My heartfelt condolences to the flight crew, cabin crew, and all the passengers aboard the ill-fated Air India Flight AI 171.
What happened in Ahmedabad was truly tragic—a devastating incident with lives lost in the Air India crash. My heart goes out to the families affected. As with all such events, thorough investigations will uncover the root cause, and I trust that lessons will be learned.
But will this stop me from flying with Air India? Probably not.
I’ve flown with them many times in the past, and I will continue to do so in the future. My personal experiences have largely been positive. Having worked in the aviation training industry, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with several Air India veterans—each one exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, and deeply committed to safety and service.
I’m sure many people have had genuine negative experiences with Air India—just as they have with most airlines. That’s the nature of air travel: for every smooth journey, there can be the occasional hiccup that leaves a bad impression. Unfortunately, it’s often the bad moments that get remembered the most, even when the majority of experiences are uneventful or even excellent.
That’s why I felt the need to write this piece—not to dismiss the tragedy, but to balance the narrative. Too often, only the negatives about Air India are amplified, while the many good experiences go unspoken. It’s time we acknowledge and appreciate the legacy, the people, and the heart behind the airline. This article is my small way of saying thank you.
*However, this does not rule out the possibility that the accident may have resulted from negligence—whether on the part of the management or any other responsible entity. If that is found to be the case, then those accountable must be held fully responsible and face the consequences.
*****
In an age dominated by viral tweets, scathing reviews, and instant outrage, it’s often the negative experiences that take center stage. Air India, the country’s flag carrier and once a symbol of national pride, has long borne the brunt of this imbalance. Delays, aging aircraft, and outdated service models have all made headlines—but what’s often left out is the airline’s enduring warmth, professionalism, and the countless good experiences that quietly unfold every day at 30,000 feet.
For decades, Air India has connected millions of Indians to the rest of the world, often serving as a bridge between the homeland and the diaspora. Despite its challenges—many of them stemming from years of bureaucratic oversight and financial strain—the airline continues to operate with a heart that few acknowledge.
One of the most overlooked aspects of Air India is its cabin crew. In a country where private aviation only truly took off in the 1990s, it’s no surprise that the national carrier’s crew, many of whom have served for decades, are older than those on newer airlines. This generational gap has often been the subject of jokes and jabs, with little thought given to the value of their experience. But behind those seasoned smiles are thousands of miles flown, countless crises calmly handled, and a deep understanding of passenger care that only years in the skies can bring.
While many travelers today might prefer the glitz of low-cost carriers or the polish of international airlines, Air India’s crew brings something that can’t be trained overnight: genuine warmth. Stories abound of flight attendants cradling fussy infants so tired mothers can rest, of hot meals lovingly served on long-haul flights, and of passengers treated with a kindness that feels almost familial. These aren’t isolated events—they’re part of a quiet tradition of care that Air India has upheld for generations.
It’s worth remembering that Air India has also flown into conflict zones to bring back stranded citizens, carried oxygen during the COVID-19 pandemic, and airlifted people from disaster-struck regions. These operations were conducted with dignity and efficiency, often risking personal safety to bring others home. How many tweets did we see praising these efforts compared to those criticizing a delayed dinner service?
Yes, the airline has its share of problems. But painting it with a single brush of negativity does a disservice to the many professionals who work tirelessly to keep it running—especially the in-flight crew who, despite the criticisms, show up day after day to serve with dignity, poise, and heart.
As Air India enters a new chapter under Tata Group’s stewardship, it’s important to remember where it’s come from and the people who’ve kept it aloft through turbulent times. Let’s not forget the warm welcomes, the familiar smell of Indian food in the air, the comforting “Namaste” as you board. These small details, often dismissed, are what make Air India more than just an airline—they make it a piece of home in the sky.
So the next time you fly Air India, pause to look beyond the outdated seat fabrics or the less-than-modern screens. Notice the smile that greets you, the hand that helps an elderly passenger with her bag, the calm assurance of a crew member during turbulence. These are stories worth telling too.
It’s time we start sharing the good.
Pic source – Dailyo
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