Air India Crash: How a Tragic Event Impacts the Airline’s Bold Turnaround Plans

Days after the tragic Air India flight 171 crash, which resulted in the loss of over 270 lives, global investigators are working tirelessly to uncover the cause. Right now, it’s hard to determine where the fault lies, and it might take months to get full clarity.

This calamity comes at a difficult time for the Tata Group, which owns Air India. Just as the airline started to show signs of recovery—operating profitably after years of struggles—the crash has raised significant concerns about its future.

Before this incident, Air India was on a promising path. The Tatas had acquired the airline from the government in 2022 and had made several improvements, including better revenues and fewer customer complaints. However, lingering issues like flight delays and service problems were still present.

Cosmetic changes were also in the works. Brand new planes with updated interiors and a sleek new look were part of Air India’s revival strategy. The Tatas aimed to elevate the airline to a “world-class” standard. Unfortunately, the recent tragedy now casts a long shadow over these ambitions.

In the wake of the crash, many passengers expressed fear about flying with Air India again. “I’ll never fly Air India again” became a common sentiment, even though the airline has a strong safety record. Experts note that such reactions are typical after high-profile accidents. Jitendra Bhargava, a former executive director at Air India, states that the tragedy will haunt many travelers for a long time.

Recent incidents, including engine issues and bomb threats on other flights, only fuel anxiety among potential passengers. Shukor Yusof from Endau Analytics highlights that the crash and these events could deter customers and stall Air India’s recovery plans.

Turning the airline around was already going to be a challenging task due to its legacy issues. Experts now believe that the tragic event could lead to even more delays in achieving operational goals. Resources must now be allocated to address insurance claims, legal matters, and repairing the brand’s reputation.

Taking a historical perspective, Yusof points out similarities to the struggles faced by Malaysia Airlines after its twin tragedies in 2014. It took that airline nearly a decade to recover financially, and a similar long road may be ahead for Air India.

Meanwhile, the ongoing investigation will keep all eyes on the airline. With oversight from multiple countries, operational and maintenance questions are likely to arise. Mark Martin, an aviation expert, expects scrutiny over how Air India manages its aging fleet.

Mitu Samar Jha, a risk management consultant, emphasizes that effective communication and recovery strategies are vital during this crisis. Air India must keep the public informed to avoid creating misinformation and losing control over the narrative.

Despite these challenges, Air India is determined to rise from this disaster. CEO Campbell Wilson has pledged transparency and support for the affected families. Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has urged employees to remain steadfast during this trying period, describing the crash as his “most heartbreaking” challenge yet.

Experts like Sanjay Lazar believe that heightened safety measures will arise from this tragedy, as airlines typically respond cautiously after accidents. With Singapore Airlines as a partner, Air India may benefit from support in its recovery journey.

The path ahead is rocky for Air India, but with strong leadership and a commitment to safety, there remains hope for a turnaround.

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