Nepal Expresses Deep Condolences Over Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad

Firefighters work at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. Photo: Sam PANTHAKY / AFP

KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic crash of the London-bound Air India flight with 242 aboard near Ahmedabad, India, on June 12.

In a formal statement, the Government of Nepal extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and the People of India, as well as to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the disaster. Nepal also conveyed its solidarity with India during this time of profound grief.

The Air India aircraft, en route to London, crashed in a residential area within minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Gujarat. Visuals of the crash, showing heavy smoke rising from the wreckage, quickly circulated on social media.

Out of the 242 passengers on board, the flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among the passengers.