News for 'Air Crew'

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

Saddened by loss of IAF pilot in Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show: HAL

Saddened by loss of IAF pilot in Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show: HAL

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) expressed deep sorrow over the death of an Indian Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, in a Tejas aircraft crash during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. The incident involved the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and marked the second crash involving a HAL-manufactured aircraft in 20 months.

AAIB begins Baramati crash probe, focus on technical factors

AAIB begins Baramati crash probe, focus on technical factors

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

A specialized team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has arrived at the Baramati crash site to investigate the accident that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The investigation will focus on the technical factors that led to the crash of the Learjet 45 aircraft during its second landing attempt.

What Ajit Pawar said in last phone call just before death

What Ajit Pawar said in last phone call just before death

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Ajit Pawar and four other persons on board a chartered aircraft were killed when it crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of a tabletop runway at Baramati airport in Pune district on January 28.

Air India expects to induct 26 new planes in 2026: CEO Campbell Wilson

Air India expects to induct 26 new planes in 2026: CEO Campbell Wilson

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

Air India Group expects to induct 26 wide-body and narrow-body planes, and operate 81 per cent of its international flights with upgraded aircraft by the end of 2026, while overall capacity will remain almost unchanged next year.

India seizes 3 Iran-linked US-sanctioned tankers

India seizes 3 Iran-linked US-sanctioned tankers

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

India has seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran and increased surveillance in its maritime zone to curb illicit trade.

Emergency turbine activates mid-air on Air India flight to UK

Emergency turbine activates mid-air on Air India flight to UK

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner experienced an uncommanded deployment of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) shortly before landing. The DGCA is investigating the incident, raising safety concerns.

SpiceJet flier gets stuck in loo mid-air, crew advises not to panic

SpiceJet flier gets stuck in loo mid-air, crew advises not to panic

Rediff.com17 Jan 2024

SpiceJet apologised for the inconvenience caused to the passenger and will also provide a full refund. As the passenger kept waiting in the lavatory, a cabin crew slipped in a note asking the passenger not to panic and that despite trying their best, the door could not be opened.

AI Express Delhi-Indore flight makes 'PAN-PAN' call mid-air

AI Express Delhi-Indore flight makes 'PAN-PAN' call mid-air

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

An Air India Express flight from Delhi to Indore, carrying 161 passengers, experienced an engine fault mid-air. The pilot issued a 'PAN-PAN' call, indicating a non-life-threatening emergency, and the plane landed safely in Indore with a slight delay.

DGCA Pulls Up Air India Again

DGCA Pulls Up Air India Again

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The DGCA has issued four showcause notices to Air India over repeated violations of cabin crew deployment, training lapses, rest regulations, and operational oversight that compromise flight safety.

Their Dreams Died With Pinky On The Tarmac At Baramati

Their Dreams Died With Pinky On The Tarmac At Baramati

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

It isn't easy for a girl from Gopal Nagar to chase a dream. But Pinky was extremely determined. A force unto herself, she was going to go places. Literally. Till it abruptly ended one morning on the tarmac at Baramati airport.

Chinese military urged to boost English skills for global role

Chinese military urged to boost English skills for global role

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Chinese military is planning to revamp its English-language instruction in its academies to improve graduates' communication skills on the international stage, according to an article by senior lecturers from the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Lucknow after bomb threat

IndiGo flight makes emergency landing in Lucknow after bomb threat

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

The airline said that the plane was diverted to Lucknow after a "security threat" was detected on board.

10 dead as winter storm batters US, power cut for millions

10 dead as winter storm batters US, power cut for millions

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

The storm has prompted widespread travel disruption, including mass flight cancellations and warnings to motorists to stay off icy roads, while at least 20 states and Washington, DC, declared states of emergency.

Air India plane returns to Delhi after fire in engine

Air India plane returns to Delhi after fire in engine

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

An Air India flight bound for Indore made an emergency landing in Delhi after a fire indication in one of its engines. All passengers are safe and being transferred to another aircraft.

PIX: President Murmu takes submarine sortie onboard INS Vaghsheer

PIX: President Murmu takes submarine sortie onboard INS Vaghsheer

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie onboard the Indian Navy's INS Vaghsheer, highlighting the nation's naval capabilities and commitment to maritime security.

Was Homi Bhabha Murdered? The Mystery Behind His Death

Was Homi Bhabha Murdered? The Mystery Behind His Death

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

60 years ago, on January 24, 1966, Dr Homi J Bhabha, the father of India's nuclear programme, died in an air crash on Mont Blanc. The official inquiry said the plane went off course in bad weather, but coincidences, missing evidence, and later unproven claims have kept conspiracy theories alive. A fascinating excerpt from Bakhtiar Dadabhoy's book, Homi J Bhabha: A Life.

The Fall Of Dongri's Drug Queen

The Fall Of Dongri's Drug Queen

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Iqra Qureshi, an elusive drug operator in Dongri, becomes the NCB's prime target after confessions expose her as the key figure in a mephedrone network. Despite months of surveillance, she remains a step ahead of the authorities. A sudden tip-off leads to a raid on her home, where officers recover a significant drug consignment and arrest her-though her composure hints the story may not truly end there.

'We Were There At Every Crew Funeral': AI CEO

'We Were There At Every Crew Funeral': AI CEO

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

'We will continue supporting those affected long after the work in Ahmedabad is done.'

Many Air India pilots reported sick after AI171 crash

Many Air India pilots reported sick after AI171 crash

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

Aviation regulator DGCA has issued four show cause notices to Air India for various violations related to cabin crew rest and duty norms, cabin crew training rules and operational procedures, a month after the airline made certain voluntary disclosures to the watchdog.

AI Express flight makes 'precautionary' landing after tyre damage

AI Express flight makes 'precautionary' landing after tyre damage

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

An Air India Express spokesperson said that the Jeddah-Kozhikode flight was diverted to the Cochin International Airport and "made a precautionary landing due to suspected damage to the aircraft's tyre likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport".

Flyers deplaned from Singapore-bound Air India flight

Flyers deplaned from Singapore-bound Air India flight

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

More than 200 passengers on a Singapore-bound Air India plane had a harrowing time at the Delhi airport as they were first deboarded from the aircraft due to cabin temperature issue and were later flown to their destination after a delay of nearly six hours.

Ajit Pawar's plane crash could be a conspiracy, alleges nephew Rohit

Ajit Pawar's plane crash could be a conspiracy, alleges nephew Rohit

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Rohit Pawar highlighted the atmosphere of suspicion, grief, and political intrigue currently surrounding these events in Maharashtra. He mentioned an investigation into the accident, citing a book that suggests killing a person's driver is an easy way to target them.

Air India cabin crew assaulted at London hotel

Air India cabin crew assaulted at London hotel

Rediff.com18 Aug 2024

Sources in the know said a homeless man barged into the room at the hotel where the female cabin crew was staying and assaulted her.

Techie arrested for misbehaving with flight attendant

Techie arrested for misbehaving with flight attendant

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

A software employee was arrested for allegedly misbehaving with a female flight attendant on board an Air India flight from Dubai to Hyderabad, police said here on Sunday.

Amid crisis, Air India asked to remove 3 officials

Amid crisis, Air India asked to remove 3 officials

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

The three officials include a divisional vice president of the airline, as per the DGCA order.

IndiGo Crisis: 'Truth Has Not Been Told'

IndiGo Crisis: 'Truth Has Not Been Told'

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

'They are saying that there is a pilot shortage which is not correct, but if it was true, did they suddenly come to know this on December 5?' 'If they didn't have crew, why did they seek approval for a winter schedule? To get the approval, the operator has to show crew strength and also a buffer of crew available.' 'If they had a crew crunch, why did they ask for extra flights? Or was it something else that made them so sure that they would get away with this exemption and bans?'

IndiGo cancels over 100 flights, scores delayed; DGCA launches probe

IndiGo cancels over 100 flights, scores delayed; DGCA launches probe

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Indigo airlines cancelled 13 flights from Hyderabad airport, causing chaos and frustration among passengers. The cancellations were attributed to technology and operational issues.

IndiGo Crisis: 'Well-Orchestrated To Pressure Government, DGCA'

IndiGo Crisis: 'Well-Orchestrated To Pressure Government, DGCA'

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

'Where rostering systems are automated and duty time software interfaces directly with DGCA, the assertion that they suddenly discovered crew shortages is simply implausible.' 'If adequate crew planning hasn't materialised within 12 to 24 months from inception, how will 45 days -- from December 5 to February 12 -- suddenly resolve matters?'

Private plane crash-lands in Odisha, 6 injured

Private plane crash-lands in Odisha, 6 injured

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani said there were four passengers, including two women and two pilots, in the aircraft. Captain Naveen and Captain Tarun were piloting the plane, he said.

Air India plane veers off runway at Mumbai airport

Air India plane veers off runway at Mumbai airport

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

An Air India plane from Kochi veered off the runway at the Mumbai airport on Monday morning, and the aircraft has been grounded for checks.

'IndiGo Must Be Broken Up Into 3 Or 4 Airlines'

'IndiGo Must Be Broken Up Into 3 Or 4 Airlines'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'IndiGo is fooling the country and the government has succumbed to it.'

Cockroaches spotted on Air India San Francisco-Mumbai flight

Cockroaches spotted on Air India San Francisco-Mumbai flight

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Air India passengers spotted small cockroaches onboard the plane flying from San Francisco to Mumbai, and the aircraft underwent deep cleaning during the scheduled stop over at Kolkata airport on Monday early morning.

'She's our pride': Village near Mumbai mourns Air India crew member

'She's our pride': Village near Mumbai mourns Air India crew member

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

Villagers gathered at the house of Maithili Moreshwar Patil after news of the tragedy started dominating news headlines, with most recollecting the hard work she put in to pursue her dreams in the aviation sector despite coming from a humble background.

Air India crash: She promised to call her father

Air India crash: She promised to call her father

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

Before her flight to London, Air India crew member Maithili Patil had made a final, comforting promise to her father, Moreshwar Patil, that she would call him once she reached the city. But the call did not come.

No help from AI or govt: Father of deceased crew member from Manipur

No help from AI or govt: Father of deceased crew member from Manipur

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

21-year-old Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam was part of the cabin crew in Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday.

IndiGo CEO, COO likely to be summoned by DGCA on Wednesday

IndiGo CEO, COO likely to be summoned by DGCA on Wednesday

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation-appointed panel investigating the flight disruptions at IndiGo is likely to summon the airline's CEO Pieter Elbers and Chief Operating Officer Isidre Porqueras on Wednesday as part of the ongoing probe, according to a source on Monday.

Sindoor: Pakistan Air Force Was No Match For IAF

Sindoor: Pakistan Air Force Was No Match For IAF

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

'Operation Sindoor had three objectives.' 'One, destroy the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters at Muridke and the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters at Bahawalpur.' 'Second, deter and defend any counterstrike by Pakistan.' 'And third, if they persist, demonstrably deliver counterforce punishment.' 'All of the three boxes, the IAF checked,' points out Shekhar Gupta.

Amid IndiGo chaos, Hyd-bound flight diverted over bomb threat

Amid IndiGo chaos, Hyd-bound flight diverted over bomb threat

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

An IndiGo flight from Kuwait to Hyderabad was diverted to Mumbai following a bomb threat email. The flight landed safely, and security checks were conducted.

IndiGo ropes in external expert for flight disruption probe

IndiGo ropes in external expert for flight disruption probe

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The board of InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of IndiGo, has already set up a crisis management group in the wake of the significant operational disruptions that started on December 2.