Azerbaijan offers condolences to India after deadly plane crash in Ahmedabad

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the Air India plane crash.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. We extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected. We hope for strength and healing in the days ahead,” the Ministry posted on X, Caliber.Az reports.

On June 12, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing at least 130 people, according to a local civil hospital. The aircraft, which went down in close proximity to the airport in the city of Ahmedabad, was carrying 242 people—230 passengers and 12 crew members—including nationals from India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada.

Roughly five minutes after departure, the pilots issued a "Mayday" call before the aircraft lost altitude and crashed near the Meghani Nagar area, a densely populated neighbourhood close to the airport. Witnesses reported hearing explosions and seeing a fireball followed by thick smoke as the jet struck near a student hostel affiliated with BJ Medical College. Several nearby buildings were damaged, and parts of the plane were scattered across the area.

By Khagan Isayev