What If Our Plane Crashes Too?

WRITED BY HAKAN AKSAY

"What If Our Plane Crashes Too?"

A tense journey unfolded aboard a delayed flight, where technical issues caused passengers to question their mortality. As we waited in the cabin, a nearby passenger’s anxieties echoed broader fears brought to light by recent aviation tragedies, including the crash of an Azerbaijani Airlines flight that claimed 38 lives.

An Unexpected Companion in Uncertainty

The announcement of technical issues sent a ripple of unease through the cabin. My seatmate, visibly shaken, turned to me with a question few want to consider during a flight: “Is this dangerous?” His voice carried the weight of collective doubt as passengers grappled with their fears.

Despite reassurances, his unease persisted. “If they can’t fix it, will they still let us fly?” he pressed, exposing the fragility of trust when it comes to air safety.

A Global Tragedy Amplifies Fear

His concerns weren’t unfounded. Just days earlier, an Azerbaijani Airlines flight en route from Baku to Grozny met a tragic end near Kazakhstan’s Aktau Airport. Initially attributed to technical failure, subsequent reports revealed the aircraft was inadvertently struck during heightened air defense operations amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The incident underscored the devastating human cost of geopolitical tensions, as 38 passengers perished and 29 survived, forever marked by their ordeal.

These harrowing events, paired with our delay, created an air of vulnerability. My seatmate’s whispers turned to prayers, revealing a raw humanity often hidden in the anonymity of travel. “Did you hear about the plane they shot down?” he asked, referencing the Azerbaijani tragedy. “These things happen too often. Pity it had to be them this time.”

Aviation as Collateral Damage in Conflict

The incident reflects a disturbing trend: civilian lives and aviation security increasingly jeopardized by geopolitical disputes. The Azerbaijani crash recalls past tragedies, like the Soviet downing of Korean Air Flight 007 in 1983 and the destruction of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014, which together claimed over 500 lives.

In each case, human lives were reduced to collateral damage in power struggles far beyond their control. My companion aptly described it as a grim “lottery,” but this metaphor failed to capture the systematic failures and misplaced priorities that enable such tragedies.

A Reflection on Leadership and Responsibility

The crash serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities borne by global leaders. Political decisions and military strategies should safeguard, not endanger, civilian lives. As the Russia-Ukraine war enters its third year, the death toll surpasses a million—an alarming testament to the war’s enduring human cost.

The aviation tragedy highlights the broader implications of this conflict: strained international relations, shattered communities, and mounting skepticism toward leadership. Leaders like Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskiy bear the weight of their nations’ suffering, yet the path to peace remains elusive.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability

As I disembarked from the plane after yet another announcement—this time about transferring to a different aircraft due to unresolved technical issues—I was struck by the parallels between personal fears and global crises. Whether it’s an individual grappling with anxiety in a delayed flight or entire nations navigating the fallout of war, the need for accountability and proactive solutions remains critical.

In aviation and geopolitics alike, the stakes are too high to gamble. The Azerbaijani crash and countless other tragedies demand introspection from world leaders and institutions. Ensuring safety, stability, and humanity should no longer be seen as optional but as the very foundation of leadership and progress.

www.yerelgundem.com

Source Link - T24.com.tr