Trust in Turmoil: What Flyers Want Airlines to Fix Before They Fly Again

Public trust in air travel has taken a serious hit following the recent Air India Flight 171 crash, with new survey data showing that most travelers are now rethinking how  and whether  they fly. A nationwide poll conducted by Quizzly.ai, an interactive research platform, finds that only 1 in 5 respondents still feel completely safe flying. More than half say they now avoid certain airlines or aircraft models, or pay closer attention to safety details when booking.

The survey, which gathered responses from 5,000 people between June 20 and 21, follows the crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Air India. The flight went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing all 241 people on board. Investigations are ongoing, but early reports have raised questions about overdue maintenance and pilot fatigue.

Travelers are reacting not only with concern, but with changed behavior. According to the data, 34% now avoid specific airlines or aircraft outright, and 21% say they’ve become far more cautious about the routes and models they choose. Many passengers, especially in the 35 to 49 age group, say their booking behavior has already changed. While younger travelers tend to be more resilient, the overall shift in perception is hard to ignore. Only 29% reported no change in their flying habits. 

When asked what would help restore their confidence in flying, 32% of respondents said airlines should implement and communicate stricter maintenance protocols. Another 21% said they want airlines to be more open about their safety records and operational standards. Travelers are also looking for new tools that put them in control. Many said they want the ability to filter flight options by aircraft model, airline safety record, or even crew experience. Others suggested real-time safety alerts during flights, as well as clearer communication from pilots and crew when delays or issues arise.

“It’s not just fear. People are demanding clarity and accountability,” said Ravi, founder of Quizzly.ai, the platform behind the survey. “This kind of actionable insight is actually good for airlines because they know what to focus on going forward”.

The Civil Aviation Ministry has yet to publish the full findings of the Air India investigation, but a preliminary advisory released last week calls for a “systemic review of aircraft inspection schedules” and “stricter compliance reporting from carriers.” 

Meanwhile, the message from flyers is clear: they still want to fly  but they want to know how they're flying, who is flying them, and what is being done to keep them safe. Transparency alone won’t prevent accidents, but it can help rebuild trust.