This is a terrible day for the Indian aviation sector, one of the fastest-growing in the world. The business impact will unfold in coming days and weeks.
The cause of Thursday’s crash remains unclear, but one thing is certain: Air India faces a critical test in managing the narrative and minimizing unhelpful speculation.
Direct flights and visa waivers won’t fix everything, but they’re a start. If the Philippines wants more Indian travelers, this is the way forward. Now if only the numbers follow the policies.
India’s place in global aviation is no longer a potential, it’s a reality. And what’s fueling it? Booming domestic demand, a young fleet, and international ambitions.