A plane that was en route to the UK has crashed in west India as local authorities have declared a major emergency.

The flight was heading to London Gatwick from the city of Ahmedabad, with at least 240 people believed to be on board.

Visuals showed thick black smoke rising up into the sky from the airport. GB News understands the crash took place in a civilian area of Ahmedabad.

Air India confirmed there were 169 Indian, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese passengers on board at the time of the crash. Police said the flight crashed onto a hostel building for doctors.

If all the passengers onboard are confirmed dead, it would be it the biggest UK air disaster since Lockerbie in 1988.

The flight was headed to London Gatwick from the city of AhmedabadX

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The crash took place in the western city of Gujarat

People gather near the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad

A spokesman from Air India said: "Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, June 12 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates."

Police in the area report the plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, with FlightRadar reporting the final "Mayday" signal being received "just seconds after take off."

“We can confirm flight AI171 that was involved in an accident on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today (12 June) was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST.

"The Boeing 787-8 aircraft had 242 passengers and crew members on board. London Gatwick is liaising closely with Air India and a reception centre for relatives of those on board is being set up where information and support will be provided.

"Our thoughts are with family and friends of those on board."

India's civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said: "I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action."

Smoke rises near a damaged building and trees after an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad

Black smoke rising above the sky in India

One channel showed the plane taking off over a residential area and then disappearing from the screen before a huge cloud of fire rising into the sky from beyond the houses.

Prime Minister Sir 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.”

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said: "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.

"I have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."

Smoke rises amidst debris after an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India

Foreign secretary David Lammy said: "Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support.

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel wrote on social media: "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."

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: "My thoughts are with all those affected, especially the families of those on board, and the emergency teams responding to what appears to be a horrifying tragedy."

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said: "Terrible news of the Air India flight that has crashed and our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved."

Greens co-leader Carla Denyer wrote on social media: "Absolutely horrified to hear about the plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts are with those on board and their families and loved ones as we await more news."