To aid kin of British nationals, UK sets up reception centre in Ahmedabad

In the aftermath of the devastating Air India Flight AI 171 crash, the United Kingdom has established a “reception centre” near the Ahmedabad airport to support families and friends of British nationals who were on board the ill-fated aircraft.

The centre, set up at Ummed Hotel, became operational on Saturday and will remain open daily from 9 am to 9 pm, according to a statement by the British High Commission in India.

“The UK has set up a reception centre at the Ummed Hotel to provide support and advice for the families and friends of British nationals following the plane crash on June 12,” the commission said in a post on X.

The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed into a residential block within the BJ Medical College complex in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff on Thursday, killing 241 people — including 52 British nationals. Only one passenger, also a British citizen, miraculously survived and is undergoing treatment.

British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron, who flew to Ahmedabad, said she met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday and expressed condolences on behalf of the UK.

“This is a moment of profound grief. The UK and India are working closely together to establish the facts surrounding this tragic accident,” Cameron said, noting the close coordination between consular teams and local authorities.