🛫 Travel Industry Mourns Air India Plane Crash; Sentiment Turns Sombre

June 12, 2025 – Ahmedabad
The global travel and tourism industry has been left shaken and deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, which resulted in the deaths of over 204 passengers and crew. The aircraft, en route to London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, slamming into the doctors' hostel at BJ Medical College.

🖤 Tourism Industry Pays Tribute

Leading travel associations and tourism boards, both domestic and international, have expressed profound grief over the incident.

“This is a heart-wrenching moment for the entire industry. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims,” said Rajan Kapoor, spokesperson for the Federation of Indian Travel Associations (FITA).

Major players in the airline and hospitality sectors, including Indigo, MakeMyTrip, and Thomas Cook India, shared condolences via social media. Many canceled promotional campaigns and halted advertising out of respect for the victims.

📉 Travel Sentiment Dips Sharply

Within hours of the crash, travel bookings in and out of Ahmedabad dropped sharply, according to early data from online booking platforms. “There’s a noticeable dip in regional travel searches and bookings,” said a spokesperson from Cleartrip.

The mood across airport terminals turned somber, with many travelers voicing concerns about flight safety and airport infrastructure.

✈️ Disruptions and Flight Alerts

Ahmedabad Airport suspended all departures for several hours post-crash and operated under emergency protocols throughout the day.

Travel advisories were issued by multiple airlines, and alternative arrangements were offered to affected passengers.

Authorities urged travelers to verify flight status before arriving at the airport.

💬 A Moment of Reflection

Industry leaders have also called for renewed focus on aviation safety, emergency preparedness, and crew training to prevent such tragedies in the future.

“The aviation sector must come together to reflect and reinforce safety practices. This is a devastating loss,” said Rupa Malhotra, editor of Travel Now India.

Summary

As the investigation into the AI171 crash continues, the travel world stands in mourning—sharing in the sorrow and pledging to uphold higher safety and support standards. The incident has not only claimed lives but cast a long shadow on the spirit of travel itself.