As the nation mourns the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, a video of two British nationals bidding farewell to India has gone viral on social media.
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
British tourists’ final Instagram post
The video, posted on Instagram by London-based yoga enthusiast Jamie Meek and his friend Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, captures their final moments in India before boarding the doomed aircraft.
In the clip, the duo can be seen waving and saying, “Goodbye India,” while reflecting on their memorable experiences during their stay.
🚨 Jamie Ray Meek, a British citizen listed as a passenger on Air India Flight 171, reportedly shared a final Instagram Story shortly before takeoff.
He appears on the official manifest under GBR 149261531. A video believed to be his last post.#India #Crash #Ahmedabad #Boeing… pic.twitter.com/KmSpz9iOi9
— the Pulse (@thePulseGlobal) June 12, 2025
“We are at the airport, just boarding. Goodbye India on a 10-hour flight back to London,” says Meek in the video.
Fiongal adds, “My biggest takeaway is to not lose your patience with your partner,” prompting a light-hearted moment as they sign off calmly and smiling.
Crash Details and passenger information released
Flight AI-171 was a scheduled direct service from Ahmedabad to London. According to airline sources, the aircraft crashed moments after climbing to just 625 meters in altitude.
Among the 242 people on board, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British, one was Canadian, and seven were Portuguese citizens.
The viral video passengers drew attention for boarding the ill-fated flight.
Authorities have yet to confirm the exact status of the passengers.
UK Prime Minister reacts with condolences on crash
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacted with deep sorrow to the crash.
He called the crash of the London-bound plane in Ahmedabad “devastating.”
“I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time,” he added.
The viral video has amplified emotions and drawn global attention to the tragedy.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are currently underway.
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