Arjun Nair, the only British national to survive the catastrophic Air India Express crash in Kerala, has revealed he will never board an aircraft again following the horrific accident that claimed his father's life and left him with profound psychological scars.
The 28-year-old Londoner was travelling with his father, Krishnan Nair, on flight IX-1344 from Dubai to Kozhikode on 7th August 2020 when the Boeing 737 overshot the rain-lashed runway during landing, breaking apart and claiming 21 lives.
A Nightmare in the Monsoon Rain
"The memory is permanently etched into my mind," Nair recounted from his family home in Kerala. "The violent impact, the screaming, and the terrifying realisation that we were crashing. I remember holding my father's hand before everything went black."
Nair suffered severe spinal injuries and multiple fractures, spending months in rehabilitation. His father, 62-year-old Krishnan, perished in the accident alongside 20 other passengers.
Life-Altering Trauma
Medical professionals have diagnosed Nair with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and aerophobia - an intense, irrational fear of flying. Despite being cleared physically to travel, the psychological barriers remain insurmountable.
"Even the sound of aircraft overhead triggers panic attacks," Nair explained. "The thought of being inside a metal tube thousands of feet in the air is utterly terrifying now. I cannot even contemplate it."
Building a New Life in Kerala
Originally from Harrow, northwest London, Nair has made the difficult decision to remain indefinitely in Kerala, close to family members who provide crucial emotional support. He has abandoned plans to return to his life in the United Kingdom, where he worked in the hospitality industry.
"My life has fundamentally changed course because of those terrifying moments," he stated. "I've lost my father, my mobility, and my ability to travel. The psychological impact is something I will carry forever."
Investigation and Aftermath
The Air India Express flight IX-1344 crash investigation concluded that pilot error and adverse weather conditions were primary factors in the disaster. The aircraft's approach in heavy monsoon rains led to the runway overshoot at Kozhikode International Airport.
Nair has joined other survivors in calling for improved safety measures and better psychological support for victims of aviation disasters. "The physical injuries heal, but the mental trauma remains long after the headlines fade," he emphasised.
His story stands as a powerful testament to the lasting impact of aviation disasters on survivors, highlighting the often overlooked psychological consequences that continue long after the wreckage is cleared.
