By Davan 
The city police commissioner said it “appears there are no survivors” after the plane crashed in a residential area with offices.
“Some locals would have also died,” Commissioner GS Malik told The Associated Press, adding that exact figures were still be ascertained.
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Air India said flight 171 departed Ahmedabad International Airport at 1.38pm local time (6.08pm AEST) bound for London’s Gatwick Airport and crashed shortly after take-off.
An airline spokesperson said the aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and crew members, including 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian.
“The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals,” an Air India spokesperson said.
Firefighters doused the smoking wreckage of the plane, which would have been fully loaded with fuel shortly after takeoff, and adjacent multi-storey buildings with water. Charred bodies lay on the ground.
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the directorate of civil aviation, told The Associated Press that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar five minutes after take-off.
He said 244 people were on board and it was not immediately possible to reconcile the discrepancy with Air India’s numbers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is from Gujarat, called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words”.
“In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected,” he said in a social media post.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the news was “absolutely devastating”.
“In this time of tragedy, Australia’s thoughts are with everyone affected,” he said on social media.
“Our government is receiving regular updates and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
King Charles said he was “desperately shocked by the terrible events”.
“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, as they await news of their loved ones,” he said in a statement
“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.”
Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran described what happened as a “tragic accident”.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he said in a statement.
Indian Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda, shared a message “to the bereaved families” on social media, saying he’d had “news of many people being killed in the plane crash”.
Gatwick Airport said the downed flight had been due to arrive at 6.25pm today (3.25am tomorrow AEST).
Flights at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport were suspended for hours but resumed about 4pm (8.30pm AEST).
“Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport,” an airport spokesperson said.
“We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes were “devastating” and his thoughts were with the passengers and their families.
“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” he told the BBC.
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“I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.”
The UK Foreign Office said it was working with local authorities to “urgently” establish the facts and provide support to the British nationals involved.
“We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad,” it said.
“British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000.”
Chandrasekaran said the airline’s primary focus would be supporting the passengers and their families.
“We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted,” he said.
“Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information.
“An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.”
India’s Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, said he was “shocked and devastated” to learn about the crash.
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“We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action,” he said.
“Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.”
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has mobilised the state’s rescue and relief crews to immediately respond.
“I have also instructed to arrange a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all the treatment arrangements in the hospital on priority,” he said.
“The Honourable Union Home Minister Shri Amitbhai Shah has also spoken to me and assured full support of the NDRF teams and the Central Government for the rescue and relief operations in this plane crash.”