The tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, has prompted an outpouring of grief and official responses from leaders across India and beyond. The flight crashed into the Meghaninagar residential area shortly after takeoff at 1:38 PM IST, triggering a massive emergency response. Below is a compilation of statements from key leaders and officials, alongside specific details about the incident as they have emerged.

Leaders- Who Said What

President Draupadi Murmu: “It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “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. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah: “Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation.”

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel: “I am deeply saddened by the incident of Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. I have instructed the officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing. I have also instructed to arrange for a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all arrangements for treatment in the hospital on priority basis. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to me and assured full cooperation.”

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu: “Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. 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.”

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar: “Stunned and profoundly shocked to know of the most tragic Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad today. It is a most sad news for all of us, even while we anxiously wait for survivors details and pray for survival of all.”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee: “Stunned and profoundly shocked to know of the most tragic Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad today. It is a most sad news for all of us and I convey my condolences to victim families, even while we anxiously wait for survivors details and pray for survival of all. The crash during take-off of the London-bound plane has shaken and saddened me at my core. While we do not know exact figures, media reports indicate that there were 242 passengers in the plane. I am praying to God at this moment.”

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi: “The Ahmedabad Air India crash is heartbreaking. The pain and anxiety the families of the passengers and crew must be feeling is unimaginable. My thoughts are with each one of them in this incredibly difficult moment. Urgent rescue and relief efforts by the administration are critical - every life matters, every second counts. Congress workers must do everything they can to help on the ground.”

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra: “My heart goes out to the families of the passengers and crew on board the Air India flight. The whole nation is hoping against hope that your loved ones survive this horrifying crash. May God be with all of you.”

Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh: “Our prayers continue for the passengers and the crew. It is a moment of utmost grief.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: “Deeply anguished by the news of tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the passengers and the crew.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: “A tragic accident has occurred in Ahmedabad. I pray for the safety of the passengers... My condolences to the bereaved families.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “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.”

UK House of Commons Leader Lucy Powell: “The thoughts of the whole House and the government will be with the families of those traveling on flight AI171 from Ahmedabad in India to London, Gatwick, which has reportedly crashed. The UK government will provide all the support that it can to those affected in both India and the UK.”

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy: “My thoughts and I’m sure those of the entire house are with those who’ve been affected by the tragic plane crash in India this morning.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister Modi 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 on this tragic day. We all pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”

Russia’s Ambassador to India Denis Alipov: “Heartbreaking news is coming from Ahmedabad… (I offer) condolences to the families of the victims and extend sympathy to the Indian people and government.”

Air India Official Statement: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on http://airindia.com and on our X handle. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.”

Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.”

Specific Details of the Incident so far
* Flight Details: Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (registration VT-ANB), crashed into the Meghaninagar residential area, specifically impacting a doctors’ hostel at BJ Medical College, moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM IST (08:08 UTC). The flight carried 242 people, including 230 passengers (169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian) and 12 crew members (2 pilots, 10 cabin crew). Of the passengers, 217 were adults and 11 were children.
* Crew Information: The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with 8,200 hours of flight experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours. A Mayday call was issued to Air Traffic Control (ATC) before communication was lost, with the last signal received at 08:08:51 UTC at an altitude of 625 feet.
* Crash Site and Response: The aircraft crashed outside the airport perimeter, causing significant damage and a large fire due to the heavy fuel load for the long-haul flight. Emergency services, including three NDRF teams (90 personnel) from Gandhinagar and additional units from Vadodara, were deployed. A green corridor was established to transport the injured to hospitals, with Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad on high alert.
* Casualty Reports: While no official casualty figures have been confirmed, sources indicate significant loss of life
* Investigation: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are probing the crash, focusing on the Mayday call, flight data recorders, and potential causes like a “catastrophic loss of lift” or a bird strike affecting takeoff speed.
* Notable Passenger: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers, listed as passenger number 12, though his status remains unconfirmed.

Ongoing Developments
The Ahmedabad airport remains closed, disrupting flight operations nationwide. The UK embassy is coordinating with Indian authorities to support British nationals, and a dedicated hotline (1800 5691 444) has been set up by Air India for families seeking information.