The crash of a London-bound flight from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, June 12, has left the world stunned and heartbroken. Air India Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in the afternoon.
The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Among them were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep shock over the incident, Indian sporting icons have also reacted to the tragedy. Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was among the first to share her condolences.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London today, 12 June 2025. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of all 242 souls on board. May love surround every grieving heart and strength find those left behind,” Sindhu posted on X.
India cricket star and ODI team captain, Rohit Sharma, took to Instagram to react to the crash.
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, currently in London as part of the broadcast team for the World Test Championship final, said: “Heartbreaking news from Ahmedabad. Prayers for everyone.”
Indian cricketer Ishant Sharma called the crash a “heartbreaking tragedy”, offering his prayers for the victims’ families.
“Moments like these remind us how fragile life truly is. The Air India crash is a heartbreaking tragedy. My prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected,” Ishant shared.
LEFT ME VERY SAD: SIRAJ
Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who is in England for the upcoming five-Test series, said: “What happened today in Ahmedabad is extremely tragic and has left me very sad. Life is so precious. My heart goes out to all the families affected by the incident. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the Almighty provide strength to families, friends, and loved ones in this difficult moment.”
The Air India aircraft was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain (LTC) with 8,200 hours of flying experience. First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience, served as co-pilot. Shortly after take-off, the crew issued a mayday call; however, the aircraft failed to respond to further communication attempts from Air Traffic Control. Witnesses and ATC personnel reported seeing heavy black smoke billowing from the crash site.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was receiving regular updates from authorities in Ahmedabad.
“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,” Starmer stated.