In a deeply emotional interview aired this morning, the father of the Air India pilot who tragically lost his life in the recent crash has finally shared what his son said before leaving home that day — and it’s left the entire nation in tears.

According to Mr. Rajiv Khanna, his 31-year-old son, Captain Aarav Khanna, left for the airport in a rush, but not before turning back at the front gate and saying exactly three words:

“Don’t wait up.”

💬 “He said it with a smile, like always,” the grieving father shared, “but I had no idea it would be the last time I’d ever hear his voice.”

The Air India flight tragically went down during an emergency landing in heavy rain just hours after takeoff. Captain Aarav was credited with saving dozens of passengers by executing a textbook emergency protocol — but he and his co-pilot did not survive the final impact.

Friends and colleagues describe him as calm, brilliant, and fiercely protective of his crew. His father says Aarav always treated every flight like a duty to the country.

🚨 As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, tributes from across the aviation world are pouring in — but none carry the weight of a father holding onto just three words, now etched in his heart forever.

➡️ Full interview and unseen family photos now available in the comments.