Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Bhutan Holds Memorial Prayer, Saudi Prince Expresses Grief

Bhutan Holds Special Prayers for Ahmedabad Crash Victims; Saudi Crown Prince Sends Condolences.

Bhutan held a solemn prayer ceremony on Saturday at the Grand Kuenrey of Tashichodzong monastery in Thimphu to honor the victims of the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash that claimed 279 lives. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck lit a thousand butter lamps in memory of the deceased and extended heartfelt condolences to the Indian people and government. The ceremony was attended by Bhutan’s Prime Minister, senior government officials, the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, members of the diplomatic corps, and officials from the Indian government.

The Air India Flight AI-171, en route to London Gatwick, took off from Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm on June 12 but crashed minutes later into a nearby medical hostel. Of the 242 people on board, only one survived. An additional 38 people on the ground were killed, bringing the death toll to 279. Among the victims were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among the deceased.

The tragedy triggered an outpouring of global grief. In London, a moment of silence was observed during King Charles III’s official birthday parade, Trooping the Colour. Some royal family members wore black armbands. Buckingham Palace said the King had personally requested changes to the ceremony “as a mark of respect for the lives lost and communities in mourning.”

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also offered condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing deep sorrow and sympathy for the victims’ families and wishing a swift recovery for the injured.

Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha confirmed that the pilot had issued a Mayday call shortly after takeoff, but the aircraft lost contact soon after. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced on Saturday that the black box has been recovered, and a full investigation is underway to determine what caused the fatal crash.