Ahmedabad plane crash 'devastating', says UK PM Keir Starmer, world leaders react

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat was boarded by 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals. The plane took off for Gatwick from the Ahmedabad international airport at 1:39 PM but after 5 minutes of flight it crashed.

The tragedy has not only come as a shock to Indians but people across the world.

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer took to X and wrote, “The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in 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.”

The Canadian high commission reacted saying, “Canada expresses our deepest condolences following the tragic plane crash in #Ahmedabad. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims.”

The Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong expressed grief over the incident and wrote, "Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Our hearts go out to the passengers and their families. We stand in solidarity with all those affected in this difficult time."

The Maldivian president Mohamed MuizzuI extended support and wrote, "express profound sadness at the tragic crash of @airindia flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad. At this difficult time, the government and people of #Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of India."

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent condolences to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“I ask you to convey my sincere sympathy and support to the families of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in this disaster," the Russian President's telegram says.

French President Emmanuel Macron also offered his condolences on the tragedy and wrote on X, “We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims’ loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi”

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese said, “The news of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is absolutely devastating. In this time of tragedy, Australia’s thoughts are with everyone affected.”

Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney also said in a tweet that his wishes were with the 242 people onboard, including one Canadian. “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,” he wrote on X.

President of Italy, Giorgia Meloni also expressed her grief and condolences, saying, “Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. On behalf of the Italian Government and myself, I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and our full solidarity with the Indian people in this moment of great sorrow.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed grief on the aviation disaster in Ahmedabad and said in a post on X, “To my friend @PMOIndia @narendramodi and the people of India, I was saddened to learn of the tragic Air India crash that has taken the lives of 242 men, women and children. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen.”