News for 'DGCA Director-General'

DGCA deregisters 54 planes of Go First

DGCA deregisters 54 planes of Go First

Rediff.com1 May 2024

Aviation watchdog DGCA has deregistered all the 54 planes leased by Go First, days after a court allowed lessors to take back their aircraft from the bankrupt airline. Bogged down by financial turbulence and engine woes, budget carrier Go First stopped flying in May last year and is undergoing an insolvency resolution process. Foreign lessors that have leased planes to the airline had moved the court to take back the aircraft.

Why DGCA Suspended Vistara Executive

Why DGCA Suspended Vistara Executive

Rediff.com1 May 2024

This isn't the first instance of Vistara facing scrutiny from the regulator over improper pilot training.

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.

Tata Sons chief apologises for Air India crash, says AI171 had clean record

Tata Sons chief apologises for Air India crash, says AI171 had clean record

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

When specifically asked about the reason for the crash and whether Air India is privy to any preliminary findings, Chandrasekaran said, "One would have to wait for the probe to conclude."

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.

Air India issued 9 show cause notices over safety breaches: Govt in RS

Air India issued 9 show cause notices over safety breaches: Govt in RS

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Air India has been issued nine show cause notices for safety violations in the last six months, according to the civil aviation ministry. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken enforcement action on one violation. This follows a fatal accident involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

IndiGo Tops in Flight Cancellations

IndiGo Tops in Flight Cancellations

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

IndiGo, which operates the largest fleet among Indian carriers, has reported the highest number of serious engine-related incidents.

Air India flight to Bangkok held at Mumbai airport for over 5 hrs

Air India flight to Bangkok held at Mumbai airport for over 5 hrs

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

A Bangkok-bound Air India flight from Mumbai was held back for over five hours on June 25, after some hay was found stuck in one of the aircraft's wings, the airline has said.

AI crash: SC slams 'piecemeal' release of probe report

AI crash: SC slams 'piecemeal' release of probe report

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has criticized the selective publication of a preliminary report on the Air India crash, calling it 'unfortunate and irresponsible'. The court raised concerns about privacy, dignity of victims' families, and the potential for biased narratives.

Noida Airport set to begin operations post-Diwali

Noida Airport set to begin operations post-Diwali

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The Noida International Airport (NIA), being developed as a greenfield aviation hub in Jewar, Gautam Buddh Nagar, is on track to begin operations by the end of this year.

Did Air India divert scheduled flight to ferry cricketers, DGCA wants to know

Did Air India divert scheduled flight to ferry cricketers, DGCA wants to know

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sought a report from Air India on reports that an aircraft that was to operate a scheduled flight has been deployed for flying out the Indian cricket team from Barbados, according to officials.

DGCA issues guidelines to prevent runway incursions, calls for training

DGCA issues guidelines to prevent runway incursions, calls for training

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday issued specific measures for aviation sector players to mitigate the risk of runway incursions at Indian airports. The measures include activating stop bars by Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) to inform aircraft when not to proceed, establishing contingency plans in case stop bars malfunction, establishing runway safety teams at airports, and conducting comprehensive training programs for pilots, ATC personnel, aircraft maintenance engineers, and airport drivers.

5500-strong pilots group seeks judicial probe into AI plane crash

5500-strong pilots group seeks judicial probe into AI plane crash

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the government to order a judicial probe into the Air India Dreamliner crash that killed 260 people, alleging that the ongoing investigation is "compromised" and should be halted.

DGCA directs airlines to seat kids up to 12 years with their parents

DGCA directs airlines to seat kids up to 12 years with their parents

Rediff.com24 Apr 2024

A child who is less than 12 years of age must be allotted a seat beside at least one parent or a guardian with whom he is travelling, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) told airlines on Tuesday. The DGCA has said that the air transport circular on unbundling of services and fees by scheduled airlines is being modified. It allows airlines to charge for excess baggage, preferential seats, meals, snacks, drinks, and carriage of musical instruments.

AI pilot 'welcomes' female friend in cockpit, DGCA orders probe

AI pilot 'welcomes' female friend in cockpit, DGCA orders probe

Rediff.com21 Apr 2023

"The DGCA is conducting an investigation into the matter. The Investigation team will examine the relevant facts," said a senior DGCA official.

Air India crash: On possible role of pilots, govt says...

Air India crash: On possible role of pilots, govt says...

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is 'totally unbiased' and is carrying out a definitive and thorough rule-based probe to find out what exactly led to the Air India plane crash that killed 260 people last month, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said in Rajya Sabha on Monday.

DGCA lists steps to deal with hacking aircraft navigation system

DGCA lists steps to deal with hacking aircraft navigation system

Rediff.com24 Nov 2023

Aviation watchdog DGCA has issued a circular to airlines and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on measures to deal with threats from jamming and spoofing of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) amid reports of such interference in the Middle East.

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).

Air India crisis continues, cancels 3 more int'l flights due to tech snag

Air India crisis continues, cancels 3 more int'l flights due to tech snag

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Two of these flights were cancelled after the passengers had already boarded the aircraft, the airline said.

Char Dham helicopter services suspended for 2 days after fatal crash

Char Dham helicopter services suspended for 2 days after fatal crash

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

After chairing an emergency meeting with senior officials to discuss the situation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that heli services on the Char Dham route will remain suspended for two days, as the weather is bad and the safety of the passengers is the government's top priority.

AI plane crash death toll hits 270 as families wait for bodies

AI plane crash death toll hits 270 as families wait for bodies

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

The process of identification of victims by matching the DNA samples is currently underway, and the bodies will be handed over to their relatives once the process is complete.

AI crash: Pilot's father rejects suicide, mental health claims

AI crash: Pilot's father rejects suicide, mental health claims

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

'It is most pertinent to note that in over 25 years of flying, Captain Sabharwal had not had a single incident or accident-causing fatalities or otherwise'

Breather for SpiceJet; DGCA removes it from enhanced surveillance regime

Breather for SpiceJet; DGCA removes it from enhanced surveillance regime

Rediff.com25 Jul 2023

Aviation watchdog DGCA has taken off SpiceJet from its enhanced surveillance regime, a senior official said on Tuesday. The airline, which has been facing multiple headwinds, was placed under enhanced surveillance recently. The senior DGCA official said that in view of the observations made in the past concerning inadequate maintenance and in view of the incidents during the monsoon season last year, SpiceJet was placed under enhanced surveillance.

'If The Checks Find Anything Even Slightly Off...'

'If The Checks Find Anything Even Slightly Off...'

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

'...rectification has to happen then and there, and that takes additional time.'

Fuel Cutoff, Pilot Confusion Before AI Plane Crash: AAIB Report

Fuel Cutoff, Pilot Confusion Before AI Plane Crash: AAIB Report

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

A preliminary investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad reveals that both fuel switches were cut off before the crash, followed by pilot confusion. The report also indicates that fuel samples were satisfactory and no immediate action is recommended for Boeing 787-8 operators.

Crashed AI plane's comprehensive check was due in Dec

Crashed AI plane's comprehensive check was due in Dec

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

Air India's ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed soon after take off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12 underwent comprehensive maintenance checks in June 2023 and was due for the next scheduled comprehensive checks in December this year, according to airline officials.

DGCA starts special audit of Go First's facilities

DGCA starts special audit of Go First's facilities

Rediff.com4 Jul 2023

Aviation regulator DGCA on Tuesday started the special audit of the facilities of Go First, which has sought approval for restarting operations. A team of officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) started the special audit of the facilities of Go First in Mumbai on Tuesday, according to an airline executive. The audit of the facilities will be done on Wednesday also.

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.

AI 171 Crash: Fear Lingers Among Pilots

AI 171 Crash: Fear Lingers Among Pilots

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

'This (crash) is one of those times where there is no concrete explanation yet for what happened. I think that adds to my parents' worry.'

Flyer urinates on fellow passenger on Bangkok Air India flight

Flyer urinates on fellow passenger on Bangkok Air India flight

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

An Air India passenger allegedly urinated on a fellow traveller during a flight from Delhi to Bangkok on Wednesday. Air India has reported the incident to the authorities (DGCA) and is investigating the matter. The airline has also stated that its crew followed all laid down procedures in handling the situation and offered assistance to the aggrieved passenger.

Engine failure or bird-hit: What caused Air India plane crash?

Engine failure or bird-hit: What caused Air India plane crash?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The specific reasons for the crash of the Boeing 787-8 aircraft flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick will be known only after the completion of the detailed probe by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

Why DGCA Wants Airline Altimeter Upgrades

Why DGCA Wants Airline Altimeter Upgrades

Rediff.com6 Jan 2024

'We have informed the government multiple times that the situation in the US and India are different.' 'Here, there will be a 500 MHz gap in the frequencies which will safely allow aviation without interference.'

Air India, Tata Support Crash Victims' Kin

Air India, Tata Support Crash Victims' Kin

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Air India reiterated that its priority remains extending assistance to the families.

International flights at Navi Mumbai airport by July next year

International flights at Navi Mumbai airport by July next year

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

It is the first airport in the country to have multi-modal connectivity. This includes a linkage to the project via road, rail, and a metro system.

Father performs last rites of AI 171 pilot Capt Sabharwal

Father performs last rites of AI 171 pilot Capt Sabharwal

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The last rites of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, pilot in command of the Air India plane that crashed in Ahmedabad last week, were performed in Mumbai on Tuesday with his grief-stricken father bidding a heart-wrenching, tearful farewell to his son before the cremation.

India needs at least 20,000 pilots in coming years: Minister Naidu

India needs at least 20,000 pilots in coming years: Minister Naidu

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Thursday said India will need at least 20,000 pilots in the coming years to meet the rising air-travel demand in the country -- one of the world's fastest growing aviation market. Addressing a gathering at the UDAAN Bhawan here following the launch of Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots, the Minister said aviation has always been the backbone of connectivity, economic growth, and technological advancements.

Helicopter on way to Kedarnath crashlands on highway

Helicopter on way to Kedarnath crashlands on highway

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Five pilgrims and a pilot onboard a helicopter had a narrow escape when the aircraft on its way to Kedarnath made an emergency landing on the highway in Rudraprayag district on Saturday after developing a technical snag during take-off, officials said.

Buildings around Ahmedabad airport to be checked for height violations

Buildings around Ahmedabad airport to be checked for height violations

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Authorities will conduct a survey of the areas surrounding the Ahmedabad airport, in the wake of last week's Air India plane crash that claimed 270 lives, to check whether any structures were violating height norms and posing a threat to aircraft safety, an official said on Thursday.

Pilots Fume as DGCA Moves to Ban Perfumes

Pilots Fume as DGCA Moves to Ban Perfumes

Rediff.com6 Oct 2023

DGCA's move seeks to ban perfumes for pilots as they have alcohol and can affect the results of breathanalyser tests. But the FAA and EASA have different standards, says senior journalist Shobha John.

15 Vistara pilots quit, over 50 flights cancelled; Govt, DGCA step in

15 Vistara pilots quit, over 50 flights cancelled; Govt, DGCA step in

Rediff.com2 Apr 2024

Aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked Vistara to submit a daily report on flight cancellations and delays as the Tata group airline cancelled more than 50 flights for the second straight day on Tuesday amid non-availability of pilots.