Dubai, June 19, 2025 — In the aftermath of the tragic crash of Air India flight AI‑171 on June 12, where 241 lives were lost, passenger interest in seat 11A—the only seat in which the sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was seated—has soared across the UAE and beyond.
Surge in Demand: Booking the “Lucky” Seat
Travel agents in the UAE report a significant spike in requests for seat 11A or window seats in row 11—known to be positioned in an emergency exit row.
- Avinash Adnani from Neo Travel & Tourism estimates passengers are even paying an extra AED 200 to secure the seat.
- Namita Thakkar, a long-time Dubai resident, confessed she considered booking her son in 11A “not because I’m superstitious, but something about that seat just stuck”.
Why 11A?
The seat’s newfound popularity stems from Ramesh’s miraculous survival: he walked away with minor injuries from the crash, while seated next to his brother—who, tragically, did not survive. This sparked what’s been dubbed the “Viswash effect”—a wave of passengers requesting seats near emergency exits, particularly 11A. 
Aviation Experts: No Guarantee in Survival
However, experts caution that survival in a crash is rarely tied to a seat number.
- Ron Bartsch from AvLaw Aviation notes that in this specific accident, 11A worked due to its proximity to an unobstructed emergency exit, not because it was inherently safer.
- Mitchell Fox with the Flight Safety Foundation emphasizes that crash scenarios differ drastically, and “it is impossible to predict survivability based on seat location”
Survivor’s Trauma & Personal Cost
Vishwash Ramesh—now recovering in India—bears deep psychological scars: he experienced profound survivor’s guilt, especially over the loss of his brother, Ajay. Reports note he “wished he was not alive” and took part in his brother’s funeral, carrying his coffin during the rites .
Investigation Progress
Investigators have recovered the aircraft’s black boxes, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) along with U.S. and U.K. teams are probing all possible causes—engine failure, structural faults, pilot error—and reviewing training protocols. A preliminary report is expected within weeks, though a full investigation may take years.
Broader Lessons for Travelers
- Emergency exit seats can facilitate faster evacuation—but their safety advantage depends on aircraft layout and crash dynamics.
- Seat number superstition—like favoring 11A—provides psychological comfort to flyers, but experts emphasize that pre-flight awareness, following safety protocols, and knowing exit locations greatly improve real survivability.
The Takeaway
The demand for seat 11A highlights human behavior under stress—when awe meets anxiety, people seek reassurance even in superstition. While 11A is not scientifically safer, it now holds symbolic significance. The real safety boost for travelers lies in preparedness—not seat numbers.
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