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The Print
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Ahmedabad Air India crash isn't a problem of privatisation. Govt-run aviation is no better
We don't really know why Flight 171 crashed, so it is premature to claim this resulted from cost-cutting or to blame 'systemic failures' as businessman Sabeer Bhatia has done. Yet critics are wasting no time in summoning the neoliberalism bogeyman . This knee-jerk reaction reveals more about ideological bias than genuine concern for passenger safety. However, a close look at India's aviation history over the past 25 years reveals that this narrative is more fiction than fact. Since 2000, India has seen four significant airline crashes. Three of these disasters occurred under government ownership: Alliance Air Flight 7412 in 2000 (pilot error), Air India Express Flight 812 in 2010 (pilot error after runway overshoot), and Air India Express Flight 1344 in 2020 (runway overshoot in bad weather). Only Air India Flight 171 happened under private ownership, after the Tata Group acquired Air India in 2022. These State-owned airline crashes were attributed to specific operational factors like pilot error and adverse weather conditions. No one suggested that government ownership itself created safety risks or that bureaucratic inefficiency compromised passenger safety. Any tragedy involving air travel inevitably becomes an opportunity for critics to push ideological agendas, particularly those sceptical of privatisation. The crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad is no exception. The London-bound flight is one of India's deadliest aviation disasters in decades. Yet before investigators could even analyse the recovered black box, critics immediately blamed the tragedy on privatisation, citing 'profit over safety' concerns. The breathtaking irony here is that the loudest voices condemning privatisation conveniently ignore the grim legacy of government-run aviation: Three catastrophic crashes and countless ignored warnings since 2000. They remain conspicuously silent when bureaucratic lethargy and political apathy claim lives, but seize upon the first tragedy under private ownership as incontrovertible proof of market villainy. Despite these ideological distractions, the broader truth remains unmistakable: Air travel, especially in India, remains remarkably safe. Billions of passengers have travelled across India over the last 25 years with only four crashes, an impressive safety record by any standard. Ultimately, if financial pressures genuinely threaten passenger safety, the real culprit is government policy rather than corporate greed. Also read: Why do airplanes still crash? The real safety threat Socialist critics conveniently ignore that if financial pressure truly compromises safety, then government policies are the biggest culprit. Indian airlines operate under crushing regulatory and fiscal burdens that squeeze margins to dangerous levels. Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) faces punitive taxation that cripples airline operations. As of mid-2025, ATF is hit by 11 per cent central excise duty plus up to 30 per cent state VAT. Since ATF remains excluded from GST, these taxes cascade, meaning fuel taxes often exceed 35 per cent of the base cost. This makes India one of the most expensive markets globally for airline fuel costs, which account for up to 45 per cent of an airline's operating expenses. Add to this the maze of regulatory compliance costs, suboptimal slot policies, and threats of pricing interference, and you have a government-created environment where airlines struggle to maintain healthy cash flows. If the 'profit over safety' theory held any water, these government-imposed financial pressures would be the primary safety risk. Yet somehow, private airlines operating under these same punitive conditions maintain better safety records than the government airlines that had none of these competitive pressures. This reveals the fundamental flaw in the socialist argument: Profit motive doesn't threaten safety; operational excellence and accountability under private ownership actually enhance it. Also read: Don't let Ahmedabad crash become Air India's death knell. It'll hurt Brand India The infrastructure challenge These crashes also expose deeper problems with State-managed aviation infrastructure that go beyond individual airline operations. Patna Airport obstructions: While the Alliance Air crash in 2000 was caused by pilot error, it prompted safety investigations that revealed serious infrastructure problems at Patna airport. The DGCA identified 101 obstructions, including trees that reduced the effective runway length, which made it one of the most dangerous airports in the country. The Bihar government flat-out refused to cut the trees causing the obstruction, forcing airlines to operate with drastically reduced passenger loads. It took 12 years and the threat of a complete airport shutdown before they even cut a single tree. The government's apathy was staggering—they preferred risking airport closure over basic tree removal, despite knowing passengers' lives were at stake. Even after finally acting, lapses in pruning periodically persist till today. The airport operated without a valid license for years due to these unresolved obstructions. This pattern reveals a chronic inability to maintain basic safety protocols. Tree obstruction and other safety hazards persist even two decades after the fatal accident, showing exactly how bureaucratic dysfunction compromises aviation infrastructure. The Mangaluru runway extension: The Mangaluru crash exposed another critical infrastructure failure. Immediately after the 2010 crash that killed 158 people, the aviation ministry promised the runway would be extended by 1,000 metres to make it safer for aircraft operations. More than 14 years later, this extension still hasn't happened. When asked to fund runway safety improvements after 158 deaths, the Karnataka government refused, explicitly stating, 'There is no direct revenue benefit from the airport to the state.' Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India claimed 'shortage of funds' while investing elsewhere. What makes this worse is that AAI has been investing in ghost airports, which have had zero passengers for months, while refusing to fund safety improvements where 158 people died. The Karnataka government's pattern of choosing money over safety is consistent. The mandatory 'safety basic strip' recommended by the DGCA also remains unimplemented. After the airport was privatised in 2021, the Airports Authority sought 32.97 acres for required safety buffers. But the Karnataka government again refused to provide land free of cost, arguing the private operator should pay. Twice, the same government has explicitly prioritised financial considerations over passenger safety—the exact behaviour socialists falsely attribute to private companies. The contrast is staggering: unlimited funds for vanity projects with zero passengers, but 'shortage of funds' for safety measures after mass casualties. The Calicut 'murder': The 2020 Calicut crash is perhaps the most damning example of government negligence. This wasn't just 'challenging weather conditions'—this was a preventable disaster at an airport that aviation experts had been warning about for nearly a decade. The DGCA itself had designated Calicut as a 'critical airfield' and 'unsafe' for wet weather operations. Captain Mohan Ranganathan, a member of the Ministry of Civil Aviation's safety advisory committee, had warned in 2011 that the airport's tabletop runway design, inadequate buffer zones (90m instead of the recommended 240m), and lack of safety systems made it dangerous. The airport had multiple cracks in runways, pools of stagnant water, and excessive rubber deposits. The DGCA had even issued a show-cause notice in 2019 after finding these hazards. Yet nothing was done. The warnings were ignored for years, and as Ranganathan said after the crash, 'In my opinion, it is not an accident but a murder.' The government's failure to follow through on basic safety infrastructure improvements—despite multiple tragedies and expert warnings—speaks volumes about the sluggish pace of State-led safety initiatives. Private airport operators face the same regulatory constraints, but they have stronger incentives to navigate these challenges proactively rather than wait for tragedies to force action. Inter-governmental coordination affecting aviation safety infrastructure is a recurring theme across many Indian airports—and it's a problem that government ownership of airlines cannot solve, because the airlines themselves don't control the airports. Also read: Pilots flying your planes are stressed, sleep-deprived. 'It wasn't as intense earlier, now it's chaos' Market forces drive safety The impeccable safety record of private airlines like IndiGo demonstrates that market-driven safety improvements and accountability surpass government management. IndiGo operates over 1,800 flights daily and has carried hundreds of millions of passengers without a single fatal accident. When SpiceJet faced safety incidents in 2022, 44 per cent of domestic air passengers started avoiding the airline—market discipline worked exactly as it should. Airlines that crash don't stay in business, creating immediate consequences that government monopolies never faced. India's aviation safety record demonstrates that air travel remains very safe when you consider the scale. Over the past 25 years, Indian airlines have operated millions of flights carrying billions of passengers. Four accidents over this period, in a country with challenging weather conditions, diverse topography, and rapidly expanding air traffic, show that aviation safety has been maintained despite massive growth. Compare this to road transport in India—the contrast is stark. This safety record across India's aviation sector shows that market-driven aviation works. Evidence-based safety policy Real safety improvements come from understanding the complete picture: Infrastructure coordination failures between government agencies, policy pressures that squeeze airline margins, and market forces that reward operational excellence. The evidence shows that government apathy, willful negligence, and State-imposed financial pressures create the very risks that critics falsely attribute to privatisation. Meanwhile, market accountability ensures immediate consequences for safety lapses through passenger avoidance, massive compensation payouts, and catastrophic aircraft losses—incentives that simply didn't exist under government monopoly. It's easy and tempting to cast private airlines as villains to satisfy ideological biases, but tragedies deserve sober analysis, not sensationalism. Critics circling this tragedy are doing a disservice to the victims and their families by peddling predetermined narratives instead of waiting for facts. We should wait for the investigation to conclude, examine the actual causes, and have an honest conversation about aviation safety based on data, not dogma. The victims of Flight 171 deserve better than the lazy, predictable scapegoating of privatisation. Ajay Mallareddy is co-founder of Hyderabad-based Centre for Liberty and the spokesperson for the Libertarian party of India. His X handle is @IndLibertarians. Views are personal. (Edited by Theres Sudeep)
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
In six of India's deadliest air disasters, investigators pinpointed human error
New Delhi: India has witnessed several major air disasters over the years, many of which have resulted in significant loss of life and triggered important safety reviews. Most investigations into these accidents have pointed to a combination of human error, non-compliance with procedures, and in some cases, systemic failings in aviation oversight. On August 7, 2020, Air India Express Flight 1344 from Dubai to Kozhikode skidded off the runway and plunged into a valley while attempting to land in heavy rain. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft was carrying over 180 passengers and crew, of whom 21 lost their lives. According to the final report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the crash occurred due to non-adherence to standard operating procedures by the pilots, particularly a delayed decision to initiate a go-around. The report also pointed to underlying systemic failures as a contributing factor. Another major tragedy occurred on May 22, 2010, when Air India Express Flight 812 overshot the runway while landing at Mangalore. The aircraft broke apart after falling into a gorge, killing 158 people. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) concluded that the captain ignored repeated warnings from the first officer to initiate a go-around and continued with an unstabilised approach. On July 17, 2000, Alliance Air Flight 7412 crashed during landing in Patna. The Boeing 737-200 aircraft stalled on approach and crashed into a residential area, killing over 60 people. Investigators found that the pilots lost control of the aircraft due to a failure to recover from an impending stall and poor execution of go-around procedures. Indian Airlines Flight 605 crashed on February 14, 1990, during its approach to Bangalore. The Airbus A320 hit a golf course short of the runway, killing 92 people. The DGCA attributed the crash to pilot error, including an incorrect descent path and a failure to recognize and correct the situation in time. On April 26, 1993, Indian Airlines Flight 491 crashed shortly after takeoff from Aurangabad. The Boeing 737-200 collided with a truck and power lines, resulting in 55 fatalities. The investigation found that the captain misjudged the takeoff and that inadequate airport security and infrastructure played a role in the crash. India's worst aviation disaster, however, remains the Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision on November 12, 1996, in which 349 people were killed. A Saudi Arabian Boeing 747 and a Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin Il-76 collided mid-air near Charkhi Dadri in Haryana. Investigators determined that the Kazakh crew failed to maintain the correct altitude and that poor English communication contributed to the accident. This incident led to sweeping changes in Indian airspace, including the mandatory use of airborne collision avoidance systems (ACAS).
Gulf Today
13-06-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
List of 10 major civil aircraft crashes in India
The Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad on Thursday has turned the focus on civil aviation safety in the country, with the last major tragedy being recorded in 2020 in Calicut, which claimed 21 lives. While the 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air Collision on November 12, 1996, which killed 349 people, remains the worst air tragedy in the country, some of the major civilian air crashes over the past decades include: August 7, 2020, Calicut (Kozhikode) Air Crash: Air India Express Flight 1344 from Dubai crashed while landing at Calicut International Airport, killing 21 people. The aircraft skidded off a wet runway and broke into two. May 22, 2010, Mangalore Air Crash: Air India Express Flight 812 overshot the runway at Mangalore, resulting in 158 deaths. The aircraft broke apart after falling into a gorge. July 17, 2000, Patna Air Crash : A Boeing 737 on Alliance Air Flight 7412 crashed during landing at Patna, killing over 60 people. Loss of control due to pilot error was the cause. November 12, 1996, Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision: Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 and Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin Il-76 collided near Delhi, killing all 349 people on both aircraft. The cause was pilot error and miscommunication with air traffic control. April 26, 1993, Aurangabad Air Crash: Indian Airlines Flight 491, a Boeing 737, crashed after takeoff from Aurangabad, hitting a truck and power lines, killing 55 people. August 16, 1991, Imphal Air Crash: Indian Airlines Flight 257 crashed near Imphal, killing all 69 on board. February 14, 1990, Bangalore Air Crash: Indian Airlines Flight 605, an Airbus A320, crashed on approach to Bangalore, killing 92 people. October 19, 1988, Ahmedabad Air Crash: Indian Airlines Flight 113 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 133. June 21, 1982, Bombay Air Crash: Air India Flight 403 crashed at Bombay airport, killing 17. January 1, 1978, Bombay Air Crash: Boeing 747 on Air India Flight 855 crashed into the Arabian Sea after takeoff from Mumbai, killing all 213 on board.
Hans India
13-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
10 major crashes in India
August 7, 2020, Calicut (Kozhikode) Air Crash: Air India Express Flight 1344 from Dubai crashed while landing at Calicut International Airport, killing 21 people. The aircraft skidded off a wet runway and broke into two. May 22, 2010, Mangalore Air Crash: Air India Express Flight 812 overshot the runway at Mangalore, resulting in 158 deaths. The aircraft broke apart after falling into a gorge. July 17, 2000, Patna Air Crash: A Boeing 737 on Alliance Air Flight 7412 crashed during landing at Patna, killing over 60 people. Loss of control due to pilot error was the cause. November 12, 1996, Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision: Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 and Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin Il-76 collided near Delhi, killing all 349 people on both aircraft. The cause was pilot error and miscommunication with air traffic control. April 26, 1993, Aurangabad Air Crash: Indian Airlines Flight 491, a Boeing 737, crashed after takeoff from Aurangabad, hitting a truck and power lines, killing 55 people. August 16, 1991, Imphal Air Crash: Indian Airlines Flight 257 crashed near Imphal, killing all 69 on board. February 14, 1990, Bangalore Air Crash: Indian Airlines Flight 605, an Airbus A320, crashed on approach to Bangalore, killing 92 people. October 19, 1988, Ahmedabad Air Crash: Indian Airlines Flight 113 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 133. June 21, 1982, Bombay Air Crash: Air India Flight 403 crashed at Bombay airport, killing 17. January 1, 1978, Bombay Air Crash: Boeing 747 on Air India Flight 855 crashed into the Arabian Sea after takeoff from Mumbai, killing all 213 on board.
NDTV
12-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: 11 Biggest Aviation Tragedies In India's History
An Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was headed to London Gatwick with 242 people on board. Moments after lift-off, the pilot issued a " Mayday" call before the aircraft plummeted into a residential area, triggering a massive explosion and fire. Officials say the plane reached only about 850 feet before losing contact. Emergency teams rushed to the site, where flames and thick black smoke were seen billowing from the crash zone. Rescue operations are underway. India has witnessed several tragic aviation disasters over the decades. Kozhikode Crash - August 7, 2020 Air India Express Flight 1344 was bringing passengers home from Dubai during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the Vande Bharat Mission. While landing at Calicut International Airport amid heavy rain, the plane skidded off the runway and fell into a 35-foot gorge. The aircraft broke into two. At least 21 people, including both pilots, died in the crash. Over 100 passengers were injured. The airport had a 'tabletop' runway, which is considered risky in poor weather. The crash led to a review of similar structured-airports in India. Mangaluru Crash - May 22, 2010 Air India Express Flight 812 was flying from Dubai to Mangaluru. Upon landing, the plane overshot the runway and fell into a deep gorge, breaking apart and catching fire. Out of 166 people onboard, 158 died. Only eight survived. Investigators found that the captain continued the landing despite being in an unstable approach, which should have led to a go-around. Patna Crash - July 17, 2000 Alliance Air Flight 7412 was flying from Kolkata to Delhi with a stop in Patna. While trying to land at the Patna airport, the plane lost control and crashed into a crowded residential area, hitting houses and power lines. More than 60 people died in this crash. The cause was mainly pilot error and poor handling of the aircraft during descent. Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision - November 12, 1996 This remains the worst aviation disaster in India's history. A Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 and a Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin Il-76 collided in mid-air near Delhi. The crash happened due to miscommunication and wrong altitude instructions. All 349 people on both aircraft were killed. The accident led to India making Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) mandatory on all commercial flights. Aurangabad Crash - April 26, 1993 Indian Airlines Flight 491 took off from Aurangabad but hit a truck crossing the runway. The plane then struck power lines and crashed shortly after going airborne. At least 55 people died in this crash. The tragedy was caused by poor coordination at the airport and failure to lift off at the right time. Imphal Crash - August 16, 1991 Indian Airlines Flight 257 was flying from Kolkata to Imphal. The aircraft crashed into a hill while approaching the airport in poor weather. All 69 passengers and crew died. The crash was caused by navigational mistakes and the lack of proper landing equipment in the area. Bengaluru Crash - February 14, 1990 Indian Airlines Flight 605 was flying from Mumbai to Bengaluru. During landing, the plane touched down too early, hit the ground before the runway, and broke apart. At least 92 people were killed. Investigators said the pilots were not familiar with some of the advanced systems on the Airbus A320, which also contributed to the crash. Ahmedabad Crash - October 19, 1988 Indian Airlines Flight 113 was approaching Ahmedabad Airport in foggy conditions. The plane hit trees and the ground before reaching the runway. Out of 135 people on board, 133 died. The crash was blamed on pilot error and failure to follow the correct landing procedures. Bombay Crash - June 21, 1982 Air India Flight 403 was flying in from Kuala Lumpur and attempting to land in Mumbai during poor weather. The aircraft overshot the runway, skidded off, and caught fire. At least 17 people died in the crash. Rain and poor runway conditions played a role in the accident. Arabian Sea Crash - January 1, 1978 Air India Flight 855 took off from Mumbai for Dubai on New Year's Day. Minutes after takeoff, the plane crashed into the Arabian Sea. All 213 people on board died. The crash happened because of faulty flight instruments and confusion in the cockpit. Delhi Crash - May 31, 1973 Indian Airlines Flight 440 was flying from Chennai to Delhi. While approaching Palam Airport in stormy weather, the plane hit high-voltage power lines. It burst into flames before it could reach the runway. At least 48 of the 65 people on board were killed. The crash was linked to bad weather and a lack of modern landing equipment.
