India's civil aviation sector faced significant challenges in 2025, marked by a fatal Air India crash and mass IndiGo cancellations. The year exposed systemic issues stemming from rapid growth outpacing safety measures, including pilot fatigue and delayed regulatory action. Geopolitical tensions disrupted flight routes, increasing costs and impacting predictability. The June crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers and 19 on the ground, raised questions about cockpit actions and operational safety, prompting a broader industry reckoning.