Family, friends mourn former UK headteacher Panna Nagar killed in Air India crash

Family and friends of a beloved former UK headteacher, Panna Nagar, who was a passenger on the AI171 flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick which crashed on June 12, 2025, have continued to mourn her death.

The London-bound Air India aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed soon after taking off, killing all but one of the 242 people on board.

An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the crash, with a team of four investigators from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch in India.

The grandmother worked as a headteacher at Northfleet Nursery School. Her grandchildren paid tribute to whom they described as the ‘heart of the family’.

Panna’s grandchildren said their grandmother, who they refer to as Nani, was in the area working on a project with Orange Moon Training, a high-quality specialist training provider for childcare and education professionals.

In a joint statement, her grandchildren said: “We are devastated to announce that our Nani, Panna Nagar, was a passenger on the AI171 flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick which tragically crashed resulting in an immense loss of life and countless casualties including passengers, crew and people in the local area.

“We are extremely upset by this news and our thoughts are with the other victims’ families at this horrific time. Our Nani was in the area on a project with Orange Moon Training.

“Her work in education and numerous charities brought her around the world, her legacy is undoubtedly immense and she touched so many lives with her passion.”

The school, Northfleet Nursery School, also paid tribute to a ‘guiding light’ and ‘inspiration’.

Her grandchildren Ciara Chudasama, Leah, Jai and Esmée added: “She created an international community through her care for people and a desire to bring education to everyone.

“Her work in the UK includes a transformative time as headteacher of her beloved Northfleet Nursery school, Ofsted Inspector and a leader in early education; where her impact will be remembered indefinitely. She poured an endless amount of love, passion and care into everything that she did.”

Further story of tributes for Panna continues on KentLive