Air India Crash: UK Sets Up Crisis Team for London-Bound Flight

Air India Flight AI71 Crash Details

• ✈️ A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying over 240 passengers crashed during takeoff in Ahmedabad, India, earlier today.
• 💔 It is believed that none of the passengers or crew on board survived, with additional casualties confirmed in a building at the crash site.
• 🌍 The flight, AI71, was traveling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick.

UK Government Response

• 🇬🇧 British foreign minister David Lammy expressed deep sadness and confirmed the activation of a crisis team in both New Delhi and London.
• 📞 The UK Foreign Office has provided a dedicated hotline number (+44 207 008 5000) for concerned Britons.
• 🤝 Britain is actively working with Indian authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support.

Passenger Information and Airport Preparations

• 👥 Among the 242 passengers, there were 169 Indian nationals and 53 Britons, according to Air India.
• ✈️ Gatwick Airport is preparing a reception center for distressed families, friends, and colleagues expecting the flight.
• ⏱️ The flight was scheduled for a nearly 10-hour journey, due to land at 6:25 p.m. local time.

Prime Ministerial and Royal Reaction

• 😔 The Prime Minister described the scenes as devastating and sent his thoughts to the passengers and their families.
• 👑 King Charles III was being updated on the crash.