Gatwick Airport issues statement after plane that was flying there crashes with more than 200 people on board

Gatwick Airport has released an official statement after an Air India flight heading in their direction crashed following its departure from Ahmedabad earlier today (12 Jun).

Initial news of the collision was broken by the airline in a statement on X, which read: "Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025."

Flight Radar - the global flight tracking website - also provided further details about the aircraft, confirming it was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

The plane, which was carrying 242 people on board, was scheduled to fly at 09:50 UK time, and was intended to arrive at 18:25.

Tragically, however, it crashed 'into a doctors' hostel' just outside of the airport.

It was later revealed that 'the last signal' traffic control officers received from the aircraft 'was at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after take off'.

Air India has since confirmed there were 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian.

All passengers are believed to have been killed (Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Earlier today, a police commissioner confirmed to the Associated Press that there appear to be no survivors from Air India airliner crash.

“It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash,” Commissioner G.S. Malik told the outlet, adding that the fact the plane collided with a residential area, 'some locals would have also died'.

"Exact figures on casualties are being ascertained," Mailk continued.

Gatwick Airport have also shared a statement on social media, reading: "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."

The statement continued: "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.

"British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000.

Staff at Gatwick Airport have released a statement (Central Industrial Security Force / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

"Air India have set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.

"Our thoughts are with family and friends of those on board. Further updates will be issued in due course."

Sir Keir Starmer - the British Prime Minister - has also said 'the scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating'.

Sussex Police have also spoken out, being that Gatwick is located in this county.

"We’re supporting London Gatwick following today’s incident involving an Air India flight," the force's latest statement reads.

"Our teams are working closely with partners. Helplines for those seeking information are detailed below.

"Our thoughts are with everyone affected.

Police in India went on to release a list of individuals said to have been 'injured' in the collision - though, it is not yet clear if the list in question refers to those on board the plane, or individuals that resided inside the building the plane crashed into.

More to follow.