New Delhi [India]: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday expressed heartfelt gratitude to foreign leaders and governments for their messages of condolence following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI‑171 in Ahmedabad. The flight, carrying 242 people—including 12 crew—crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport.
In his post on X, Jaishankar wrote:
“Thank all foreign leaders and Governments for their condolences at the tragic loss of lives in the Ahmedabad air crash. We appreciate this deeply.” x.com+9tribuneindia.com+9news.webindia123.com+9
Leaders worldwide have extended their sympathies, including:
- UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra
- Czech Republic PM Petr Fiala and FM Jan Lipavsky
- Finland PM Petteri Orpo
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Austrian Ambassador Katharina Wieser
- Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi
- EU Ambassador Herve Delphin, and Afghanistan’s Consulate General in Mumbai
Air India confirmed the Boeing 787‑8 carried 242 individuals—169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian national. After departing at 1338 IST, the aircraft issued a Mayday call from runway 23 and immediately lost communication before crashing outside the airport perimeter, producing heavy black smoke. The airline has set up a help hotline (1800 5691 444) to assist affected families.
Ahmedabad Police reported one survivor found in seat 11A, who is currently hospitalized. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing amidst a rapidly evolving situation.