Grieving family members of three British citizens who lost their lives in the Air India plane crash have expressed disappointment with the UK government's handling of the situation in India. They described the response as disjointed, inadequate, and slow.

The family of Akeel Nanabawa, Hannaa Vorajee, and their four-year-old daughter Sara Nanabawa are urging the UK government to improve communication with family members who traveled to Ahmedabad in Gujarat after the tragic incident.

The crash of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on 12 June resulted in the loss of 241 lives out of 242 passengers on board. Family members were initially informed that their loved ones had been identified and were given a 72-hour timeframe for the release of the bodies, only for this information to be retracted without clarification.

They also faced challenges in obtaining medical or forensic support at the hospital and received inconsistent updates from local authorities, adding to their distress.

A family spokesperson highlighted the absence of UK leadership, medical teams, or crisis professionals at the hospital. They expressed frustration at having to make appointments to meet consular staff at a distant hotel while their loved ones remained unidentified at the hospital.

Another family member described feeling abandoned by the UK government during this difficult time.

Nanabawa and Vorajee were on a flight to London Gatwick when the plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. A local doctor informed the family that delays in releasing the bodies were due to understaffing.

Abu Nanabawa, Akeel's cousin, noted that several families shared concerns about the crisis management. He emphasized the importance of burying their loved ones promptly according to Islamic traditions.

The grieving families are calling for the immediate deployment of a full crisis team at the hospital, including consular, medical, and forensic science officers. They also seek a British-run identification unit to assist with DNA testing and expedite the release of remains.

Additionally, they are requesting regular written updates in both the UK and India, financial assistance for urgent travel, accommodation, and repatriation expenses, and an independent inquiry into the crisis response.

A Number 10 spokesperson expressed condolences and stated that efforts are underway to support British nationals and their families affected by the tragedy. The cause of the accident is still under investigation by Indian and international aviation authorities.

The Foreign Office assured that staff are working tirelessly to assist families in the UK and India. They have established a reception center at Ummed Hotel near Ahmedabad airport and provided a helpline for support and guidance. Consular staff are available to accompany families to the hospital and forensic experts are aiding the consular response.