Families of Air India Crash Victims Demand Urgent UK Government Action

The families of British victims from the recent Air India crash have voiced their discontent with the UK government's response to the tragedy, which occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025. The Air India Dreamliner, en route to Gatwick, tragically crashed into a medical college hostel, resulting in 229 fatalities including 53 British nationals and 12 crew members. Only one passenger survived the incident.

In statements released by the families of the deceased, they expressed feeling 'utterly abandoned' by the UK authorities and criticized the slow and inadequate response from the government. 'We rushed to India to be by our loved ones' sides, only to find a disjointed, inadequate, and painfully slow government reaction,' stated a family spokesperson. 'There is no UK leadership here, no medical team, no crisis professionals stationed at the hospital.' This sentiment was echoed by another family member, emphasizing their need for immediate support: 'We are not asking for miracles - we're asking for presence, for compassion, for action.'

The families outlined several key concerns, including a lack of transparency regarding the identification and handling of the victims' remains. They called for the establishment of a British-run identification unit and immediate financial support for relatives of the victims. A local doctor corroborated claims of delays in releasing bodies due to severe understaffing within the hospital, further complicating the grieving process for families.

The families are also demanding a full crisis team be deployed to the hospital within 24 hours, as the absence of UK officials on the ground has left them feeling isolated in their time of need. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has been approached for comments but has yet to respond.

The crash has drawn attention not only for the tragic loss of life but also for the implications it has on international protocols in disaster response. Dr. Emily Harrison, a professor of International Relations at the University of Oxford, stated that 'the UK government must establish protocols for rapid response in international crises, particularly when British citizens are involved.'

The incident has reignited discussions around the responsibilities of governments in providing support and assistance to citizens abroad, especially in times of crisis. Families and friends of the victims have already expressed frustration towards Indian authorities regarding the lack of information provided during the identification process.

In the wake of this disaster, the demand for an independent inquiry into the UK government's response is growing. 'Our loved ones were British citizens. They deserved better in life. They certainly deserve better in death,' the families concluded in their statement. As the situation unfolds, the families continue to seek answers and accountability from both the UK and Indian authorities, highlighting the need for improved coordination in international emergencies.