**Foreign Office Releases Emergency Guidance Following Major Plane Crash in India**
The British Foreign Office has issued an urgent advisory after an aircraft carrying UK nationals crashed in the Indian city of Ahmedabad. The incident, which occurred on 12 June 2025, has prompted swift diplomatic action to ensure the safety and welfare of British citizens affected by the tragedy.
The ill-fated flight, Air India AI171, was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when it suffered a catastrophic crash shortly after take-off. According to official reports, 244 individuals were on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with 53 of them being British nationals. The crash site, located in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad, quickly became the focus of rescue operations as local authorities mobilised emergency services to respond to the disaster.
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, head of India’s directorate of civil aviation, confirmed that the aircraft lost contact at approximately 1.38pm local time (9.08am BST), only seconds after leaving the runway. He noted that the passenger manifest included 232 travellers alongside 12 crew members. Details regarding the fate of those on board are still emerging as rescue missions continue at the crash site.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) released an immediate statement. “We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved,” the update read. Concerned British citizens, or those seeking updates about relatives or friends, are urged to contact the consular helpline on 020 7008 5000 for assistance and updates.
While the FCDO already maintains strict travel advisories for various regions across India, this incident underscores the ongoing risks associated with some travel itineraries. The British government presently cautions against all travel within 10km of the volatile India-Pakistan border, and warns against visits to Jammu and Kashmir, including key tourist destinations like Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Furthermore, the state of Manipur, particularly its capital Imphal, remains off-limits to all except essential travel due to continuing civil unrest that escalated in late 2024.
Back in Ahmedabad, prompt action was taken by airport authorities and emergency response teams, who remain actively engaged at the scene. Aviation experts have noted that, according to the Aviation Safety Network, this event represents the first major crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a detail likely to prompt scrutiny into the aircraft’s systems and Air India protocols.
Air India released a statement acknowledging the gravity of the situation: “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.” Meanwhile, Flightradar24, a popular real-time flight tracking service, indicated that the aircraft’s last signal was received at 08:08:51 UTC, less than a minute after departure, reinforcing accounts of a sudden and rapid event.
This tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout both the UK and India, particularly within communities whose loved ones were aboard the jet. As the investigation continues, families are left anxiously awaiting further news, their uncertainty compounded by the limited flow of confirmed details from authorities on the ground.
As emergency crews persist in their efforts and with diplomatic channels now fully engaged, questions are inevitably being raised about the possible causes of such a rare event involving a modern airliner. The coming days will be crucial as both governments work together to clarify the circumstances and provide much-needed support to those directly impacted by this harrowing accident.