Gatwick Airport has released a statement after an moments after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Gatwick Airport has confirmed the plane travelling from Ahmedabad Airport was due to land at 6.25pm UK time. Officials said on X: "We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25. More information to follow."

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the directorate of civil aviation, told The Associated Press that the flight, a Boeing 787, crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar five minutes after taking off. There were 232 passengers and 12 crew members onboard and emergency teams have been activated at the airport, he added. Air India's Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said in statement: "With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.

"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted."

He added: "Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information.

"An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information."