Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Bhutan Holds Prayers, Saudi Crown Prince Sends Condolences

Bhutan Holds Prayer Ceremony for Ahmedabad Crash Victims; Saudi Crown Prince Extends Condolences.

Bhutan on Saturday held a solemn prayer ceremony at the Grand Kuenrey of the Tashichodzong monastery in Thimphu to honor the victims of the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash. The London-bound flight had departed from Ahmedabad on June 12 but crashed minutes later, killing 279 people.

Presiding over the ceremony were Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck, who lit a thousand butter lamps in memory of the deceased. The royal family conveyed heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India, according to an official statement.

Also in attendance were Bhutan’s Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Royal Privy Council, senior officials of the Royal Government, members of the diplomatic corps, and the Ambassador of India to Bhutan. Representatives from India’s government were also present.

The devastating crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm. The aircraft—bound for London Gatwick Airport—plummeted into a nearby medical hostel just two kilometers from the runway. Of the 242 people onboard, only one survived. Another 38 individuals on the ground were killed, bringing the total death toll to 279.

Among the deceased were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among the victims, en route to London to visit family.

The tragedy sent ripples of grief across the globe. In London, a moment of silence was observed during the Trooping the Colour parade celebrating King Charles III’s birthday. Some members of the British royal family wore black armbands in solidarity. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King had personally requested changes to the event “as a mark of respect for the lives lost, the families in mourning, and all affected communities.”

Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a message shared via official channels, the Crown Prince offered his deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to the injured.

Indian authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash. Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha confirmed that the pilot had issued a Mayday call moments before the plane lost contact with air traffic control. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the aircraft’s black box has been recovered and that findings from the ongoing investigation will shed light on the cause of the disaster.