German Foreign Minister Johan Wadeful said that Germany is praying for the shocking images of the Air India plane accident in Ahmedabad and the people in India.
Air India flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers, crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday. Flight n route from Ahmedabad to London.
In a post on X, Wadeful said, “We are following the shocking images of an Air India flight crashed after departure in Ahmedabad. As we are only learning details, my thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with our friends in #India and everyone is currently expecting our loved ones.”
The German Ambassador to India, Philippian, shared Johan Wadeful’s statement on X.
Chinese Ambassador to India, Joo Fihong expressed sadness over a plane crash in Ahmedabad and expressed solidarity with all the people affected by it.
Joo Fihong posted on X, “In Ahmedabad, saddened by tragic aircraft accident in Ahmedabad. Our heart goes out for travelers and their families. We are standing in solidarity with all the people affected in this difficult time.”
French Ambassador to India, Theory Matho said that France is “deeply unhappy” from the report of the plane crash in Ahmedabad and expressed complete solidarity in this difficult time.
In a post on X, Matho said, “France is deeply saddened by the news of an aircraft accident in #Ahmedabad. Our views are with the victims and their loved ones. We express our complete solidarity in this difficult time.”
Russian Ambassador to India, Dennis Alipov offered sympathy towards families and to the victims. In a post on X, Alipov said, “The heart -wrenching news is coming from Ahmedabad. I have a heartfelt sympathy to the families and the victims and all the Indians and for the Government of India and this tragic major devastation!”
According to an Air India statement, Boeing 787-8 aircraft, working as Flight AI -171, departed from Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm with 242 people with crew.
“Flight, which left from Ahmedabad at 1338, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members in Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian citizens, 53 are British citizens, 1 Canadian National and 7 airlines said in a statement.
Air India President N Chandrasekaran confirmed the accident and expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims.
He said in a statement, “With intense grief, I confirm that Air India flight 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deep condolences are with families and loved ones of all people affected by this disastrous incident.”
He said that the airline’s immediate focus is on increasing full support to the people affected by the tragedy.
“At this time, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in their power to help emergency response teams on the site and provide all the necessary support and care to those affected people,” Chandrasekharan said.
He said, “Further updates will be shared as we get more verified information. An emergency center has become active and a support team has been established for the families seeking information,” he said.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that a team has been taken to the spot for investigation. “On June 12, 2025, Air India B787 aircraft VT -NB, operating the flight AI -171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The aircraft had 242 people, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew.”
The aircraft was under the command of an LTC Captain Sumit Sabarwal with an 8,200 -hour flight experience. The official said that he was assisted with the first officer Clive Kundar, who had a 1,100 -hour flying experience.
According to the Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft left for the runway 23 to 1339 IST (0809 UTC). It gave the ATC a day of May 1, but after that, no response was given by the aircraft to the call made by the ATC.
“Immediately after departure from runway 23, the aircraft fell to the ground outside the circumference of the airport. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site,” the official said. (AI)