News for 'Civil Aviation'

US regulator downgrades Indian aviation safety ratings

US regulator downgrades Indian aviation safety ratings

Rediff.com31 Jan 2014

India's aviation safety ratings have been downgraded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from the top to the second category, which would affect expansion of flights by Indian carriers to the United States.

Pilot lone survivor, 18 killed as plane crashes during takeoff

Pilot lone survivor, 18 killed as plane crashes during takeoff

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

A Nepalese private plane crashed and caught fire shortly after taking off from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Wednesday, killing 18 people aboard, including a child, and seriously injuring the pilot -- the only survivor.

5G could interfere with aircraft's radio signals, says govt

5G could interfere with aircraft's radio signals, says govt

Rediff.com14 Dec 2023

In a written reply, Singh said the 5G C-band spectrum has the likelihood of interfering with the current radio altimeters installed on the aircraft.

Vistara official suspended for lapses in pilot training

Vistara official suspended for lapses in pilot training

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

The DGCA had conducted an enquiry into alleged lapses in conversion training of some pilots. After the conversion training, a narrow body pilot can operate wide body aircraft.

UK scrambles fighter jet to escort AI plane as more flights get bomb threats

UK scrambles fighter jet to escort AI plane as more flights get bomb threats

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

The agencies have also found some common lines and words used in these fake threats like "bombs", "blood will spread everywhere", "explosive devices", "this is not a joke" and "you will all die" and "bomb rakhwa dia hai" (Hindi for bomb has been placed) among others.

Air India crash: 'Engines lost power at critical stage'

Air India crash: 'Engines lost power at critical stage'

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha (Reired), on Saturday said the engine of the Air India aircraft that crashed near Ahmedabad airport on June 12 'definitely' lost power at a critical stage and there was no time for recovery.

Here's some good news for air travellers in India

Here's some good news for air travellers in India

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

Aviation security watchdog BCAS has recommended installation of scanners based on computer tomography technology at airports whereby passengers will not be required to take out electronic devices from their hand baggage before going through the scanner. Currently, the scanners used at airports provide a two-dimensional view of the objects inside a hand baggage. Jaideep Prasad, Joint Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), on Wednesday said the regulator has proposed installing scanners based on computer tomography technology at airports that will provide a three-dimensional view of the objects in hand baggage.

Akasa Air seeks clarity on pilots' mandatory notice period

Akasa Air seeks clarity on pilots' mandatory notice period

Rediff.com22 Sep 2023

Facing headwinds due to pilot exits, Akasa Air on Friday said it had approached the Delhi high court seeking interpretation and clarification with respect to mandatory notice period requirements for pilots and that the move was not against the DGCA or the civil aviation ministry. Akasa Air, which started flying in August last year, has initiated legal action against a "small set of pilots" who left the carrier without serving their notice periods that led to cancellation of many flights. In a statement, the airline said it sought relief from the Delhi high court to stop the unethical and illegal practice by this set of pilots.

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.

650 rescued in Uttarkashi on Day 4, scores still missing

650 rescued in Uttarkashi on Day 4, scores still missing

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Authorities continue evacuating stranded pilgrims from areas around Dharali village in Uttarkashi, focusing on air rescue and relief operations due to damaged roads. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is overseeing the efforts, with central government support.

Mallya for infrastructure status to aviation

Mallya for infrastructure status to aviation

Rediff.com16 Jan 2009

Maintaining that civil aviation flew thousands of tonnes of equipment and passengers across the country on a daily basis, he said grant of infrastructure status would help the industry in its dealings with the RBI as well as the commercial banks, both in the private and public sectors. On Kingfisher's global plan, Mallya said the airline would launch services to Hong Kong and Singapore as soon as its aircraft were ready.

India to be 3rd biggest aviation market by 2020

India to be 3rd biggest aviation market by 2020

Rediff.com18 Mar 2016

In 2015, India's domestic aviation market clocked 81 million flights.

DGCA notice to Air India over 80-year-old's death after denied wheelchair

DGCA notice to Air India over 80-year-old's death after denied wheelchair

Rediff.com17 Feb 2024

The octogenarian was asked to wait due to heavy demand for wheelchair.

Airline Threat Calls: 'Someone Is Testing Security Agencies'

Airline Threat Calls: 'Someone Is Testing Security Agencies'

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

'Whoever is doing it (threats to airlines), they are actually carrying out a recce.' 'This is the manner in which terrorists strike.'

All issues flagged by DGCA were addressed: Aviation minister

All issues flagged by DGCA were addressed: Aviation minister

Rediff.com8 Aug 2020

'It is indeed a fact that several issues were routinely red-flagged by DGCA, and were addressed by the (Kozhikode) airport operator. These pertain to excessive rubber deposits, water stagnation, cracks and other routine issues,' Puri tweeted a day after the plane crash in Kozhikode that claimed at least 18 lives.

Shivraj given 'broken seat' on Air India flight, probe ordered

Shivraj given 'broken seat' on Air India flight, probe ordered

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday slammed Tata Group-owned Air India for allotting him a 'broken and sunk' seat, prompting his ministerial colleague K Rammohan Naidu to instruct the airline to take 'necessary action'.

Pahalgam attack: Businessman's first trip outside Pune turns fatal

Pahalgam attack: Businessman's first trip outside Pune turns fatal

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Two residents of Pune, Kaustubh Ganbote and Santosh Jagdale, were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on Tuesday. Ganbote, a snacks business owner, and Jagdale, an interior designer, were on a family vacation with their wives and children when the attack occurred. The attack has left both families devastated. Ganbote was known for his jovial and helpful nature and had recently become a grandfather. Jagdale was also known for his love of travel and music. The bodies of both men were brought back to Pune on Thursday, where they were received by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol.

Terrorists targeted civilians, not IB officials: Sources

Terrorists targeted civilians, not IB officials: Sources

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Some pro-Kashmir resistance handles on social media have claimed that the citizens who were injured in the Pahalgam terrorist attacks were not 'ordinary', but connected with internal security and counter-intelligence agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB).

Why Go To China? Nepal's Got Its Own Great Wall

Why Go To China? Nepal's Got Its Own Great Wall

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Nestled among 108 scenic hillocks, the 500 metre Mini Great Wall in Shailung, Nepal offers breathtaking views and a peaceful escape at 3,200 metres above sea level.

'Round Trip To Prayagraj Costs Rs 70,000'

'Round Trip To Prayagraj Costs Rs 70,000'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

'The cost of flying to Prayagraj has gone up six times due to the Kumbh Mela.'

'Thought it was an earthquake or a bomb blast'

'Thought it was an earthquake or a bomb blast'

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

'When I went and saw, there was smoke everywhere. There was fire all around'

Glaring errors in India's new aviation policy

Glaring errors in India's new aviation policy

Rediff.com11 Dec 2015

A total of Rs 30,000 crore was allocated for five years to Air India by the United Progressive Alliance government in its second term.

'Abduction' of ex-minister's son turns out to be 'secret' Bangkok trip

'Abduction' of ex-minister's son turns out to be 'secret' Bangkok trip

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

A day after high drama over the 'kidnapping' of ex-Maharashtra minister Tanaji Sawant's son, traced on a Bangkok-bound chartered flight which was diverted to Pune, the Sawant junior claimed he kept his 'business trip' secret to avoid his family's wrath.

'This Isn't How A Crash Probe Should Work'

'This Isn't How A Crash Probe Should Work'

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

'... when the process isn't transparent, people will naturally raise questions. 'The AAIB's own press release says they had the black boxes by June 16.' 'Why wasn't decoding initiated until the 24th? What were they waiting for?'

Air India will increase its global coverage: CEO Wilson

Air India will increase its global coverage: CEO Wilson

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

Air India has covered a lot of ground since privatisation and its global coverage will further increase in the years ahead, the airline's chief Campbell Wilson said on Wednesday. He also said the interior refit of the single-aisle fleet, serving domestic and short-haul international destinations, is underway, and will be completed by mid-2025.

Aviation minister says he carries matchboxes on planes, ignites row

Aviation minister says he carries matchboxes on planes, ignites row

Rediff.com7 Apr 2015

Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Tuesday sparked a controversy by admitting that he carried matchboxes in airplanes, without them being confiscated, after he became the Union civil aviation minister.

Incident unacceptable, shameful: Scindia on Mumbai tarmac food row

Incident unacceptable, shameful: Scindia on Mumbai tarmac food row

Rediff.com19 Jan 2024

The safety and security of citizens is primary for the government, he said.

Aviation: India invites US investment

Aviation: India invites US investment

Rediff.com17 Nov 2011

American companies should explore the wealth of opportunities in the areas ranging from airport modernization and aerospace to maintenance, repair and overhaul and cargo, he said while inaugurating the third US-India Aviation Summit in New Delhi.

Airlines record lowest on-time figures in 11 months in Jan amid fog issues

Airlines record lowest on-time figures in 11 months in Jan amid fog issues

Rediff.com19 Feb 2024

The on-time performance (OTP) of Indian carriers took a major dip in January as dense fog foiled their flight schedules. According to data from the Ministry of Civil Aviation reviewed by Business Standard, five out of six major Indian carriers - IndiGo, Air India, AIX Connect, Akasa Air, and Vistara - recorded their lowest OTPs in at least the last 11 months. In response to queries, an Air India spokesperson said that during this winter, northern India experienced unusually prolonged periods of dense fog affecting traffic at the airline's two largest hubs -- Delhi and Mumbai.

Why Delhi Airport Will See 7% Flight Cancellations

Why Delhi Airport Will See 7% Flight Cancellations

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

'Delhi airport handles 1,450 aircraft movements per day. Of these, 114 daily movements will be cancelled during the runway upgrade.'

India's Last 3 Air Crashes: Key Safety Lessons

India's Last 3 Air Crashes: Key Safety Lessons

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

India's last three major commercial aviation accidents --Patna (2000), Mangaluru (2010), and Kozhikode (2020) -- could offer critical safety lessons for the ongoing investigation.

Aviation sector revamp needs Rs 1,00,000 cr

Aviation sector revamp needs Rs 1,00,000 cr

Rediff.com19 Feb 2005

The civil aviation sector will attract an investment worth Rs 1,00,000 crore (Rs 1000 billion) in the next four years for development, modernisation and aircraft acquisition, according to Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel.

'No Sane Pilot Would Shut Off Fuel'

'No Sane Pilot Would Shut Off Fuel'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

'In multi-pilot operations, no critical switch can be moved without the other pilot's consent.'

Praful Patel grilled for 8 hrs in alleged aviation scam

Praful Patel grilled for 8 hrs in alleged aviation scam

Rediff.com10 Jun 2019

He is the first high-profile person who has deposed before the ED in this case.

India's discriminating policy in aviation deals

India's discriminating policy in aviation deals

Rediff.com27 Jun 2013

The aviation ministry's seat-sharing deal with Abu Dhabi reflects a puzzling and selective generosity.

Air India crash: Focus shifts to decoding black box

Air India crash: Focus shifts to decoding black box

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

A week after the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad claimed 270 lives, investigators on Thursday continued to sift for clues to ascertain the cause, while the government said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will decide where to decode the black box of the ill-fated Dreamliner.

Crash Puts Spotlight On DGCA Warnings To Air India

Crash Puts Spotlight On DGCA Warnings To Air India

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The DGCA has issued multiple fines and warnings to Air India over the past three years, flagging serious concerns in flight operations, cockpit discipline, and internal accountability.

ED summons Praful Patel in UPA-era aviation scam

ED summons Praful Patel in UPA-era aviation scam

Rediff.com1 Jun 2019

The NCP leader said that he will be happy to cooperate with the ED so that the agency understands the "complexities" of the aviation sector.

How To Combat Digital Crime Epidemic

How To Combat Digital Crime Epidemic

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

The fundamental responsibility for preventing such crimes and for bringing the criminals to justice rests with the State, and it cannot abdicate that function.

Flight delays: DGCA asks airlines to 'sensitise staff'

Flight delays: DGCA asks airlines to 'sensitise staff'

Rediff.com15 Jan 2024

Against the backdrop of a significant number of flights getting delayed and cancelled and passengers facing tough times, the regulator has come out with a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).