EU Flies Flag at Half-Mast After Ahmedabad Plane Crash, Joins India and Others in Mourning
New Delhi, June 12: The European Union's delegation in New Delhi lowered its flags to half-mast on Thursday in solidarity with India, the UK, Canada, and Portugal, mourning the victims of one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history.
The tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London, claimed over 200 lives when the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The plane, carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, crashed into a doctors’ hostel at BJ Medical College in the densely populated Meghaninagar area at around 1:38 pm.
The passenger manifest included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed her condolences via X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“The flags at our EU office in New Delhi fly at half-mast on Thursday in memory of the victims of this morning’s plane crash in Ahmedabad. Europe mourns with India, the UK, Canada and Portugal. This tragedy affects us all.”
Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to India, echoed the sentiment:
“Flag is lowered to half-mast in memory and respect of all citizens of India, the UK, Canada, and Portugal who lost their lives in the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash. Our deepest condolences to the grieving families and to the people of India in this moment of shock and mourning.”
Thick plumes of smoke were seen across the city as the crash triggered a massive fire. Emergency responders, including the fire brigade and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), rushed to the scene. Rescue efforts continued late into the night, with 204 bodies confirmed recovered.
Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was reportedly en route to London to visit family. His death was confirmed by Union Minister CR Patil.
One passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously survived and is currently undergoing treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “heart-breaking beyond words” and has directed Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to oversee relief operations in coordination with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. A green corridor has been established to expedite medical assistance.
Air India has announced special relief flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Ahmedabad for the families of the victims. The Tata Group, which owns the airline, has pledged Rs 1 crore in compensation to each bereaved family and has committed to covering all medical expenses for the injured.
The cause of the crash is under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the aircraft issued a distress call moments before losing altitude. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full-scale inquiry. Flight operations at Ahmedabad airport remain suspended.
In this moment of shared grief, the European Union joins India and other affected nations in mourning the loss of so many lives.
