A year ago this week, 158 people lost their lives when an Air India Express flight skidded off the runway at Kozhikode, Kerala. The crash, which occurred during the pandemic's peak, left families shattered and a nation in mourning. One year later, the grief is still raw, and the search for answers continues.
Sarita Nair, a school teacher from Mumbai, lost her mother, sister, and two nieces in the disaster. 'We have no real closure,' she told me over the phone, her voice heavy with exhaustion. 'We don't know why the plane went off the runway, and every delay or half-answer feels like salt on a wound.' The official investigation by India's civil aviation ministry has faced criticism for being slow and opaque. While a preliminary report cited pilot fatigue and failure to adhere to standard operating procedures, the final report remains unpublished. Relatives of the victims have called for a more transparent process, with some even resorting to legal action.
For the many who depend on air travel for work and family ties, the unanswered questions have a deeper impact. The crash was a stark reminder of the hidden costs behind a cheap ticket. Air India Express, the budget carrier, had been expanding rapidly, and the pilots' union had raised concerns about workload and safety. Yet those warnings went unheeded until after the tragedy. The aftermath has seen some reforms, including changes to crew duty times and better training. But for those left behind, these measures feel like too little, too late.
The pandemic compounded the misery. Many families could not hold proper funerals due to lockdowns. Some are still struggling financially, as compensation packages have been mired in bureaucracy. The airline has paid an interim sum, but full settlements are pending. 'They want us to sign documents that say we won't pursue the case further,' said Rajesh Menon, whose brother died in the crash. 'But we don't even know the full truth yet.'
This is not just a story of a single air disaster. It is a reflection of a broader pattern where safety and accountability can take a back seat to profit and political convenience. In a country where aviation is booming, the crash exposed systemic cracks. Workers at the coalface, from pilots to ground staff, have long flagged issues with infrastructure and staffing. Their voices, often dismissed, are now part of a painful reckoning.
As the anniversary passes, there is a quiet vigil planned at the crash site. But the real battle is not about a day of remembrance; it is about ensuring that no other family has to endure this limbo of grief and questions. The government must publish the final report and ensure justice is done. The bereaved have waited long enough. For them, the crash was not a statistic. It was a loved one's last breath. And they deserve more than silence.
