United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed grief over the Air India plane crash in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. Calling it a "deeply distressing time," he said he is being updated about the latest developments, and assured his support to the passengers and their families.

According to Air India, the ill-fated Air India flight from Ahmedabad to Gatwick had 169 Indians, 53 British, and one Canadian national on-board.

In a post on X, Starmer wrote: "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."

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.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 12, 2025

The London-bound Air India plane crashed in a residential area minutes after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport today. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft (AI171) lost altitude rapidly and crashed in a ball of fire. The aircraft carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew crashed in Meghaninagar area near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport around 2:00 PM.

Air India confirmed that its flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, met with an accident today after take-off.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to the plane crash, calling the tragedy "heartbreaking".   

“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," PM Modi wrote on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is on his way to Ahmedabad, spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to assess the situation. Shah also spoke to Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi and the Ahmedabad police commissioner.