Global leaders expressed their solidarity with India following a London-bound flight that crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon (June 12). The aircraft was carrying 232 passengers, including 53 from the UK, one from Canada, and seven from Portugal.
The Boeing 787 took off from Ahmedabad airport at 1:39 PM and went down in a residential area in Meghaninagar near the airport. Disturbing images of casualties, including charred bodies, have emerged online.
As per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft made a MAYDAY call soon after takeoff before losing contact with air traffic control. It subsequently crashed outside the airport’s boundaries. The official cause of the incident remains undetermined.
Three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are currently engaged at the crash site in Ahmedabad, Gujarat at the time of reporting. The United States and the United Kingdom are coordinating closely to provide emergency ground support and have shared helpline numbers.
A UK parliamentarian from Harrow East in Greater London brought up the matter in the House. On social media, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer voiced his support for the passengers and their families, stating that he is receiving updates as the situation develops. “The scenes of a London-bound plane carrying numerous British nationals crashing in Ahmedabad are heartbreaking,” he stated.
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
Messages of condolence and sympathy have swiftly begun to come in from various world leaders.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reacted to the ‘heartbreaking’ news, offering her condolences and stating that ‘Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow.’
Heartbreaking news from India with the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad.
My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss.
We share your pain. Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of… https://t.co/jWdKEmGGW1
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 12, 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extended his ‘deepest condolences’ to PM Modi and the Indian populace. “Our thoughts are with all victims’ families and loved 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 the injured,” he expressed via social media platform X.
Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister @narendramodi 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…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 12, 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin also conveyed his condolences to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Please communicate my heartfelt empathy and support to the families and loved ones of the victims, along with wishes for a swift recovery to all those injured in this tragedy,” Putin wrote.
The news of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is absolutely devastating.
In this time of tragedy, Australia’s thoughts are with everyone affected.
Our government is receiving regular updates and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) June 12, 2025
From Australia, newly-appointed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked that his government is receiving regular updates on the ‘absolutely devastating’ news and continues to monitor the situation carefully. “In this time of tragedy, Australia’s thoughts are with everyone impacted,” he stated.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that transportation officials are in contact with Indian counterparts to receive ongoing updates. He noted that one of the 242 passengers on board is Canadian and expressed solidarity with everyone affected.
Devastated to learn of the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers — including one Canadian. My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board.
Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts…
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) June 12, 2025
King Charles and Queen Camilla of Britain issued a statement expressing their ‘special prayers and deepest sympathies’ to the families and friends affected. “I would particularly like to commend the heroic efforts of the emergency services and everyone offering help and support during this profoundly heartbreaking time,” he stated.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offered sincere condolences on behalf of the Italian Government and declared ‘full solidarity’ with the people of India.
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, conveyed his deepest sympathies to PM Modi and the people of India, stating that such tragedies remind us of ‘our shared humanity.’ A message of condolence also came from Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar.
My heartfelt condolences to the families of the precious lives lost in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. This devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. My deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India.
— Nawaz Sharif (@NawazSharifMNS) June 12, 2025
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his prayers to ‘families of the victims mourning this significant loss’ over a post on X, about five hours after the news of the plane crash broke.
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his sorrow over the ‘heartbreaking’ loss of numerous lives. “We stand in solidarity with India and all those affected — including citizens from other countries who were onboard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” Wong wrote.
Rishi Sunak, former UK Prime Minister and son-in-law of Indian billionaire Narayana Murthy, shared his condolences.
Akshata and I are deeply shocked and distressed by the news of the Air India tragedy.
There is a unique bond between our two nations and our thoughts and prayers go out to the British and Indian families who have lost loved ones today.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 12, 2025
