All but one of the passengers aboard an Air India flight headed to London have died after it crashed in a huge fireball minutes after take-off.
Air India has confirmed 241 of the 242 people on board the flight did not survive, with just one British national miraculously escaping with minor injuries.
Leicester-based Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, was sitting in seat 11A when the plane crashed on Thursday minutes after taking off from the western city of Ahmedabad.
Describing the moments before the plane plummeted into a residential area, he told Hindustan Times: “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”
There were 242 people on board the flight, including 12 crew members. Air India said the passengers included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens and one Canadian.
Police officials told media that over 240 people had died, revising an earlier death toll of 294 which they said had included double counted body parts.
"We are still verifying the number of dead, including those killed in the building where the plane crashed," a senior police officer said.
Families in India with concerns should call Air India on 1800 5691 444. For those outside India, call the British Foreign Office on 020 7008 5000
Read More
Key Points
- Only one survivor onboard flight, Air India confirms
- More than 240 killed in Air India plane crash, police say
- Briton miraculously survives crash
- What we know so far about the Air India plane crash
- Tributes paid to Britons feared killed in Air India plane crash
What we know so far about the crash
22:46
,
Athena Stavrou
A plane crash on Thursday has killed hundreds in the west-Indian city of Ahmedabad.
Here’s what we know about the disaster:
- Air India flight 117 took off from Ahmedabad airport around 1.38pm local time (9.09am BST), heading for London Gatwick airport.
- Moments after takeoff, the plane issued a mayday call, before the aircraft’s signal vanished.
- The Boeing 787 crashed into a residential area near the airport. Police said the plane struck a hostel building for doctors.
- There were 242 people on board the aircraft, including two pilots and 10 crew members.
- Of the passengers, 169 were from India, 53 from Britain, seven from Portugal and one from Canada.
- Air India confirmed 241 of the 242 people on board the flight did not survive.
- One man, a British national named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, miraculously survived with minor injuries.
- Police officials said at least 240 people have been killed.
Tributes paid to Britons feared killed in Air India plane crash
22:31
,
Athena Stavrou
Tributes have been to Britons believed to be among more than 240 people who died after a Gatwick Airport-bound plane crashed in India.
Air India confirmed 241 of the 242 people on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner were killed on Thursday, in one of the deadliest plane crashes in terms of the number of British nationals killed.
The Gloucester Muslim Community group offered “sincere and deepest condolences” after Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa and their daughter Sara were reported to be among the victims.
“During this moment of overwhelming sorrow, our hearts go out to all those left behind,” a statement said.
Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who run a spiritual wellness centre, were said to be among the dead.
Mr Greenlaw is said to have appeared on ITV’s This Morning earlier this year to talk about wellness.
Former editor of the show Martin Frizell said: “So so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick.”
Raj Mishra, the mayor of Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, called for people to come together as he announced the deaths of three people from his community.
“Among those lost were Raxa Modha, infant Rudra Modha, and Ms K Mistri, all from our Wellingborough community,” he said.
“I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends and all those affected by this heartbreaking event.
52 Britons on board plane confirmed dead
22:13
,
Athena Stavrou
Fifty-two Britons are confirmed to be among more than 240 people who died after a Gatwick Airport-bound plane crashed in a fireball in India.
Air India confirmed 241 of the 242 people on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner were killed on Thursday when the aircraft crashed into a medical college shortly after its take-off from Ahmedabad Airport.
It is one of the deadliest plane crashes in terms of the number of British nationals killed.
London MP says some constituents have lost relatives
21:52
,
Athena Stavrou
MP Bob Blackman said some of his constituents in London had been notified of the deaths of their relatives in the Air India crash.
“The position is that we’ve got four workers at temples in my constituency who’ve been notified that their relatives, very sadly, died in the air crash,” he told the PA news agency.
The MP for Harrow East in London said these deaths were among the 52 UK nationals who died on the flight but that it was not yet clear if they also lived in his constituency.
He also said he believed there were many Indian nationals on board due to visit loved ones in the UK.
“We also know that there are 169 Indian nationals on the flight who are almost certainly visiting family and friends in the United Kingdom, but we don’t know where they were visiting or who they were visiting, what part of their family was, so a lot of the work that’s going on right now is to identify who those people are and who they’re visiting.”
Who to contact if you are concerned about a loved one:
21:44
,
Athena Stavrou
Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information to the kin of the passengers.
Ahmedabad City Police has issued emergency number 07925620359 for police emergency services.
For those outside India, call the British Foreign Office on 020 7008 5000.
What do we know about the aircraft that crashed?
21:29
,
Athena Stavrou
The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787 “Dreamliner”, registration VT-ANB, which was delivered to Air India in 2014.
Soon after it entered service in 2011, concerns over the fire risk from lithium batteries led to a temporary grounding. There is no indication at present that the crash was connected with technical issues on board the aircraft.
More than 1,000 Boeing 787 aircraft are in service with dozens of international airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic – both of which have exemplary safety records.
Simon Calder: Air India tragedy is an exception in the trends of air safety
21:12
,
Athena Stavrou
Gatwick issue fresh statement
20:37
,
Athena Stavrou
Gatwick Airport has issued another statement this evening, after a plane bound for it crashed in India this morning.
Stewart Wingate, chief executive of London Gatwick said that the airport was liaising closely with Air India and that a reception centre for relatives of those on board was being set up where information and support will be provided.
“We are very saddened to hear about today’s accident involving Air India flight AI171 and our thoughts are with the family and friends of those on board,” he said.
“We can confirm flight AI171 that was involved in an accident shortly after departure from Ahmedabad Airport today (12 June) was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST.”
Only one survivor onboard flight, says Air India
20:26
,
Athena Stavrou
Air India has confirmed only one passenger on board flight AI171 has survived after it crashed in a huge fireball minutes after take-off.
The airline said 241 of the 242 people aboard the flight en-route to London have died following the crash in Ahmedabad,
It added it "offers its deepest condolences tothe families of the deceased".
Earlier, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh was identified as a survivor.
The 40-year-old was sat in seat 11A on the flight and is said to have walked away from the crash unaided, with just minor injuries.
Watch: British national says he walked away from Air India plane crash disaster
20:13
,
Athena Stavrou
More than 240 killed, officials say
19:56
,
Athena Stavrou
Police in Ahmedabad have said more than 240 people were killed in Thursday’s Air India plane crash.
Officials revised an earlier death toll of 294, and said the previous number had included double counted body parts.
Survivor has 'cuts and bruises' on face and chest
19:48
,
Athena Stavrou
The family of the only known survivor onboard the Air India flight have described his injuries.
British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh miraculously survived the plane crash which has killed at least 290 people.
The 40-year-old is said to have sustained minor injuries and walked away from the crash unaided.
His brother Nayan Kumar Ramesh, 27, told reporters at his house in Leicester: “He has injuries to his face, chest and he has cuts and bruises.“He hasn’t told us anything about when he will be discharged.
He added: “We would do everything together and go everywhere together.
“There are no words that can describe him as a human being. He is one of the nicest guys ever.
“You can ask anyone and they would all say the same thing.”
Lammy chairs Cobra meeting about plane crash
19:35
,
Athena Stavrou
The Foreign Secretary has chaired a Cobra meeting about the Air India plane crash, it is understood.
David Lammy convened the meeting of senior ministers after the Gatwick-bound flight that had 53 British nationals on board crashed shortly after take-off from the Indian city of Ahmedabad.
Family of British survivor going to Ahmedabad tomorrow
19:32
The family of the only known survivor onboard the Air India flight are planning on travelling to Ahmedabad as soon as possible.
British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh miraculously survived the plane crash which has killed at least 290 people.
His brother Nayan Kumar Ramesh, 27, told reporters at his house in Leicester: “I want to see my brother in hospital.
“We are going over there as soon as possible, tomorrow.
He also said that no one from the British Government has been in contact yet.
British survivor asked 'where’s my brother?' after leaving plane
19:25
,
Athena Stavrou
The British national who survived the plane crash was asking where his brother was, his family has said.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh is the only known survivor of the Air India flight that crashed on its way to London on Thursday.
The 40-year-old boarded the flight with his brother Ajay, who was in Ahmedabad with him to visit family.
His other brother Nayan Kumar Ramesh, 27, told reporters at his house in Leicester that they are still unaware of Ajay's condition.
“We are all devastated and in a state of shock at the moment,” he said.
“Even though one of my brothers survived, my other one is missing.
“Both of them (my brothers) were happy, coming back to the UK.”
He added: “All he is worried about when we spoke to him on the phone was ‘where’s my brother? Where’s my brother?’
“He doesn’t know how he escaped. I don’t think he remembers what happened.”
Full story: British wellness couple posted ‘Goodbye India’ video from airport before fatal Air India plane crash
19:12
,
Athena Stavrou
A British couple who run a spiritual wellness company in London posted a video from the airport about their “magical experience” in India as they waited to board the doomed Air India flight.
Jamie Ray Greenlaw-Meek and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek are believed to be among 53 British nationals who were booked to fly on the doomed aircraft, which crashed on Thursday with 242 passengers onboard, moments after take off.
In a video shared onto their company The Wellness Foundry’s Instagram account, Fiongal, a former fashion designer, said: “We are at the airport, just boarding, goodbye India”. His husband then joked about the lengthy 10-hour flight.
Read the full story:
Britons on board begin to be named by loved ones
19:04
,
Athena Stavrou
In the last few hours, some of the Britons who were on board the Air India flight have begun to be named by loved ones.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Gloucester Muslim Community said Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa and their four-year-old daughter Sara had died in the crash.
They said: “During this moment of overwhelming sorrow, our hearts go out to all those left behind.
“No words can truly ease the pain of such a profound loss, but we pray that the family may find solace in the tremendous outpouring of compassion and solidarity from communities across the world.”
A family member of a British couple has also reportedly confirmed they were on board.
Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who run a spiritual wellness centre, filmed a video of themselves at the airport.
The pair laughed and joked on the Instagram story as they told of a “10-hour flight back to England”.
Nick Meek, Jamie’s brother, told The Times: “It’s a lot to take in and we only heard this news a couple of hours ago.”
British couple on Air India flight
18:54
,
Athena Stavrou
A British couple were on the Air India flight which crashed, a family member has reportedly confirmed.
Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who run a spiritual wellness centre, filmed a video of themselves at the airport.
The pair laughed and joked on the Instagram story as they told of a “10-hour flight back to England”.
In an earlier post they told of their “mind-blowing” trip to India and their intention to make a vlog about it.
Nick Meek, Jamie’s brother, told The Times: “It’s a lot to take in and we only heard this news a couple of hours ago.”
Pictured: Night falls at the scene of the crash
18:39
,
Athena Stavrou
It’s just after 11pm in Ahmedabad currently, where the rescue operation is still underway.
Officials can be seen still rummaging through the charred remains of the plane, searching for those involved in the crash.
Boeing CEO makes statement
18:31
,
Athena Stavrou
Boeing has committed to support the investigation into what caused its plane to crash in Ahmedabad, India today.
At least 290 people have been killed after a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed onto a medical college campus just minutes after take-off.
Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg said in a statement: “Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad.
“I have spoken with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to offer our full support, and a Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.”
Boeing said it will defer to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to provide information about Air India Flight 171.
British man has ‘no idea’ how he escaped doomed Air India aircraft, family say
18:18
,
Athena Stavrou
A British man who survived the Air India plane crash has “no idea” how he escaped the aircraft, his relatives have said.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying more than 240 people from the city of Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport, including 53 British nationals, when it collided with a medical college shortly after take-off on Thursday, sparking a huge fireball.
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, is believed to be the only survivor of the crash.
Speaking outside the family home in Leicester, his brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, 27, said: “We were just shocked as soon as we heard it.
“I last spoke to him yesterday morning. We’re devastated, just devastated.
“He said I have no idea how I exited the plane.”
British survivor of Air India crash jumped out of emergency exit, police say
18:16
,
Athena Stavrou
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only known survivor onboard the plane that crashed in Ahmedaba, had been sitting near an emergency exit of the London-bound flight and managed to jump out, police said.
Speaking from his hospital bed, the 40-year-old told Indian media that he was a British national and was travelling to Britain with his brother after visiting family in India.
"When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital," Ramesh told the Hindustan Times.
"He was near the emergency exit and managed to escape by jumping out the emergency door," said Vidhi Chaudhary, a senior police officer in Ahmedabad, speaking about Ramesh.
Starmer on reports of British survivor
18:08
Sir Keir Starmer could not confirm reports that a British national had survived the plane crash in India.
“Well, in relation to the question of a survivor.
“Obviously, we’re establishing the facts, and the investigation is ongoing,” he said in remarks from Downing Street’s White Room.
He said the UK is in constant contact with Indian authorities.
“I think it is important for all friends and family to contact the foreign office so we can roll out this as quickly as possible, but it is an ongoing investigation. It’ll take some time.”
“But you know, our hearts and our thoughts are absolutely with the friends and families of all those affected who are going to be absolutely devastated by this awful news.”
For context:
Earlier it was reported that a British man has miraculously survived after an Air India plane on its way to London crashed in a huge fireball killing more than 200 people.
Reports from local media, later verified by the British press, named the survivor as British national named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.
The 40-year-old is said to have been in seat 11A of the flight, and walked away from the crash unaided with minor injuries.
Starmer: Crash with 53 British nationals on board 'devastating'
17:58
,
Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer has spoken again about today’s plane crash.
He said the plight of the Gatwick-bound plane in India with 53 British nationals on board was “absolutely devastating” and that the investigation will “take some time”.
Trump: Crash 'one of the worst in aviation history'
17:50
,
Athena Stavrou
Donald Trump has called today’s Air India plane crash one of the “worst crashes in aviation history”.
The US President said he had offered “anything we can do” as he spoke at the White House after the “horrific crash”.
"Nobody had any idea what happened," he said. "It looks like it was flying just fine."
British family named as victims of crash
17:40
,
Athena Stavrou
Three Britons who died in the Air India plane crash have been named.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Gloucester Muslim Community said Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa and their four-year-old daughter Sara had died in the crash.
They said: “During this moment of overwhelming sorrow, our hearts go out to all those left behind.
“No words can truly ease the pain of such a profound loss, but we pray that the family may find solace in the tremendous outpouring of compassion and solidarity from communities across the world.
“May their cherished memories provide comfort, and may they rest in eternal peace.”
Terrified students leap from windows to save themselves after Air India flight crashes into medical hostel
17:36
,
Athena Stavrou
Terrified students leapt from windows to “save themselves” after the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed onto a medical college campus just minutes after take-off in Ahmedabad.
On hitting the state-run BJ Medical College five-storey hostel, the aircraft exploded into a fireball that could be seen for miles around - as students inside the concrete building tried desperately to escape the devastation.
A mother called Rami told Indian network ANI that her son suffered injuries while jumping from the second floor.
Another eyewitness said people jumped from as high as the third floor to “save themselves”, said one unnamed resident.
Read the full story:
Mapped: Air India flight bound for London crashes
17:24
,
Athena Stavrou
17:17
,
Athena Stavrou
Air India has said a "special team of caregivers" has arrived in Ahmedabad to support its teams on the ground.
It added: “We are working with local authorities to provide necessary assistance and are extending full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.”
UPDATE: A special team of caregivers from Air India has arrived in Ahmedabad to provide support to our teams on ground. We are working with local authorities to provide necessary assistance and are extending full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
Air…
‘Unlikely there was anything more sinister at play’ – aviation security expert
17:08
,
Athena Stavrou
The Independent’s Travel Correspondent Simon Calder reports:
Philip Baum, Visiting Professor, Aviation Security at Coventry University has been covering aviation disasters for decades.
He told The Independent: “This is an absolutely tragic crash, impacting not only all souls on board, but also those in the residential area in which the aircraft crashed.
“This is the first total hull loss for the aircraft in question. Determining the cause may take time, yet speculation will be rife.
“It is likely that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders will be speedily salvaged and this will help determine whether, as seems likely, the accident was caused by system or multiple systems failures or whether, far less likely, there was anything more sinister at play.
“Investigators will be examining the wreckage, the recorders and will also be delving into the background and health of the crew.
“For now, we must focus on saving lives and consoling the mourners.
“The final death toll may be far higher than we believe given the location of the crash and given that the aircraft was full of fuel for a flight to London.”
Pictured: Vigils held across India
16:58
,
Athena Stavrou
One of first to scene describes helping survivors into ambulance
16:50
,
Athena Stavrou
An eyewitness has said he helped three people into an ambulance at the scene of the Ahmedabad plane crash.
The man, who was not named, told BBC News: “I heard a sound, awful sound like a bomb blast. We got there, there was smoke, there was fire, so I thought I would see. Someone said a plane fell, so we went there”.
He added: “I was working. There was smoke and I thought I would take a look at what happened; when I got there there wasn’t anyone, members of the public were running that way, I was travelling by car, so I was the first person there.
“When I went there I saw the plane was on fire, there were three people next to it – one lady and two men – I called 000, called the ambulance, called the fire brigade, the ambulance came and my driver was with me, we put them into the ambulance and they left.”
The trio had not been on the aircraft and the woman was around 50 years old, he said.
“There was one man who had a card around his neck but I didn’t pay attention what it was written on the card, but I put them in the ambulance and I let them go – then the police came, the national security guard commanders came… they moved us away.”
What we know so far about the crash
16:41
,
Athena Stavrou
A plane crash earlier today is believed to have killed hundreds in the west-Indian city of Ahmedabad today.
Here’s what we know about the disaster:
- Air India flight 117 took off from Ahmedabad airport around 1.38pm local time (9.09am BST), heading for London Gatwick airport.
- Moments after takeoff, the plane issued a mayday call, before the aircraft’s signal vanished.
- The Boeing 787 crashed into a residential area near the airport. Police said the plane struck a hostel building for doctors.
- There were 242 people on board the aircraft, including two pilots and 10 crew members.
- Of the passengers, 169 were from India, 53 from Britain, seven from Portugal and one from Canada.
- Police told local media one survivor was sat in seat 11A of the plane. They were identified by local media, cited by the BBC, as British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.
- Police officials said at least 290 people have been killed.
- The police said earlier at least 25 people have also been injured. It’s unclear whether any people in the buildings hit by the plane have been killed.
Family members mourn loss of those onboard
16:36
,
Athena Stavrou
As authorities continue to search the charred site of the crash for those on board the Air India flight 171, family members are mourning their loved ones.
A relative of one of the crew members on board was pictured mourning at her home in Thoubal Mayai Leikai, near Imphal in the Indian state of Manipur.
Family confirms British national's survival
16:30
,
Athena Stavrou
The family of the British national, earlier reported to have walked away from the plane crash, have confirmed his survival.
Sky News have spoken to Vishwash Kumar Ramesh’s family members.
The broadcaster’s reported the family confirmed he was on board the flight and have spoken to him since the crash.
The family have not heard from another relative who they believe was also on the flight.
More than 290 killed in Air India plane crash, police say
16:19
,
Athena Stavrou
More than 290 people were killed in a plane crash in India's Ahmedabad city on Thursday, a police officer told Reuters.
There were 242 people on board the flight, including 12 crew members.
Minutes after taking off it crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar.
Watch: New Air India footage shows plane taking off and crashing moments later
16:14
,
Athena Stavrou
No 10: Prepare for significant loss of life
16:07
,
Athena Stavrou
No 10 indicated the public should be prepared for a significant loss of British lives following the London-bou
