Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep shock over the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, describing the incident as “heartbreaking beyond words.”
“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. I have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” PM Modi said in a post on X on Thursday.
An Air India plane headed to London with 242 people on board crashed minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, airline and police officials said.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was operating Flight AI-171 to Gatwick Airport when it went down shortly after departure. The aircraft was carrying 2 pilots, 10 cabin crew members, and 230 passengers.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed her heartfelt condolences following the crash of an Air India aircraft near Ahmedabad Airport, which was carrying 242 people, including crew members.
“Distressed on hearing about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. My prayers are with all families and friends of those on board the flight,” said Sitharaman.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said he was “deeply pained to learn about the plane crash in Ahmedabad.”
“I convey my deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. We stand firmly with those grieving and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. Om Shanti,” he posted.
Offering his condolences, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with the passengers and their families.
“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” Starmer wrote on X.
“I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” he added.
British Foreign Minister David Lammy said he was deeply saddened by the news and that the UK was working with Indian authorities.
“Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India,” Lammy said on X. “My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support.”
Speaking later in the British Parliament, Lammy said the UK had activated a crisis team in both India’s capital, New Delhi, and in London.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also extended his condolences.
“Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister @narendramodi and the entire people of India on this tragic day. Our thoughts are with all victims’ relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We share your shock and grief. We pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” he said in a post on X.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) said an operational control room had been activated “to oversee and coordinate all necessary response measures.”
It also shared emergency contact numbers for assistance and information: the Delhi control room can be reached at 011-24610843 and 9650391859, while the Ahmedabad control room can be contacted at 9978405304 and 079-23251900.
