London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday called the crash of a London-bound Air India flight in Ahmedabad “devastating,” after 242 people, including 53 British nationals, were killed when the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff.

In a statement from Downing Street, Starmer said, “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”

Flight crashes moments after takeoff

The tragedy unfolded just after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, went down in the Meghani area of Ahmedabad, erupting in a massive explosion and sending black smoke billowing into the air. Emergency services reached the site promptly.

Many British nationals onboard

Air India confirmed that 53 of the passengers were British nationals. Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing, as authorities assess the full extent of the disaster.

Modi expresses deep sorrow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences following the incident. “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 impacted,” he said in an official statement.

Operations at airport suspended

Flight AI 171, travelling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed outside the airport perimeter.

In response, airport authorities suspended all flight operations.

“Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airport. As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice,” an official statement said.

DGCA and Air India confirm details

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), issued a statement identifying the aircraft as a Boeing 787 Dreamliner registered VT-ANB.

It took off at 1:39 PM IST from Runway 23.

“Shortly after takeoff, the pilots issued a 'MAYDAY' distress call to air traffic control. However, no further communication was received before the plane plummeted to the ground. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site,” the DGCA noted.

Air India also acknowledged the incident on social media, stating: "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."