Recent events involving Air India and Boeing aircraft have shaken my confidence in flying, something I previously took for granted. As a frequent flier, I've always considered air travel to be statistically safe, a marvel of modern engineering and rigorous safety protocols. However, the recent Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, along with a string of subsequent incidents, has eroded that sense of security.
The crash of AI171, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, along with many on the ground, is a stark reminder of the potential for catastrophic failure. The fact that this occurred shortly after takeoff, a particularly vulnerable phase of flight, amplifies the unease. What makes it more concerning is the aircraft involved: a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model that, until recently, had a relatively good safety record.
Adding to the apprehension, another Air India Dreamliner, flying from Hong Kong to Delhi, was forced to return mid-air due to a "technical issue" just days after the fatal crash. While no one was injured in this instance, the proximity to the Ahmedabad tragedy is unnerving. Another incident involved an Air India flight from San Francisco to Mumbai, where passengers were deplaned in Kolkata due to an engine snag. These events, coupled with reports of other airlines experiencing technical difficulties within the same timeframe, have created a sense of heightened risk surrounding air travel.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Air India to conduct enhanced maintenance checks on its Boeing fleet, including fuel parameter monitoring, cabin air compressor inspection, and electronic engine control system tests. While these measures are reassuring, they also highlight the existence of potential vulnerabilities. Air India has completed inspections on some of its Dreamliner fleet, but the very need for these checks raises questions about the airline's maintenance practices and oversight.
Beyond the specific incidents involving Air India, broader concerns about Boeing's safety culture have resurfaced. Allegations of cost-cutting measures, inadequate parts, and a suppression of safety concerns have plagued the company in recent years. The scrutiny following two fatal 737 MAX crashes between 2018 and 2019, which killed 346 people, exposed critical design flaws and a lack of transparency. While Boeing has pledged to improve its safety practices, these promises ring hollow in the face of continued incidents and whistleblower reports. The recent death of a former Boeing quality manager, who voiced concerns about the 787, adds another layer of unease.
The confluence of these factors – the fatal Air India crash, the subsequent technical issues with other Air India flights, and the broader concerns about Boeing's safety culture – has made me, a once fearless flyer, anxious about boarding a plane. While I understand that air travel remains statistically safe, the recent events have made the potential consequences of a failure much more real. I can only hope that the ongoing investigations are thorough and transparent, and that both Air India and Boeing take decisive action to address any underlying safety issues. Until then, I will be approaching my next flight with a sense of trepidation I never felt before.
