India’s leading travel associations have expressed profound grief over the crash of Air India Flight 171 shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick on the afternoon of June 12, 2025.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered VT-ANB, was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The flight crashed into a residential area near B.J. Medical College in Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad, approximately five minutes after takeoff. At least 269 people are confirmed dead, including 241 on board and at least 28 on the ground. One British national survived the crash and is receiving medical treatment. This incident also marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction.
The Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) expressed its condolences on the tragic crash. Rajiv Mehra, General Secretary said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the passengers, crew members and all others affected by this devastating incident. This is an unimaginable tragedy for the entire nation and a moment of collective grief for the travel and tourism community. Air India has long been a symbol of India’s aviation legacy and such an incident sends shockwaves throughout the global travel fraternity.”
FAITH has urged the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash and take necessary measures to ensure passenger safety and restore public confidence in air travel.
“FAITH stands in solidarity with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Air India and all emergency response teams involved in rescue, recovery and support efforts. We are confident that all necessary support is being extended to the families of those affected. May the departed souls rest in peace and may their families find strength in this time of immense sorrow,” further stated Mehra.
Himanshu Patil, President, Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), shared a heartfelt message, “It is with immense grief and a heavy heart that we mourn the tragic incident involving the Ahmedabad–London Air India flight.”
“This heartbreaking loss has deeply shaken the entire travel fraternity and our nation. On behalf of OTOAI, I extend our sincerest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating tragedy. Words cannot ease the pain, but we stand with them in prayer, sorrow, and solidarity.”
On behalf of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), President Ravi Gosain said, “This heartbreaking event has sent shockwaves throughout the entire travel and tourism industry. We are deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives and the pain endured by their families. Such incidents shake the confidence of all travellers and urge the authorities to investigate thoroughly the cause behind the crash and take measures to prevent such incidents from happening again and restore the confidence of flyers back.”
He added, “Surely, such an incident has a significant impact on Air India. However, as a long-standing airline with an international reputation, we are confident that it will take all possible steps to prevent such tragedies from recurring and will uphold the highest standards across all its operations. We have the utmost confidence that Air India will continue to demonstrate exceptional professionalism, compassion, and resilience in responding to this tragedy and in supporting those affected. We salute the courage and commitment of Air India’s staff and emergency responders who are managing this crisis with dignity and dedication.”
The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) members also expressed sorrow, stating, “We at TAAI are terribly shocked and saddened by the most unfortunate tragedy caused by the crash of Air India Flight 171 to London Gatwick the moment it had taken off from Ahmedabad Airport.”
“Such incidents cause irreparable loss to our travellers and their families. It is extremely painful to assess the personal and emotional damage it causes to all concerned. Our prayers for the departed souls and for their families to bear this huge crisis that is most unexpected and extremely challenging to cope with,” said the association. It has also appealed to the government and airline authorities to “immediately respond to this upsetting situation and redress the excruciating agony of the families.”
TAAI further has requested travel agencies “who have issued the travel documents of the deceased on this journey to kindly extend all support and handholding to the families.”
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) also joined in mourning stating that, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives on board and outside Air India Flight 171 yesterday. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. We stand in solidarity with the survivors and all those affected by this unfortunate event.”
“This moment calls for unity, compassion, and resilience. We extend our full support to Air India, emergency responders, and the authorities who are working tirelessly to provide aid and comfort to the victims and their families. As members of the travel and tourism community, we share in your grief and offer our unwavering support during this difficult time,” added ATOAI.
The travel community stands united in grief, offering prayers, support, and solidarity during this tragic time.
