Air India plane crash LIVE as UK flight with 200 on board comes down in Ahmedabad - updates

A plane carrying more than 200 people has crashed moments after departure on its way to the UK from India.

The Air India flight, which was heading to Gatwick Airport, London, hit the ground at an airport in Ahmedabad, India, sending huge amounts of black smoke billowing into the sky.

Fire engines have reportedly rushed to the scene.

In a statement, Air India said a passenger flight from Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport has been "involved in an incident".

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: "We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25. More information to follow."

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 on http://airindia.com and on our X handle."

This is a live blog - see below for the latest updates.

UK shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said in a statement on X: "My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the plane crash at Ahmedabad and with the emergency services at the scene. This will be a worrying time for the families of those on board.

"As further information comes forward, the Government needs to ensure it is working with Indian authorities to support British families affected."

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the plane crash at Ahmedabad and with the emergency services at the scene. This will be a worrying time for the families of those on board. As further information comes forward, the Government needs to ensure it is working…

Air India’s chairman N. Chandrasekaran said in statement: “With profound sorrow I confirm that