For one, the crash calls into question the wisdom of airlines' utilizing a well-traveled route between European and Asian destinations that's more direct and fuel-efficient than alternate courses – but that happens to fly over a war zone, however "safe" the route or a particular altitude may be deemed.

Then there's the potential effect on international business travel resulting from such an air disaster (the second for this carrier in 2014). Hand-in-hand with the chill felt by airlines and travelers alike, is a factor bound to make HR professionals everywhere sit up and take notice: the notion of "duty of care," or the legal and ethical obligation of employers to provide a "safe working environment" for employees who travel for them. That may be easier said than done.

Read more from Crinkey.com and The New York Times.