Air India Crash Triggers Passenger Anxiety

KKN Gurugram Desk | The tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of 241 out of 242 passengers onboard, has left a deep scar on the minds of Indian air travelers. Following this horrific incident, a recent survey by LocalCircles reveals a dramatic shift in consumer behavior—over 40% of passengers now verify the aircraft type before booking flight tickets, compared to just 10% in 2022.

This change reflects a significant rise in concern over aircraft safety and airline accountability in India.

Air India Crash in Ahmedabad Sparks National Concern

The Air India accident in Ahmedabad has become one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft involved in the crash was carrying 242 people, with only one survivor. As details continue to emerge, passengers and aviation experts alike are questioning the safety protocols and aircraft maintenance standards of Indian carriers.

The Ahmedabad air crash has had far-reaching effects, shaking public confidence and prompting a countrywide reassessment of air travel preferences.

Survey: Shift in Passenger Priorities After the Air India Crash

According to a nationwide survey conducted by LocalCircles, involving responses from over 40,000 participants across 294 districts, 41% of airline passengers now say they check the model of the aircraft before booking tickets.

In contrast, only 10% of travelers reported doing so in a similar 2022 survey. This fourfold increase shows how safety concerns have now become a top priority for Indian flyers.

Key findings from the survey include:

• 73% of respondents still prioritize ticket fare during flight booking.

• 64% consider the airline’s reliability and reputation.

• 59% focus on the convenience of flight timings.

• Only 5% were unsure or indifferent about their booking parameters.

However, the notable rise in passengers checking aircraft type—especially after the Ahmedabad disaster—signals a significant behavioral shift rooted in fear and awareness.

Demand to Ground Boeing 787-8 Aircraft Gains Momentum

A central issue raised in the survey is the safety of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, the aircraft involved in the Ahmedabad crash. A majority of respondents—56%—believe that the Indian government should suspend operations of all Boeing 787-8 aircraft until thorough investigations and safety verifications are completed.

These passengers argue that temporary grounding is necessary to ensure that similar accidents do not occur, especially when technical malfunctions or maintenance errors are suspected.

On the other hand, 34% of survey participants stated that unless concrete evidence proves the aircraft is unsafe, operations should not be halted prematurely. The remaining 10% were either unsure or had no opinion on the matter.

Global Aviation Safety in Question Post-Crash

Following the Air India crash, several international incidents involving Boeing aircraft have also been reported, further intensifying global concerns about aviation safety. This has led to an uptick in online discussions, travel blogs, and news coverage focused on airplane models, maintenance practices, and operational histories.

India, being one of the fastest-growing aviation markets, now faces mounting pressure to align with global safety standards, especially when dealing with aircraft manufactured by global giants like Boeing and Airbus.

DGCA Urged to Complete Aircraft Inspections Swiftly

Aviation experts believe that rebuilding public trust will require transparent action from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Specifically, DGCA is being urged to:

1. Conduct comprehensive inspections of all Boeing 787-8 aircraft currently in service in India.

2. Evaluate Air India’s maintenance practices adopted over the past year.

3. Release public reports detailing the status of each aircraft and the results of these checks.

Only after these steps are completed should a decision be made regarding the continued operation of the Boeing 787-8 fleet in India, experts suggest.

Passenger Sentiment Now Influencing Airline Choices

With rising anxiety about air travel safety in India, passengers are becoming more proactive in choosing airlines based on their safety records, aircraft types, and maintenance transparency.

Travel forums and booking websites have reported a surge in users searching for flight details based on aircraft model, something that was largely ignored by the majority of travelers until recently.

“This accident has changed the way we book tickets. I always check the type of aircraft now. If it’s a Boeing 787-8, I think twice before booking,” said one survey respondent from Mumbai.

Airlines Must Focus on Transparency and Communication

Experts recommend that Indian airlines, especially Air India, focus on the following to restore customer confidence:

• Real-time disclosure of aircraft type during ticket booking.

• Transparent maintenance logs for public reference.

• Proactive customer engagement to address fears and clarify safety protocols.

• Training and upskilling of technical staff to prevent human error.

Passengers are no longer passive consumers—they now demand information, clarity, and assurance of safety before stepping onto an aircraft.

The Ahmedabad Air India crash has proven to be more than a tragic accident—it has become a turning point in how Indian passengers view aviation safety. The demand for transparency, accountability, and precautionary measures is louder than ever.

With over 40% of air travelers now checking aircraft type, and a growing call to ground potentially unsafe models like the Boeing 787-8, the Indian aviation industry must respond with speed, sensitivity, and seriousness.

This is not just about public perception—it’s about saving lives and ensuring that tragedies like Ahmedabad never repeat themselves.