Air Travel is Essential, So Are the Airlines!

On June 12th, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha flagged off the inaugural direct flight from Bhubaneswar to Abu Dhabi. This marks a significant milestone for aviation in the state, as every new air connection between city pairs unlocks fresh opportunities for people and businesses alike. Being a part of the aviation sector, I feel privileged to contribute in my small way to strengthening Odisha’s air connectivity. It is especially heartening to hear stories from everyday people whose lives have been positively transformed by improved air access.

- SMT USHA PADHEE

However, the joy of that day was overshadowed by tragic news. The crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad, claiming over 250 lives, was devastating. The loss to families and communities is irreparable. This incident is the gravest in Indian aviation history and the first of its kind involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Such accidents, though extremely rare, have farreaching consequences. Often described as ‘black swan’ events, they are beyond normal expectations but leave a profound impact.

In the aftermath, concerns about aviation safety naturally rise. Some media reports have hastily blamed airlines and safety protocols. A colleague even remarked that air travel has become too dangerous. It is precisely for this reason I wish to offer some perspective. Airlines don’t operate on fuel alone, they run on public trust. Unfair narratives can erode that trust, harming not only individual carriers but the entire aviation industry.

Understanding the aviation ecosystem

India’s aviation sector has been an integral part of the country’s growth story. Once viewed as a luxury for the elite, air travel is now accessible to the common citizen. India is on track to become the thirdlargest aviation market globally, after the United States and China. The sector contributes a multiplier effect of three times to the economy and six times to employment.