrasekaran said: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.”
He said an emergency centre has been activated and a support team set up for families seeking information.
The UK Foreign Office has issued an update to say: “We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad.
“The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved. British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “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.”
