News for '-air-india'

Flyer arrested for defecating, urinating on Mumbai-Delhi Air India flight

Flyer arrested for defecating, urinating on Mumbai-Delhi Air India flight

Rediff.com26 Jun 2023

The FIR further stated that this misconduct was spotted by the cabin crew and, subsequently, a verbal warning was issued by the cabin supervisor of the flight.

Bomb hoax: AI flight remains airborne for hours, returns to Mumbai

Bomb hoax: AI flight remains airborne for hours, returns to Mumbai

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

An Air India flight bound for New York returned to Mumbai on Monday morning after a bomb threat was reported. The aircraft, carrying 303 passengers, was thoroughly checked by security agencies, and nothing suspicious was found. The flight has been rescheduled to operate at 5 am on Tuesday, and passengers have been offered hotel accommodation and other assistance. This incident follows a recent trend of hoax bomb threats on flights, with at least 15 flights receiving such threats this year.

Indian airlines face turbulence over new global emission norms

Indian airlines face turbulence over new global emission norms

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'CORSIA has set impossible targets. It tries to limit countries to the emission levels of the number of aircraft that they had in 2020. That has to be opposed.'

The Kashmir Princess Crash, 70 Years On

The Kashmir Princess Crash, 70 Years On

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The Air India flight crashed into the sea after a mid-air bomb explosion in what was a failed assassination attempt on Chinese premier Zhou En Lai.

DGCA issues showcause notices to Air India over cockpit breach

DGCA issues showcause notices to Air India over cockpit breach

Rediff.com30 Apr 2023

A cabin crew member of the flight had filed a complaint with the DGCA about the pilot allowing a female friend into the cockpit.

Air India peeing case: SC issues notices to Centre, DGCA

Air India peeing case: SC issues notices to Centre, DGCA

Rediff.com8 May 2023

The top court also sought the assistance of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was present in the case, in formulating the standard operating procedure (SOP) and fixed the plea for hearing after the summer vacation in July.

Air India crew member shot dead by bike-borne men in UP's Noida

Air India crew member shot dead by bike-borne men in UP's Noida

Rediff.com20 Jan 2024

The assailants soon arrived at the spot and one of them opened fire in the air while another shot at Mann.

Passenger assaults Air India crew onboard Goa-Delhi flight

Passenger assaults Air India crew onboard Goa-Delhi flight

Rediff.com30 May 2023

Rhe unruly passenger was handed over to the security personnel after landing at the Delhi airport.

Chopper crashes near Kedarnath, all 7 on board killed; AAIB to probe

Chopper crashes near Kedarnath, all 7 on board killed; AAIB to probe

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar told PTI that the accident took place above the forests of Gaurikund amid poor visibility due to bad weather.

Singapore Airlines confirms Vistara-Air India merger discussions

Singapore Airlines confirms Vistara-Air India merger discussions

Rediff.com14 Oct 2022

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is engaged in confidential talks with Tata Sons for merging Vistara with Air India, the flagship carrier of the Republic of Singapore informed the stock exchange in the Southeast Asian nation on Thursday in a first acknowledgement of a possible integration of the two airlines. "In line with its multi-hub strategy, SIA is currently in confidential discussions with the Tatas to explore a potential transaction in relation to the securities of Vistara and Air India. "The discussions seek to deepen the existing partnership between SIA and Tatas and may include a potential integration of Vistara and Air India," SIA said in a notification to the Singapore stock exchange. SIA owns 49 per cent stake in Vistara and is among the four airlines run by Tata Group.

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

After 3 years, a bureaucrat to head Sebi

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

Seasoned bureaucrat and a stickler for rules Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey will be at the helm of capital market regulator, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), for three years. The 1987-batch Odisha-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, Pandey, would replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year term ends on Friday.

Air India pilots' union knocks on labour department's doors

Air India pilots' union knocks on labour department's doors

Rediff.com28 Dec 2022

A pilots' grouping of Tata group-owned Air India has approached the labour department to initiate conciliation proceedings with the airline's management to sort out various issues, including concerns over possible changes in service conditions of its members. The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA), which claims to represent around 900 pilots flying narrow-body planes of Air India, has written to the Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC) as well as Deputy CLC and Assistant Labour Commissioner in New Delhi earlier this week. Apart from service condition issues, the association has flagged that the airline's plans to hire captains for its A320 fleet on a fixed-term contract may result in an anomalous situation for the existing pilots at Air India.

Air India pilots warn of non-co-operation

Air India pilots warn of non-co-operation

Rediff.com16 Dec 2022

Pilots working with Air India have warned of non-co-operation if restoration of pre-Covid overtime allowance is delayed, and if other practices they say are 'discriminatory' continues. "We cannot assure that our members will undertake flying duties exceeding 70 hours a month. Any coercive action by the management will lead to industrial action to safeguard flight safety and well-being of our members," the Indian Commercial Pilots Association and the Indian Pilots Guild said in a joint letter to Air India's management on Tuesday.

Stranded in Russia for 2 days, Air India flyers finally reach US

Stranded in Russia for 2 days, Air India flyers finally reach US

Rediff.com8 Jun 2023

Flight AI173 from Delhi was diverted to Magadan in Russia on Tuesday owing to an engine glitch, the Tata Group-owned private carrier said in a statement.

Cockpit breach: DGCA fines Air India Rs 30L, pilot's licence suspended

Cockpit breach: DGCA fines Air India Rs 30L, pilot's licence suspended

Rediff.com12 May 2023

The pilot of Air India AI-915 Delhi-Dubai flight on February 27 allowed a woman friend to enter the cockpit, according to a complaint filed by a cabin crew member on the same flight.

Air India starts vacating offices from govt properties

Air India starts vacating offices from govt properties

Rediff.com9 Sep 2022

The Air India Group has started vacating its offices, which are currently being operated from government-owned properties, from this month, as part of its strategy to consolidate workspaces across the country. The loss-making Air India and its international budget arm Air India Express were taken over by the Tata Group on January 27 this year, after successfully winning the bid for the airline on October 8, last year. Besides these two airlines, Tata Group also holds a majority 51 per cent stake in Vistara, its joint venture airline with Singapore Airlines (SIA), and a 83.67 per cent stake in budget carrier, AirAsia India.

IndiGo posts highest Q4 profit of Rs 3,068 cr on strong air travel demand

IndiGo posts highest Q4 profit of Rs 3,068 cr on strong air travel demand

Rediff.com21 May 2025

InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of the country's largest airline IndiGo, on Wednesday posted its highest ever fourth-quarter profit after tax of Rs 3,067.5 crore, mainly helped by strong air travel demand. The company's profit after tax in the three months ended March 2025 jumped 62 per cent from Rs 1,894.8 crore in the year-ago period.

Spat between Air India pilots' union and management continue

Spat between Air India pilots' union and management continue

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

A pilots' union of Air India on Wednesday sought the response of the airline management on various issues, including alleged violation of the roster system and career progression policy. The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) also said that if there is no response in three days, it will be constrained to seek appropriate remedies in accordance with applicable law. In its letter on Wednesday, the grouping said, "we understand the management of Air India is contemplating certain changes to the conditions of service of the pilots".

How stranded Air India passengers are faring in remote Magadan

How stranded Air India passengers are faring in remote Magadan

Rediff.com7 Jun 2023

The flight, carrying 216 passengers and 16 crew, landed safely, the Tata Group-owned private carrier said in a statement Tuesday evening.

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on February 28. Pandey's appointment comes at a time when the markets are experiencing bear pressure due to withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pandey has extensive experience in the finance ministry, having served as the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He also played a key role in the framing of the 2025-26 Budget and the drafting of the new Income Tax Bill. Pandey's appointment is for an initial period of three years.

'India-Canada ties may improve after G7 invite from Carney'

'India-Canada ties may improve after G7 invite from Carney'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Despite ongoing tension between the two countries on the issue of extremism, Bezirgan said he expects warmer ties henceforth as Carney has invited Prime Minister Modi for the G7 Summit.

Air India gives more time to pilots to accept revised compensation structure

Air India gives more time to pilots to accept revised compensation structure

Rediff.com9 May 2023

Air India has given more time to pilots to accept the revised compensation structure, which has been opposed by two pilot unions, according to a source. The decision to provide more time to pilots who are yet to sign the new contracts also comes days after Air India organised a town hall meeting with many pilots to discuss their concerns. The source said the airline has given time till the end of this week for signing the new contracts apparently due to requests from people who had not earlier accepted the revised compensation structure.

Unions claim shortage of pilots at Air India

Unions claim shortage of pilots at Air India

Rediff.com15 Dec 2022

Two pilot unions at Air India have claimed that there is a shortage of pilots to operate the airline's long-haul and ultra-long haul flights. The concerns raised by the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) and Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) also come against the backdrop of the Tatas-owned airline recently cancelling and rescheduling certain flights to and from the North American region due to crew shortage. In a joint letter written to Air India's chief human resources officer Suresh Dutt Tripathi on December 13, the unions said, "...we cannot maintain the printed planned roster due to a shortage of pilots, as CMS (crew management system) does not have standby pilots."

Air India pilots' group flags fatigue concerns over new rostering system

Air India pilots' group flags fatigue concerns over new rostering system

Rediff.com24 Aug 2023

An Air India pilots' grouping has raised fatigue concerns in the wake of flight crew rosters generated using a new rostering tool, saying that extended waiting periods between duty time will jeopardise crew alertness and performance. "Extended waiting periods, occurring before active flight duties, run counter to enhancing crew readiness and, in fact, contribute to the accumulation of fatigue over time," the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) has said. In a letter to Air India head of safety Henry Donohoe last week, IPG said it has been recently observed that the relentless pursuit of operational efficiency and economic gains has led to an unintended overshadowing of the primary intent behind Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations.

Flight tickets to be cheaper this Holi

Flight tickets to be cheaper this Holi

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

With only a few days to go before the country celebrates Holi, several airline companies offered discounts on fares on the occasion of the festival of colours. While two airlines are providing discounts on both domestic and international networks, another has the offer only for the domestic sector. Low-cost airline Akasa Air said it is offering an all-inclusive one-way fare starting at Rs 1,499 on domestic routes.

Air India revises pilots', cabin crew salaries, announces reward, bonus

Air India revises pilots', cabin crew salaries, announces reward, bonus

Rediff.com18 Apr 2023

Air India on Monday announced a new compensation structure for its pilots and cabin crew, with a guaranteed flying allowance of 40 hours per month for both categories of staff. While the flying allowance has been doubled for pilots, it has been introduced for flight attendants as part of the new compensation structure. Pilots will earn an additional amount as a reward based on the number of years of service with the airline and get an allowance while undergoing training for command or conversion to another aircraft type.

CCI clears Tata-Air India deal

CCI clears Tata-Air India deal

Rediff.com20 Dec 2021

Competition Commission has approved Tata Group's proposed acquisition of debt-laden Air India as well as its two subsidiaries. The Rs 18,000 crore-deal that includes the winning bidder Talace taking over Rs 15,300 crore-worth debt, is a major step in the government's efforts over the years to revive the ailing airline. Talace Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, emerged as the winning bidder in October.

32 Years On, Remembering 1993 Mumbai Blasts

32 Years On, Remembering 1993 Mumbai Blasts

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The 1993 Mumbai bombings were a series of 12 coordinated explosions across the city on March 12, 1993, killing 257 people and injuring hundreds.

Air India finalises deal with Airbus for buying around 250 planes

Air India finalises deal with Airbus for buying around 250 planes

Rediff.com9 Feb 2023

Air India has finalised an order for around 250 aircraft with Airbus and the deal is expected to be announced next week, a source said on Thursday. The source in the know also said the airline has signed a deal with Boeing for about 200 planes. Specific details could not be immediately ascertained and there was no immediate comments from Air India about the deals.

Crew shortage hits some Air India flights to US, Canada

Crew shortage hits some Air India flights to US, Canada

Rediff.com9 Feb 2023

Crew shortage is impacting the operations of Air India, with some flights to the US and Canada either getting cancelled or facing inordinate delays, according to a source. Tata group-owned Air India, which is the only air operator flying on ultra-long haul routes, had faced problems last year also due to the shortage of crew members. An ultra-long haul flight's duration is more than 16 hours.

AI flight makes emergency landing after engine failure mid-air

AI flight makes emergency landing after engine failure mid-air

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

An Air India flight bound for Delhi made an emergency landing after one of its engines shut off mid-air. The flight, AI 2820, took off from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Sunday evening at about 7 pm and returned an hour later after circling Bengaluru. No untoward incident happened and all the passengers were safe.

Air India now flying more on metro-to-metro routes

Air India now flying more on metro-to-metro routes

Rediff.com5 Dec 2022

Tata Group-owned Air India, under its new chief executive officer and managing director Campbell Wilson, is optimising its domestic strategy under which the carrier is "densifying" its presence on metro-to-metro routes and exiting from unviable ones, Business Standard has learnt. Wilson took charge on July 25. Air India has increased its flights on metro-to-metro routes such as Delhi-Mumbai, Delhi-Bengaluru, Mumbai-Chennai, Mumbai-Bengaluru, and Hyderabad-Mumbai between June and November this year.

Why Air India didn't report urinating incident to DGCA

Why Air India didn't report urinating incident to DGCA

Rediff.com5 Jan 2023

The aggrieved lady had "rescinded" an initial request for action after the two "appeared" to have sorted out the issue.

Two killed, 11 hurt as dust storm, rain lash Delhi; flight ops hit

Two killed, 11 hurt as dust storm, rain lash Delhi; flight ops hit

Rediff.com22 May 2025

A 22-year-old youth and a person with disability died, while at least 11 were injured, in separate rain-related incidents in the national capital on Wednesday evening. The incidents occurred amid sudden changes in weather in Delhi, as a rainy storm marked by hail wrecked havoc across the city, throwing traffic out of gear as far as Delhi-Noida, Delhi-Ghaziabad, and Delhi-Gurugram roads and uprooting several trees.

Air India pilots seek Ratan Tata intervention in revamped salary structure issue

Air India pilots seek Ratan Tata intervention in revamped salary structure issue

Rediff.com25 Apr 2023

Air India pilots, who are up in arms against the airline's management's decision to unilaterally alter their salary structure and services conditions, on Tuesday sought Ratan Tata's intervention in resolving the issue. In a petition, signed by a little over 1,500 Air India pilots, the community alleged that the "pilots' concerns are not being heard or addressed by the current HR team". On April 17, Air India rolled out a revamped compensation structure for its pilots and cabin crew, which has since been rejected by the two pilot unions - Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) and Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) - on the grounds that the airline, in alleged violation of the labour practices, did not consult them before finalising the new contracts.

90 planes set to board Air India fleet in 2 years

90 planes set to board Air India fleet in 2 years

Rediff.com20 Feb 2023

The Tata group-owned Air India will induct over 90 aircraft in two years as it looks to widen its footprint and grab a larger market share. The plan includes 56 planes from the mega aircraft order that the airline has now finalised with Airbus and Boeing. These will be in addition to previously announced leases of 36 planes that include Airbus A320Neo, A321Neo, and Boeing 777 aircraft.

Majority of pilots have accepted new salary package: Air India chief Campbell Wilson

Majority of pilots have accepted new salary package: Air India chief Campbell Wilson

Rediff.com28 Apr 2023

Air India chief Campbell Wilson on Friday said that a majority of pilots have accepted the new compensation package offered last week, amid protests by Air India pilots' unions against the revised salary structure and service conditions. The loss-making airline, which was taken over from the government by the Tata Group in January 2022, has announced a new compensation package for pilots and cabin crew. In his weekly message to Air India staff on Friday, Campbell said the airline is making investments in workplace technology and training as well as in new and improved employee benefits.

Air India set to receive new aircraft every six days in next 18 months: CEO Campbell Wilson

Air India set to receive new aircraft every six days in next 18 months: CEO Campbell Wilson

Rediff.com10 Nov 2023

Air India has ordered 470 aircraft to serve the Indian economy and is set to receive a new aircraft every six days over the next 18 months, CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said on Friday. He was speaking at the 67th Assembly of Presidents of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines here. "We have new aircraft, we are recruiting many, many new crew and staff, improving the training regime and there is more work to do and we are making good progress," he said.

Air India bans peeing incident accused for 4 months

Air India bans peeing incident accused for 4 months

Rediff.com19 Jan 2023

An airline official said the ban is with immediate effect and is in addition to the 30-day ban it had imposed on the individual earlier.

Air India told to repair shabby interiors

Air India told to repair shabby interiors

Rediff.com25 Apr 2022

Aviation regulator DGCA has asked Tata Group-owned Air India to repair its aircraft after a passenger complained on social media on Monday about the plane's shabby interiors, including a broken armrest, officials said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had last Wednesday grounded a SpiceJet aircraft over a passenger's complaint of dirty seats and malfunctioning cabin panels. The SpiceJet plane took to the skies a day later after all the suggested repairs were effected.