Passengers Reconsider Flying … After Recent Incidents
Article Today, Hyderabad: The recent Air India flight accident in Ahmedabad has shaken passenger confidence in air travel across the country. Following this incident, a series of technical problems with other flights have added to the growing fear among travellers.
Rising Anxiety Among Passengers
After the Ahmedabad accident, many air passengers are now hesitant to board flights. Technical issues involving Indigo and SpiceJet flights on the same day have further raised concerns. On Thursday, an Indigo flight from Delhi to Leh and a SpiceJet flight from Hyderabad to Tirupati faced sudden technical problems. In both cases, the pilots acted swiftly and landed the planes safely, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.
Passengers Now Prefer Trains and Buses
Many travellers are now rethinking their travel choices. Some believe that in road or rail accidents, the chance of survival is higher, and even in fatal cases, at least the victims’ bodies can be recovered. However, in plane crashes, there is a fear of complete destruction. Recent emergency landings have strengthened this belief among some passengers.
The Indigo flight, carrying around 180 passengers, was enroute to Leh when a technical problem occurred. The pilot promptly decided to return to Delhi and safely landed the aircraft. Shortly after this, a SpiceJet flight from Hyderabad to Tirupati also encountered a technical fault just ten minutes after takeoff. The pilots quickly returned to Hyderabad and safely landed the plane carrying 80 passengers. Two days earlier, an Indigo flight from Kochi to Delhi had to make an emergency landing in Nagpur following a bomb threat.
What Is Behind These Frequent Incidents?
The back-to-back incidents have raised serious questions. Many are wondering if there is a wider issue causing these emergencies. Is the Ahmedabad accident leading to increased fear among pilots and crew? Are they opting for emergency landings even in minor technical situations due to added pressure?
A senior official from British Airways dismissed these concerns. He stated that such technical problems are not new in aviation and have occurred in the past as well. He added that today, social media rapidly spreads every small incident, especially after the Air India accident. The official explained that thousands of planes fly safely around the world every day. Therefore, he said, passengers need not panic.
Safety Standards Must Be Strengthened
Despite growing passenger fears, many people have praised the quick thinking and professional handling of the pilots and crew. These incidents highlight the urgent need to strengthen aviation safety measures and ensure better technical inspections. The sharp response of flight staff during emergencies has been crucial in protecting lives. However, as air travel-related incidents make frequent headlines, passengers are increasingly turning to other modes of transport.
Reports suggest that many travellers now feel that trains and buses offer safer and more comfortable alternatives. Some passengers who had planned foreign trips are even cancelling their bookings due to these growing concerns. The aviation industry is now under pressure to restore public confidence and reinforce its safety protocols.
