Systemic overload: A crisis-filled weekend in Indian skies
the Indian aviation sector endured a barrage of operational crises following the Air India crash. Within just 36 hours, four separate in-flight emergencies were reported, raising widespread concerns about preparedness and safety culture.
On June 16, an Air India Express flight to Ranchi returned to Delhi after technical issues were detected shortly after takeoff. That same day, an Air India flight from Hong Kong to Delhi had to turn back due to a suspected technical snag. Air India later confirmed the Boeing 787 aircraft landed safely and was being inspected as a precaution.
In yet another episode, a Lufthansa flight enroute to Hyderabad from Frankfurt turned back after a bomb threat was received mid-air. Passengers were safely screened upon return and investigations are underway.
Meanwhile, a British F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing in Kerala due to low fuel—prompting full emergency protocols at Thiruvananthapuram Airport.
Although none of these incidents resulted in injuries, the sheer number and timing have amplified public anxiety and tested the resilience of operational frameworks