Following the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members, heartfelt condolences and prayers have poured in from around the globe. Among those expressing their sympathy and support are the Kingdom of Bhutan and Saudi Arabia.
In Bhutan, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck graced a special prayer ceremony dedicated to the victims of the devastating Air India crash. The ceremony, held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, was a moment of national mourning and reflection, as the Bhutanese people joined together to offer their prayers and express solidarity with India during this difficult time.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent their condolences to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, the families of the deceased, and the people of India. In separate cables, the Saudi leaders conveyed their sorrow and offered heartfelt sympathy to the victims' families, also wishing a speedy recovery to those injured in the crash. The Saudi Foreign Ministry also released a press statement expressing their condolences to India.
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171 en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers, 2 pilots, and 10 crew members, plummeted into a residential area near the airport, resulting in a massive explosion and fire. Only one person miraculously survived the crash, while the rest perished in the tragedy. The crash site was near the B.J. Medical College hostel, where many students were gathered for lunch, increasing the number of fatalities.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal inquiry into the incident to determine the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest the plane may have struck the airport's perimeter wall, but the exact reason for the crash remains under investigation. The aircraft's digital data recorder, or black box, was recovered from a rooftop near the crash site by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is leading the investigation. Investigators are likely examining various factors, including the wing flaps, engine performance, cockpit alarms, and the crew's data logging of temperature, fuel weight, and passenger information.
The crash has drawn global attention, with leaders from various countries expressing their condolences and offering support. The Tata Group announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of each deceased person. Air India has also discontinued the flight number '171' as a mark of respect for the departed souls.
Prayer ceremonies and memorial services have been held across India to honor the victims of the Ahmedabad plane crash. The Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) organized a prayer ceremony and lamp offering at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar. In Uttarakhand's Haridwar, people gathered on the banks of the Ganga River to offer prayers. In Tamil Nadu, members of the Rameswaram People's Protection Council paid homage to the victims at Agni Theertham beach.
The tragedy has left the nation in shock and grief, as families struggle to cope with the loss of their loved ones. Authorities are working to identify the bodies, many of which were charred or mutilated, through DNA matching.
