News for '-air-india'

Air India introduces basic fare category without complimentary meals

Air India introduces basic fare category without complimentary meals

Rediff.com6 days ago

Loss-making Air India has introduced a new 'Basic Fare' category for select domestic flights, which does not include complimentary meals, as part of its efforts to trim expenses amid rising operational costs.

Air India cuts nearly 1000 domestic flights

Air India cuts nearly 1000 domestic flights

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Air India has temporarily reduced its domestic flights by 22 per cent due to the impact of high fuel prices, following a previous reduction in international flights. The airline is offering re-accommodation, date changes, or refunds to affected passengers.

Air India Express flight to Jeddah returns to Kannur after glitch in engine

Air India Express flight to Jeddah returns to Kannur after glitch in engine

Rediff.com7 days ago

An Air India Express flight carrying over 180 passengers from Kannur to Jeddah was forced to return to Kannur airport within two hours of take-off due to an engine fault, specifically a fuel filter issue. All passengers landed safely, and the airline is arranging an alternative aircraft and accommodation.

3 Air India planes damaged by rain, winds at Delhi airport

3 Air India planes damaged by rain, winds at Delhi airport

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Three Air India narrowbody aircraft at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport were damaged when ground support equipment, moved by sudden strong winds and rain, collided with them. All three planes were taken out of operation, with two expected to return soon.

A year on, families await closure on Air India crash

A year on, families await closure on Air India crash

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A year after the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad claimed 260 lives, grieving families are still waiting for the final probe report, with investigators yet to release conclusive findings on the disaster's cause.

British High Commissioner Pays Tribute To Air India Crash Victims In Ahmedabad

British High Commissioner Pays Tribute To Air India Crash Victims In Ahmedabad

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, paid tribute to the victims on the first anniversary of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives, including 52 British nationals. She visited the crash site and attended a prayer meet, where 260 trees were planted and a blood donation camp was organised.

British High Commissioner Pays Tribute To Air India Crash Victims In Ahmedabad

British High Commissioner Pays Tribute To Air India Crash Victims In Ahmedabad

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, paid tribute to the victims on the first anniversary of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives, including 52 British nationals. She visited the crash site and attended a prayer meet, where 260 trees were planted and a blood donation camp was organised.

Air India is in the midst of an ambitious transformation plan, but...: CEO Campbell Wilson

Air India is in the midst of an ambitious transformation plan, but...: CEO Campbell Wilson

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Outgoing Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated that the airline's foundations have been rebuilt over the last four years, but non-delivery of aircraft on schedule has significantly impacted growth and fleet modernisation. He also revealed he has no plans to take up another full-time executive position after stepping down.

One year on, Air India crash trauma haunts 'Aeroplane Boy'

One year on, Air India crash trauma haunts 'Aeroplane Boy'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A year after accidentally filming the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, 18-year-old Aryan Asari, now known as the 'Aeroplane Boy', shares his story of unexpected fame and the lasting fear that prevents him from filming aircraft or flying himself.

Maha govt buys Mumbai's iconic Air India building for Rs 1,601cr

Maha govt buys Mumbai's iconic Air India building for Rs 1,601cr

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra government has formally acquired the iconic Air India building in south Mumbai for Rs 1,601 crore, completing the transfer of agreements from Air India Assets Holding Company to the state Public Works Department.

Ahmedabad Air India crash: Rescuers recall '1,000 degrees Celsius' blaze

Ahmedabad Air India crash: Rescuers recall '1,000 degrees Celsius' blaze

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

First responders and eyewitnesses vividly recall the horrific Ahmedabad Air India crash a year later, describing an inferno exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius that melted boots and aircraft parts, and the heart-wrenching retrieval of a pregnant woman's charred body amidst the chaos.

Air India, IndiGo cut flights amid surge in fuel costs, lower demand

Air India, IndiGo cut flights amid surge in fuel costs, lower demand

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Air India, IndiGo, and Air India Express are temporarily reducing their domestic flights due to surging jet fuel prices and lower travel demand. The airlines are cutting flights by 10 to 22 per cent in the coming months.

Air India flight to US returns to Delhi after 8 hours in air

Air India flight to US returns to Delhi after 8 hours in air

Rediff.com27 May 2026

An Air India flight en route to San Francisco was compelled to return to New Delhi due to a technical malfunction, causing significant disruption to passengers.

Air India flight makes emergency landing in Delhi after engine fire scare

Air India flight makes emergency landing in Delhi after engine fire scare

Rediff.com22 May 2026

An Air India flight from Bengaluru carrying 160 passengers made an emergency landing at Delhi airport due to a suspected engine fire, while another Air India aircraft suffered a tail strike in Bengaluru.

Air India suspends several international flights amid high fuel prices

Air India suspends several international flights amid high fuel prices

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Air India has announced a reduction in international flights and temporary suspension of services on six routes, including Delhi-Chicago, due to airspace restrictions and high jet fuel prices.

Air India defers increments, asks staff to cut costs

Air India defers increments, asks staff to cut costs

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Air India has deferred annual salary increments for its staff by at least one quarter and urged a "relentless focus on costs" due to external headwinds like the closure of Pakistan airspace, West Asia conflict, rupee depreciation, and a significant surge in aviation turbine fuel prices, though the airline has assured there will be no layoffs.

Did an electrical disturbance trigger Air India Dreamliner crash?

Did an electrical disturbance trigger Air India Dreamliner crash?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Pilots' grouping FIP has suggested that the AAIB should investigate whether a 'pre-lift off electrical disturbance' could have led to the Air India Dreamliner crash in June last year, which resulted in 260 fatalities.

How Air India Is Using AI To Transform Operations

How Air India Is Using AI To Transform Operations

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Air India is significantly embracing artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer services, increase revenues, and reduce costs as part of its ambitious transformation plan under the Tata Group.

How Air India Is Modernising Its Long-Haul Fleet

How Air India Is Modernising Its Long-Haul Fleet

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Air India is upgrading its fleet of Boeing 787-8 aircraft, crucial for its long-haul operations, with retrofitting expected to be completed by early 2028. The airline has already received its first retrofitted plane, featuring a three-class configuration.

Mumbai's iconic Air India building set to become Maha govt hub soon

Mumbai's iconic Air India building set to become Maha govt hub soon

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Maharashtra government is nearing the acquisition of the Air India building in south Mumbai after the Finance Department transferred Rs 1,600 crore to the Public Works Department. The agreement with Air India Assets Holding Limited is expected to be signed within two weeks, providing much-needed office space for state government departments.

Chandrasekaran addresses Air India staff, stresses transformation & safety

Chandrasekaran addresses Air India staff, stresses transformation & safety

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran addressed Air India employees, acknowledging the airline's challenging phase while reaffirming the Tata Group's commitment to its long-term transformation, focusing on service quality, safety, and operational improvements.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson Steps Down; Successor Search Begins

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson Steps Down; Successor Search Begins

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson has resigned after four years at the helm, prompting the airline to form a committee to find his replacement. Wilson's tenure saw significant changes, including the merger of airlines and fleet expansion, but also faced challenges such as the London-bound flight crash and safety concerns.

Air India plans to complete B787-8 retrofit by Q1 2028

Air India plans to complete B787-8 retrofit by Q1 2028

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Air India is undertaking a $400 million programme to modernise its legacy fleet, with plans to complete the retrofit of its entire Boeing 787-8 fleet by the first quarter of 2028 and its Boeing 777 fleet by 2029.

Air India adds fuel surcharge, ticket prices set to rise

Air India adds fuel surcharge, ticket prices set to rise

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Air India group announces fuel surcharges on domestic and international flights due to rising Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, following the government's decision to cap domestic ATF price hikes.

Air India Unveils First Refurbished Boeing 787-8 After $400M Investment

Air India Unveils First Refurbished Boeing 787-8 After $400M Investment

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Air India's first refurbished Boeing 787-8 aircraft has landed in Delhi, marking a milestone in the airline's USD 400 million investment plan to upgrade its wide-body fleet. The aircraft features comprehensive interior upgrades, including new seats and in-flight entertainment systems.

AI crash: Family still recharges victim's phone, sends messages

AI crash: Family still recharges victim's phone, sends messages

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The family of Irfan Sheikh, a cabin crew member who died in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad last year, continues to recharge his mobile phone and send him WhatsApp messages as a way to cope with their enduring grief.

London-bound Air India flight forced to return to Delhi

London-bound Air India flight forced to return to Delhi

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

An Air India A350 aircraft en route to London Heathrow returned to Delhi due to a technical issue after being airborne for nearly seven hours. This is the same aircraft that faced a technical issue on March 15, leading to a diversion to Shannon, Ireland.

International flights to start from Navi Mumbai airport from July 15

International flights to start from Navi Mumbai airport from July 15

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Adani Group-owned Navi Mumbai International Airport is slated to commence international passenger and freighter operations from July 15. This marks a significant expansion for the airport, which began domestic services last December. Air India Express and IndiGo are expected to operate international flights, with customs readiness reviews already completed. The airport anticipates a substantial increase in daily passenger footfall and air traffic movements by the year-end.

AI 171 crash: Tatas paid Rs 1 cr ex-gratia, assigned caregiver to families

AI 171 crash: Tatas paid Rs 1 cr ex-gratia, assigned caregiver to families

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Families of 15 of the 260 victims of last year's Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad have declined to collect the personal belongings of their loved ones, while ex-gratia payments of Rs 1 crore have been disbursed to 91 per cent of the families of the deceased.

Ahmedabad Crash: One Year Later

Ahmedabad Crash: One Year Later

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A year after the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad that claimed hundreds of lives families continue to mourn while the crash site stands as a stark reminder of one of India's worst aviation disasters.

AI171 crash: Life is 'far more difficult' for lone survivor

AI171 crash: Life is 'far more difficult' for lone survivor

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Viswashkumar Ramesh, the lone survivor of Flight 171 which crashed a year ago in Ahmedabad, has spoken out about his ongoing struggles with 'sleep, anxiety and difficult memories,' highlighting the profound and lasting impact of the disaster.

AI171 crash: AAIB issues interim statement, probe continues

AI171 crash: AAIB issues interim statement, probe continues

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued an interim statement on the probe into the Air India AI171 plane crash that killed 260 people last year, confirming that the investigation is ongoing and the final report will be released after all processes are complete.

AI 171 Crash: 'Americans Would Prefer It To Be Pilot Error'

AI 171 Crash: 'Americans Would Prefer It To Be Pilot Error'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

'...because that protects their aviation industry.' 'The Boeing 787 is one of the most widely-flown wide-body aircraft in the world, and Airbus is running neck-and-neck with Boeing.' 'Airbus is not going to let an opportunity like this pass.' 'If a software problem with the 787 is confirmed, they will use it to increase their own orders.'

Air India blunder: 'Wrong' plane, 7-hour in air and U-turn

Air India blunder: 'Wrong' plane, 7-hour in air and U-turn

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

An Air India flight bound for Vancouver returned to Delhi after being airborne for seven hours due to an aircraft approval error. The Boeing 777-200 LR was not approved for the route, leading to the flight's return and subsequent rescheduling.

Top cop terms AI171 crash as 'most painful' chapter of his career

Top cop terms AI171 crash as 'most painful' chapter of his career

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Gujarat's Director General of Police Gyanendra Singh Malik describes the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad a year ago, which killed 260 people, as the 'most painful' chapter of his career, highlighting the unprecedented speed of the emergency response and DNA identification process.

AI 171 crash anniversary: 'Our priority was saving lives'

AI 171 crash anniversary: 'Our priority was saving lives'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Ahmedabad's Chief Fire Officer, Amit Dongre, reflected on the Air India flight AI-171 crash a year ago, describing the 10-hour rescue operation as the most challenging in his 22-year career, despite the tragic loss of 260 lives.

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Air India tickets to get costlier as airline levies fuel surcharge

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Air India and Air India Express are introducing a fuel surcharge on domestic and international flights due to rising jet fuel prices, impacting travel costs for passengers.

A year after AI-171 crash killed 260, burnt hostel awaits demolition

A year after AI-171 crash killed 260, burnt hostel awaits demolition

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Residents of Meghaninagar vividly remember the explosion that shook the neighbourhood on the afternoon of June 12, 2025. An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London had crashed into the hostel blocks of B J Medical College. A massive fire broke out, sending clouds of smoke into the sky.

Pilots' body opposes interim AI-171 crash report, seeks judicial probe

Pilots' body opposes interim AI-171 crash report, seeks judicial probe

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) on Thursday renewed its demand for a judicial probe into the AI-171 crash and urged authorities not to release any interim investigation report, saying it would create further confusion and speculation.

June Is A Cruel Month For Airlines, Airports

June Is A Cruel Month For Airlines, Airports

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Airlines are cutting not only international services but also domestic flights, especially on routes projected to remain unprofitable in the coming weeks due to weak demand and high fares.