Air India has confirmed 53 British nationals were onboard the Boeing 787-8, as well as 169 Indian nationals, seven Portuguese and one Canadian. There were also 10 crew members and two pilots.
The flight departed the Gujarat city for London at around 1.38pm local time. Reuters reports more than 200 people are believed to have died, citing senior police officer Kanan Desai. Local media reports one British national is understood to have survived.
In a statement, Air India said: “Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest."
Flightradar24 said tracking of the flight had ceased “just seconds after take off”.
Update: British national sole survivor of crashed Air India flight
Images published by local media in India show black smoke billowing from the scene. Video footage shows the aircraft failing to gain height after take-off and appearing to glide down before bursting into flames.
Gatwick airport confirmed the flight had been due to land at 6.25pm this evening.
The Foreign Office said: "The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved. British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000."
Air India chair Natarajan Chandrasekaran said in a statement: "With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.
"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.
"Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information."
Air India was sold to Tata Group in 2022 after 70 years of state ownership. Tata Group set about modernising the airline and recently relaunched it with a new livery. It began flying to Gatwick in spring 2023, launching four routes – including Ahmedabad.
The crash is the first involving a Boeing 787 since the model entered service in 2011. Boeing said: “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected.”
Prime minister Keir Starmer said: "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."
Air accident investigators from the UK and the US have offered their services.
