Thiruvananthapuram: Nearly five years after the tragic Air India Express crash at Kozhikode airport, survivors continue to live with lasting trauma and serious injuries, while long-promised upgrades to the runway’s safety features remain incomplete.

The accident occurred on August 7, 2020, when Flight IX-1344 from Dubai, operating under the Vande Bharat Mission, overshot the tabletop runway, fell into a gorge, and broke apart. 21 lives, including both pilots, were lost, while 165 passengers and 4 crew survived—many with severe injuries.

Saifu, a survivor from Koduvally, recounted, “I consider myself lucky to be able to walk again. But my wife is still confined to a wheelchair, and another woman remains bedridden after multiple surgeries.” Dozens still live with permanent disabilities, with limited or no post-treatment support.

According to Abdurahiman Edakkuni, head of the survivors’ action council, around ₹7.2 crore was paid in compensation after prolonged discussions. However, around 40 disabled survivors continue to struggle without further assistance, and some have approached the Supreme Court seeking enhanced compensation.

As a gesture of thanks, survivors and families are constructing a ₹50 lakh public health centre near the crash site, acknowledging the local community’s brave rescue efforts that saved many lives that day.

Meanwhile, work on expanding the Runway End Safety Area (RESA)—a critical safety upgrade—is lagging. Though plans exist to extend the RESA to 240 metres at a cost of ₹480 crore, progress is delayed due to the complex terrain and the volume of earth needed for expansion. The proposed runway extension to 3,400 metres has also been shelved.

Operations of wide-bodied aircraft, suspended since the crash, remain halted.

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