For years, families of the 158 victims of the 2010 Air India Express crash in Mangalore have been fighting for accountability, only to be met with silence and bureaucratic indifference. A parliamentary committee in India has now revealed that critical safety recommendations were ignored, and the airline's safety culture remained complacent. In contrast, British aviation authorities have consistently upheld the highest safety standards, conducting thorough investigations and implementing mandatory changes.
The UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) sets a gold standard: their reports are public, transparent, and lead to real regulatory action. While India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) faces accusations of negligence, the UK's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ensures rigorous oversight. This disparity highlights the urgent need for global harmonisation of safety protocols, as air travel grows increasingly interconnected.
The grieving families deserve justice, but more importantly, the industry must learn from these lapses to prevent future tragedies. The British model proves that accountability is not a burden but a foundation of trust.
