Passenger Trust Wanes: Air India Faces Steep Decline on UK Routes Following Deadly Crash
Air India is grappling with a significant downturn in passenger demand on its vital India-UK routes, as a lingering “fear factor” following last summer’s fatal plane crash continues to overshadow the airline’s ongoing efforts to overhaul its operations.
The tragedy, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad in June 2025 and claimed the lives of 260 people, has left a lasting mark on traveler sentiment. While the airline initially posted strong growth in the first five months of 2025, the crash served as a sharp turning point, triggering a sustained decline in passenger traffic that has persisted into 2026.
A Growing “Fear Factor”
For frequent travelers like Twisha Sharma, who flies internationally at least twice a year, the brand’s reputation for safety has become a primary concern.
“Since the crash, there have been a lot of news articles about how the airline continues to not uphold good safety standards,” Sharma told The Independent. “Maybe because of extra scrutiny, and maybe these things happen with every airline, but the fear factor has kind of set in.”
Data shared exclusively by aviation analytics firm Cirium illustrates this shift. While other international carriers on the India-UK route saw passenger numbers rise by nearly 12% in late 2025, Air India struggled to maintain its footing. By April and May 2026, the carrier saw year-on-year passenger numbers drop by approximately 27% and 25% respectively, even as it scaled back capacity.
Beyond the Tragedy
While the crash is the most cited reason for the decline, industry experts point to a complex set of pressures. Rajiv Mehra, general secretary of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality, notes that geopolitical tensions—specifically the closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian carriers—have placed Air India at a competitive disadvantage compared to foreign airlines that face no such restrictions.
Furthermore, the domestic market has been volatile. When budget carrier IndiGo faced massive flight cancellations in late 2025 due to pilot rostering issues, some passengers shifted to Air India. However, this provided only a temporary reprieve; once the disruption passed, travelers continued to scrutinize Air India’s long-term reliability.
The Financial Struggle
The slump in demand comes at a precarious time for the airline. Air India and its low-cost arm, Air India Express, reported combined losses of $2.33 billion for the financial year ending in March—more than double the previous year’s losses. Reports indicate the company is seeking an additional $1.5 billion in equity from its owners, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, to sustain its transformation program.
Despite these hurdles, the airline remains committed to its long-term vision. In a statement to The Independent, an Air India spokesperson emphasized that its transformation program is yielding tangible improvements, citing a significant rise in their Net Promoter Score (NPS). The airline continues to invest heavily in fleet modernization, with plans to add roughly 100 aircraft across the group by 2028.
As the carrier attempts to navigate these choppy waters, the challenge remains clear: rebuilding the trust of the flying public is proving to be as difficult as the logistical overhaul of its aging infrastructure. For now, many passengers remain unconvinced, with recent Air India performance metrics suggesting that the path to a full recovery will be measured in years, not months.
