Canadian PM Mark Carney Reacts to Ahmedabad Air Tragedy, Confirms One Canadian Among 242 Victims

Ottawa/New Delhi, June 12, 2025 — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed deep sorrow following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, confirming that one Canadian citizen was among the 242 people on board the ill-fated flight.

The London-bound plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Wednesday morning, killing all passengers and crew. The aircraft plunged into the mess hall of B.J. Medical College’s undergraduate hostel, resulting in additional casualties on the ground, including five medical students. Over 40 others sustained injuries, making it the deadliest civil aviation disaster in India’s history.

In a solemn message posted on social media, Prime Minister Carney wrote:
“Devastated to learn of the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers including one Canadian. My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. Canada’s transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts, and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds.”

The Canadian leader’s statement marked the first international response from a G7 head of government, underscoring the global impact of the crash. Carney’s office later confirmed that Canada’s High Commission in New Delhi is working closely with Indian authorities to gather more information about the Canadian victim and to support affected families.

The High Commission of Canada in India also issued a statement, saying:
“We express our deepest condolences following the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victim.”

As rescue operations continued throughout the day, international reactions began to pour in. King Charles III of the United Kingdom released a heartfelt message:
“My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations… I would like to pay a particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time.”

British and Canadian diplomats in New Delhi were seen coordinating with local officials at the crash site and nearby hospitals. Prime Minister Carney has reportedly requested a full briefing from Canada’s Ministry of Transport and Global Affairs Canada as part of Ottawa’s ongoing monitoring of the investigation and response efforts.

Meanwhile, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a full-scale investigation into the cause of the crash. Air India and Indian aviation authorities have pledged complete cooperation with international agencies as the probe unfolds.

Though the tragedy occurred on Indian soil, the international makeup of the passenger list has made this a moment of collective mourning for multiple countries. Prime Minister Carney’s swift acknowledgment and assurance of government coordination highlight Canada’s commitment to its nationals abroad and its solidarity with India in the wake of shared loss.