A London-bound Air India flight tragically crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, prompting the UK government to update its travel guidance for India. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI-171, had departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:39 pm IST before it plunged to the ground and caught fire just beyond the airport perimeter.
There were 242 individuals on board the aircraft, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members. The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with co-pilot Clive Kundar, who reportedly had 1,100 hours of flight experience. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that a mayday signal was issued, but no further communication was received by Air Traffic Control.
Rescue teams are currently at the site, and efforts are underway to determine the number of casualties and survivors.
Nationalities of passengers revealed
Air India has released preliminary details of those on board, stating that 169 were Indian nationals. The rest included 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese passengers, and one Canadian.
The news has caused concern in the UK, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacting to the crash in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). "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."
FCDO issues updated advisory and helpline info
In the wake of the crash, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) revised its travel advisory to India. The latest guidance now states: "FCDO advises against all travel to parts of India."
Alongside the updated warning, the FCDO has also published emergency contact information.
Investigation underway, public awaits answers
A full-scale investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched. Aviation safety authorities are expected to begin black box recovery and flight data analysis shortly. The DGCA has not yet provided any further technical updates.
The crash has not only shocked the aviation community but has also triggered diplomatic and consular activity between India and countries whose nationals were on board.
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