When Air Travel Becomes a Gamble (OPINION)

(Thomas Muto Lo’Buda) – Today, I went through one of the most frightening and unforgettable moments of my life. What should have been a normal journey from Juba International Airport turned into a terrifying experience that has left me deeply shaken and concerned about aviation safety in our country.

As the Russian pilot lifted the aircraft into the air, it immediately became clear that something was wrong. The engines sounded weak, and the plane appeared to struggle for power. Inside the cabin, silence quickly turned to fear. Passengers exchanged worried looks, no one needed to speak. The tension in the air said everything.

Landing was even worse. It felt as if the pilot was fighting against the aircraft, trying desperately to force it onto the runway. In that moment, life felt incredibly fragile. All the usual worries of daily life vanished, replaced by one sincere wish: to survive.

But what hurt me even more than the fear itself were the words that followed. When I asked the pilot what had gone wrong, his response was, “This is Africa.”

Such a careless and disrespectful remark from someone responsible for our lives was deeply painful. To dismiss an entire continent with such a statement is more than unprofessional. it is insulting.

This raises a serious question. What is our Aviation Authority doing to ensure our safety? Why are poorly maintained or outdated aircraft still allowed to operate? Why must ordinary citizens live with fear every time they travel by air?

No one should board a plane wondering if they will make it to their destination. Air travel is meant to be safe, reliable and dignified, not an emotional gamble.

Today was not only my sad experience but a reflection of a larger problem. It was a moment that exposed the cracks in our safety systems and reminded us how far we still have to go to build a country where human life is treated with care and respect.

We deserve proper oversight. We deserve functioning safety standards. We deserve to travel without fear.

Our lives matter and it is time our authorities act like they do.

— Thomas Muto

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