A wave of sorrow has swept across continents following the crash of Air India Flight 171, which killed 241 people and left only one known survivor.
The London-bound Boeing 787, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed into a residential building near B J Medical College just minutes after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday.
World leaders, public figures, and diaspora voices have joined in expressing condolences, as investigations continue into India’s worst aviation disaster in over a decade.
Prime Minister 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. Our government is receiving regular updates and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
King Charles III has expressed his profound shock and sorrow following the tragic crash of Air India Flight.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed solidarity with families across two nations: “Today is a truly heartbreaking day for many British and Indian families up and down the country.”
“I want to extend my heartfelt sympathies to all those impacted by the horrific plane crash.”
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad added: “Deeply saddened by the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all who lost their lives and their loved ones.”
From the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered his sympathies: “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.”
Condolences also came from Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron said: “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.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated: “On behalf of the Italian Government and myself, I express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and our full solidarity with the Indian people in this moment of great sorrow.”
Mark Carney, Canadian economist and public figure, wrote: “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 and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds.”
Among the many voices from the Indian diaspora, former Canadian Liberal MP Chandra Arya shared: “The tragic crash of the Air India flight in Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of over 240 innocent souls, is a deeply heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones enduring this unimaginable pain. May they find strength, comfort, and courage in these darkest of times.”
“I pray that God grants them peace and solace as they navigate through this profound grief.”
India’s Minister for External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar, thanked international leaders for their solidarity:
“Thank all foreign leaders and Governments for their condolences at the tragic loss of lives in the Ahmedabad air crash. We appreciate this deeply.”
Air India, owned by Tata Group, confirmed the death toll and announced a ₹1 crore (AUD 180,000 approx) compensation for each victim’s family. Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the company would also cover all medical expenses for the injured and assist in the rebuilding of the B J Medical hostel, where the aircraft crashed.
The flight had taken off at 1:38pm local time and struggled to gain altitude before crashing minutes later. Eyewitnesses described a loud explosion, and video footage showed black smoke billowing from the site as emergency crews searched for survivors.
Authorities have launched a full investigation, and the aircraft’s black box has been recovered. While the immediate cause remains unknown, aviation experts suggest mechanical failure or engine stall could be factors.
This marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent memory, and with global leaders and communities united in grief, attention now turns to providing answers—and justice—for the victims and their families.
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