In the aftermath of every aircraft incident, a familiar phenomenon unfolds—an influx of so-called aviation experts emerges, often with strong opinions and sometimes misleading assertions. The recent Air India incident is no exception. While public concern and scrutiny are natural, it is crucial to approach such situations with an informed perspective, especially when it comes to understanding flight delays, aircraft maintenance, and safety protocols. The Reality Behind Flight Delays One of the most common complaints from passengers revolves around flight delays. It is easy to attribute these delays to poor management or inefficiency. However, the aviation industry operates under stringent safety standards that often necessitate delays to ensure passenger safety. Many delays stem from technical reasons—issues that require thorough checks and repairs before an aircraft can be cleared for flight. It is important to recognise that no airline in ...