'Devastating scenes': UK PM Keir Starmer as Air India plane with 53 Britons crashes in Ahmedabad

'Devastating scenes': UK PM Keir Starmer as Air India plane with British nationals crashes in Ahmedabad

Updated on: Jun 12, 2025, 16:16:29 IST

By Nayanika Sengupta

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Reacting to the crash in Gujarat's Ahmedabad of an Air India plane that was bound for UK's London, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a post on X that he is being kept updated as the situation develops and termed the tragedy ‘devastating’.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (AP)

He extended condolences to the families of those involved in the Ahmedabad plane crash. Follow Ahmedabad plane crash news live updates

"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 PM Keir Starmer wrote on X.

The Air India plane, going from Ahmedabad to Gatwick in London, crashed in a locality in Amedabad shortly after it took off on Thursday afternoon.

The flight, AI171, was carrying 242 people, including 52 British nationals, according to Air India.

A ‘Mayday’ distress call was given by the pilots of the Air India flight AI171, DGCA confirmed

A "Mayday" call is recognised globally as a life-threatening emergency alert made via radio communication. Follow Ahmedabad plane crash live updates

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that a "Mayday" distress call was issued by the flight shortly after it took off and minutes before it crashed into a locality – Meghaninagar.

Air India said that of the 242 passengers and crew members on board, 169 were Indian nationals and 53 were British nationals. There were also seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian on board the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nayanika Sengupta
Nayanika is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, with over six years of experience in the digital media industry. She specialises in delivering clear, insightful coverage across general, national, and international beats, with a strong focus on breaking news and in-depth explainers. Known for her ability to decode complex developments, she enjoys unpacking layered political and policy issues into accessible, reader-friendly narratives that inform without overwhelming. She has previously worked in India's leading newsrooms, including India Today, News18, and Outlook, where she chased news, covered major events of the past six years and led teams. With a Master's degree in Political Science, Nayanika has a keen interest in international relations and global affairs. Her academic grounding shapes her analytical approach to stories, enabling her to connect the dots between domestic events and broader geopolitical currents. She is particularly drawn to stories that require context, nuance, and clarity - turning complicated subjects into compelling reads. Outside the newsroom, Nayanika is a passionate gourmand who loves cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. When she's not writing or tracking the latest headlines, she can often be found exploring local markets for fresh ingredients, seeking inspiration for her next culinary experiment.Read More

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