What the Air India Crash Taught Us (That Nobody Says Out Loud)

It could’ve been me, or you, or anyone just trying to reach home, attend a meeting, or someone jetting off to enjoy a summer vacation. When news of the Air India Flight AI171 crash broke, it wasn’t just shock—it was a punch to the gut. Because, as passengers, we trust airlines blindly every time we fasten that seatbelt. We don’t think twice. We assume the plane is fit, the pilot is prepared, and the system is solid. But what if it isn’t?

Here’s what we, as passengers, really learned—stuff no press release is going to tell you.

 Emergency exits are not a joke

Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a British‑Indian who walked out of the burning plane alone. Vishwas was in seat 11A, a seat that is next to an emergency exit. His section of the plane detached and landed low on the building—safe enough that he escaped through a broken door. His seat came off with him, shielding him from flames. Let’s be real: How many of us listen to instructions to open that door? We just want extra legroom.

Engines don’t lie; interiors do

The aircraft that crashed looked fine inside. Passengers boarded, sat down, and got comfortable.

But soon after takeoff, the plane lost control and engines broke up, due to deeper issues no one in the cabin could notice.

A properly maintained aircraft—checked beyond surface-level beauty—is what saves lives.

We will accept delays—just don’t treat us like mushrooms

Passengers are okay waiting. But treat us like thinking adults, not as clueless mushrooms sitting in the dark. Because truth builds trust, even when it’s uncomfortable.

This crash reminded us:

Life is fragile—even at 30,000 feet. Moments matter more than minutes.

Say “I love you” or hug tight without waiting for the perfect moment, or sometimes without a reason. The only survivor, Vishwas, lost his brother in the same crash. One seat apart—one alive, one gone. That’s how thin the line is between life and loss. It’s love that makes survival meaningful.

Conclusion

We should learn to cheer for a normal landing. Why? Because deep down, we’ve lowered our expectations. We are just happy to get home in one piece. That says a lot.

We are not just passengers. We are someone's family. We deserve better skies, smooth-running planes, trained crew members, and honest airlines.

Tragedy like this one whispers a truth that we often forget: Technology may fly us, but love is the only thing that truly lasts beyond the flight. Suddenly, a smile, a hug, and an urge to appreciate each breath of ours became more important than any business meeting.