The recent Air India crash incident on June 12, 2025, has sent ripples of apprehension through the global travel community, significantly impacting consumer confidence and the travel business. While air travel remains statistically one of the safest modes of transport, the emotional aftermath of such a tragedy, amplified by subsequent scares, highlights the delicate balance of trust in the industry.
Beyond the wreckage
For travel professionals, this period serves as a stark reminder of their critical role. As Vas Jesani, travel consultant of Crystal Blue travels, the UK stated, "The travel industry has weathered storms before 9/11, volcanic ash clouds, and pandemics. What I've learned is that trust returns, but only when it's demonstrated through consistent, transparent actions. Air India seems to grasp this." She further elaborated that Air India's investigation, transparency, family support, and visible safety measures are precisely the steps required to regain confidence, adding that "bookings will come back to Air India not because people forget, but because they see a genuine commitment to improvement. That's how trust operates in travel: it's built on actions, not promises,". Adding to this the NHS has advised Brits to apply for the free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) at least 15 days before European travel. This essential card provides access to state healthcare but does not replace comprehensive travel insurance.
However, the immediate impact on sales is undeniable. Jaymin Borkhatria of Southall Travels, London, noted that "After Easter is off-season for India as it is rainy climate there. So, we cannot entirely say the decline in sales is affected by the Air India crash. Customers are confused as they want to know what exactly happened." This confusion and desire for clarity underscore the psychological effect of the incident.
In India, the repercussions have been more pronounced. Jo Gladston Joseph, Travel advisor of K Travels observed a sharp decline in consumer confidence, with bookings on Air India reportedly fell by about 20%, while cancellations surged by 30 to 40%. “The anxiety has led to a significant shift in passenger behaviour, with travellers filtering flights by aircraft type (something not very common among Indians) actively avoiding Boeing Dreamliners and even willing to pay more for emergency exit row seats for added comfort and perceived safety.” The fear is palpable, leading to a tenfold increase in inquiries at a Bengaluru-based therapy centre specialising in flight-related fears. The impact extends to group travel, with international trips, like one for 40 high school students he has booked, is being postponed or cancelled due to parental concerns. Srinjoy Sen of 3S Travel Network Pvt Ltd, Kolkata, corroborated this hesitancy, noting that "people are getting a bit of hesitant to travel but it has not affected much." He also highlighted the new trend of seeking emergency exit seats, which has even become somewhat of a ‘joke’, with some "giving up legroom and asking for a seat near emergency exit." These trends are symptomatic of the ‘flight phobia’ gripping travellers.
When reunions stir trepidation
Beyond the leisure and business travel segments, the crash has profoundly affected relatives visiting loved ones, particularly grandparents visiting their children and grandchildren. The chilling visuals and subsequent scares have stoked anxieties, making long-distance travel, once a source of joyful reunion, a cause for significant worry. Families are now grappling with the emotional burden of loved ones travelling by air, adding a layer of trepidation to what should be a comforting journey. The incident underscores the urgent need for airlines and travel businesses to prioritise rebuilding trust through enhanced safety communication and support services to address this pervasive anxiety.
