A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon.
The Boeing aircraft crashed in the Meghaninagar area near the airport around 2 PM. Several casualties are feared. Leaders across the political spectrum reacted to the incident, expressing concern, condolences, and calls for rescue efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “stunned and saddened” by the incident. “It is heartbreaking beyond words,” he stated, adding that he was in constant touch with ministers and officials overseeing the response.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and Ahmedabad Police Commissioner to assess the situation.
“Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation,” Shah posted on X.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his shock over the tragic crash.
"Disaster response forces are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all affected", said Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on X.
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar too expressed his sadness over the incident.
"Distressed on hearing about the flight crash in Ahmedabad.
My prayers for all families and friends of those on board the flight," Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a post on social media platform X.
Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, too, expressed grief at the tragic accident.
"Extremely shocked and saddened by the news of the flight crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families," said Scindia, also former Civil Aviation Minister.
Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour and Employment, said the news of the plane crash was shocking.
"The pain of the families who have lost their loved ones is unbearable to even imagine. May God give peace to the departed souls and give strength to the family members in this hour of grief," he said.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said he was deeply saddened by the tragic flight crash.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the Ahmedabad Air India crash “heartbreaking” and said the pain and anxiety of the families is unimaginable.
He urged swift rescue efforts, stating, “Every life matters, every second counts,” and called on Congress workers to help on the ground.
The Congress party has also expressed shock and grief over the tragedy that struck an Air India flight from Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff, and said that party workers have been directed to assist in rescue and relief measures.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said he is shocked at the plane crash tragedy and that it is heart-wrenching to see the horrific visuals.
He also expressed condolences to families of those who died in the crash and urged party workers to provide all support to the victims and their loved ones.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted, “Deeply concerned by reports of an Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad. Praying for the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew members.”
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed deep sorrow over the crash of a London-bound Air India plane.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called the incident “extremely painful and shocking.”
In a post in Hindi on X, she said, “The news of Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad is extremely painful and shocking. I express my deepest condolences to all the passengers and their families. I pray to God for the safety of all passengers and for the speedy recovery of the injured. In this difficult time, we stand with full sensitivity with all the affected families.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said he was in deep sorrow over the crash of Air India flight AI171, which was en route to London from Ahmedabad.
The chief minister extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident, calling the incident "extremely distressing."
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin posted, “Deeply shocked by the horrifying crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad with 242 people on board. My thoughts are with everyone affected and the families of those on board. Hoping every possible effort is underway for rescue and relief.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, “Pained and shocked to know about Air India passenger flight incident at Ahmedabad airport. Praying for everyone's safety.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray wrote, “Praying for the safety of survivors and for the families of everyone on that plane. Let's hope and pray for them all.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote, “Deeply shocked to learn that an Air India flight with over 200 passengers has met with an accident in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This is a deeply distressing development. Praying for everyone's safety and hoping that all those affected receive timely help and care.”
Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav called for clarity over the incident.
“There should be immediate clarification regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash so that all the doubts can be eliminated,” he posted in Hindi. “Prayers for all passengers and crew members. Highest level rescue, relief and treatment should be provided.”
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini called the plane crash in Ahmedabad "sad and painful" and prayed for the safety of all the passengers onboard.
Ahmedabad Police confirmed that emergency responders were promptly deployed to the crash site and that rescue, evacuation, and firefighting operations were underway. Further updates on casualties and the cause of the crash are awaited.