News for 'Directorate General of Civil Aviation'

DGCA Deputy Director Arrested By CBI In Bribery Probe

DGCA Deputy Director Arrested By CBI In Bribery Probe

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a deputy director of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in connection with an alleged bribery case. The arrest took place in Tamil Nadu, and the CBI plans to seek transit remand to bring the officer to New Delhi for further questioning. An FIR was registered following inputs about the alleged bribe demand.

French Major Thales Eyes India's Booming Aviation Sector For Growth

French Major Thales Eyes India's Booming Aviation Sector For Growth

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

French aerospace and defence major Thales views India as a highly dynamic market for avionics, with significant growth potential as Indian airlines expand their fleets. The company, which has a substantial presence and MRO facilities in India, is also exploring opportunities to replicate India-developed solutions globally and sees increased use of AI in development.

Govt mulls random drug tests for all pilots

Govt mulls random drug tests for all pilots

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Civil Aviation Ministry and the DGCA are actively discussing to make psychoactive substance testing standards for all commercial pilots.

Flyers protest at Delhi airport as SpiceJet flights to Dubai delayed

Flyers protest at Delhi airport as SpiceJet flights to Dubai delayed

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Around 200 SpiceJet passengers protested at Delhi airport after their flights to Dubai were repeatedly rescheduled and delayed since Monday. The airline cited operational reasons due to an aircraft grounding and is arranging alternate flights, while the Civil Aviation Ministry and DGCA are monitoring SpiceJet's operations.

Phuket flight incident: Air India pilot tests positive for marijuana

Phuket flight incident: Air India pilot tests positive for marijuana

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The pilot-in-command of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight that experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude drop last week has tested positive for a psychoactive substance, identified by sources as marijuana, in a confirmatory test. This development comes as Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu met with Air India executives to discuss the serious incident, which left 24 people injured.

Air India Frankfurt-Delhi flight diverted to Jaipur after hijack alert

Air India Frankfurt-Delhi flight diverted to Jaipur after hijack alert

Rediff.com1 days ago

An Air India flight from Frankfurt to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur following a false hijack alert, which was later attributed to a technical glitch. The flight, carrying 293 passengers and 13 crew, resumed its journey to Delhi after security checks, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) set to investigate the incident.

India's Domestic Air Passenger Traffic Falls 6.34% in August

India's Domestic Air Passenger Traffic Falls 6.34% in August

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

India's domestic air passenger traffic experienced a 6.34 per cent year-on-year decline in August, reaching 121.26 lakh passengers, according to data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Indian Airports To Get Refined Full Body Scanners After Trials

Indian Airports To Get Refined Full Body Scanners After Trials

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Aviation security watchdog BCAS is conducting trials of full body scanners at Bengaluru and Cochin airports. The trials aim to collect data to refine algorithms, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring the technology is suitable for Indian passengers before wider deployment across airports.

Pilot, instructor killed as training aircraft crashes in Kanpur

Pilot, instructor killed as training aircraft crashes in Kanpur

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

A training aircraft operated by Garg Aviation crashed in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, killing a trainee pilot and an instructor. The Tecnam aircraft went down near Nathapurwa village shortly after take-off. Authorities, including the DGCA, are investigating the cause of the fatal accident.

Drogo Aerospace's JK 250e UAV Achieves DGCA Type Certification

Drogo Aerospace's JK 250e UAV Achieves DGCA Type Certification

Rediff.com18 hours ago

Drogo Aerospace's JK 250e fixed-wing VTOL UAV has received type certification from the DGCA on Thursday. This UAV, designed for the Indian armed forces' ISR needs, combines fixed-wing efficiency with VTOL capability and has an endurance of two to three hours. The certification is crucial for indigenous UAV technology development and operator training.

15 injured as Air India Phuket-Delhi flight hit by turbulence

15 injured as Air India Phuket-Delhi flight hit by turbulence

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe mid-air turbulence, causing the aircraft to lose 300 feet in altitude. The incident resulted in injuries to 15 people, including 11 passengers and 4 cabin crew members, with one crew member sustaining severe injuries. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is investigating the event.

Air India pilot fails alcohol test before Zurich-Delhi flight, suspended

Air India pilot fails alcohol test before Zurich-Delhi flight, suspended

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Air India has suspended a pilot after he failed a breath analyser test at Zurich airport, prompting the airline to reinforce stringent regulatory compliance and accountability measures following recent safety incidents.

Flyers injured in Air India flight turbulence discharged

Flyers injured in Air India flight turbulence discharged

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Air India has confirmed that all 13 passengers injured during severe mid-air turbulence on a Phuket-Delhi flight have been discharged from hospital. However, four crew members involved in the incident continue to receive medical treatment. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the matter.

Airport Authority Gets Waiver Request Amid Adani Airline Buzz

Airport Authority Gets Waiver Request Amid Adani Airline Buzz

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Airports Authority of India has received a request for a waiver from contractual restrictions that prevent airport concessionaires and their group entities from holding equity in scheduled airlines, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed in the Rajya Sabha. This comes amid reports of the Adani group's interest in the airline business, despite their denial.

How Embraer's New Jet Certifications Will Reshape Indian Regional Aviation

How Embraer's New Jet Certifications Will Reshape Indian Regional Aviation

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Brazilian aerospace company Embraer has secured type certification from India's aviation regulator, DGCA, for three of its commercial jets (E195-E2, E190, and E195). This approval, alongside an existing certification for its E175 jet, paves the way for Embraer to expand its presence in India's regional aviation market, supported by a strategic MoU with Adani Defence & Aerospace for a Final Assembly Line in Dholera, Gujarat.

Air India Phuket-Delhi Incident Probe Widens

Air India Phuket-Delhi Incident Probe Widens

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

=The investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's sudden altitude variation and the actions of the flight crew.

Air India flight turbulence: Pilot undergoes dope test again

Air India flight turbulence: Pilot undergoes dope test again

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi experienced a sudden loss of altitude, leading to injuries and prompting a psychoactive substance screening for the pilot-in-command, with confirmatory test results now awaited.

Kanpur crash: DGCA flagged Tecnam aircraft safety issues over month

Kanpur crash: DGCA flagged Tecnam aircraft safety issues over month

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Aviation regulator DGCA had flagged safety issues concerning Tecnam aircraft over a month before a Tecnam P2006T training aircraft crashed in Kanpur on August 27, killing a trainee pilot and an instructor.

Bill to constitute Civil Aviation Authority gets govt nod

Bill to constitute Civil Aviation Authority gets govt nod

Rediff.com13 Feb 2014

With the ongoing Parliament session -- the last for this Lok Sabha, witnessing continued turmoil, there are indications that the legislation would be tabled in the Rajya Sabha so as to keep it alive for the new House to take it up.

Passenger Caught With 29 Exotic Animals At Mumbai Airport

Passenger Caught With 29 Exotic Animals At Mumbai Airport

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Customs officials at Mumbai international airport intercepted an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok with 29 exotic wild animals, including a gibbon, melanistic squirrel, ball python, and iguana. A rescue team was called to identify and stabilise the animals, which will be repatriated to their country of origin.

Passengers intercepted with Rs 1 crore military-grade drones at Delhi airport

Passengers intercepted with Rs 1 crore military-grade drones at Delhi airport

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Three Indian passengers were intercepted at Delhi airport with 10 professional-grade drones, described as military-grade unmanned aerial vehicles, equipped with thermal imaging and laser range finders. The drones, valued at over Rs 1.03 crore, along with an iPhone 18 Pro Max, were recovered from passengers arriving from Hong Kong. The seizure was made by Customs officers based on intelligence, as the drones were brought into India without declaration or payment of duty.

Boeing 737 MAX planes face software glitch, may hit AI, Akasa

Boeing 737 MAX planes face software glitch, may hit AI, Akasa

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Boeing has identified a software issue in some 737 MAX planes that could disengage the automated flight guidance system after a missed landing approach. The company is developing a permanent solution and has advised operators on interim procedures. Indian carriers Air India Express and Akasa Air operate these aircraft, with Akasa Air stating no impact on their safety.

Boeing 737 MAX Glitch Has No Impact: Akasa

Boeing 737 MAX Glitch Has No Impact: Akasa

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Our fleet remains absolutely safe

Trainer aircraft crash-lands in UP, second mishap in a week; pilot safe

Trainer aircraft crash-lands in UP, second mishap in a week; pilot safe

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating two separate trainer aircraft incidents in Uttar Pradesh within four days. One involved a Cessna 152 crash-landing in Kasganj with the pilot safe, and the other saw a trainee pilot injured by a propeller at Kanpur airport.

Govt Deliberates Allowing Airport Operators to Own Airlines Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

Govt Deliberates Allowing Airport Operators to Own Airlines Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu stated that no decision has been made regarding allowing Delhi and Mumbai airport operators to own and run airlines, as the government is carefully considering the implications of relaxing cross-ownership restrictions, including potential conflicts of interest and the need for more airlines.

Boeing finds no fault with Dreamliner fuel switch after Air India report

Boeing finds no fault with Dreamliner fuel switch after Air India report

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The government has confirmed that Boeing's detailed examination of the Dreamliner aircraft's fuel control switch locking mechanism found no abnormality, following an Air India pilot's report of a possible issue. This investigation was prompted after an Air India flight from London to Bengaluru in February, and comes amidst an ongoing probe into a fatal Dreamliner crash last year where fuel supply to engines was cut off.

How ARAI Is Boosting India's Drone Sector With New Certification

How ARAI Is Boosting India's Drone Sector With New Certification

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has launched comprehensive conformity assessment and certification services for drone manufacturers, aiming to streamline the type approval process for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in India. This initiative supports the rapidly expanding drone sector by ensuring design, quality, and performance meet evolving safety and airworthiness standards.

Two Air India Pilots Fail Drug Tests

Two Air India Pilots Fail Drug Tests

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The pilots testing positive have been removed from duty, with their samples sent for confirmatory testing.

Airspace curbs hit Indian aviation, 10,000 flights cancelled since Feb

Airspace curbs hit Indian aviation, 10,000 flights cancelled since Feb

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Indian carriers have cancelled over 10,000 flights since the onset of the West Asia conflict, as escalating tensions and airspace restrictions disrupted international operations, a senior government official said.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Aviation min reveals what went wrong

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Aviation min reveals what went wrong

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Ajit Pawar and four others on board died after the chartered plane crashed.

Smoke detected on IndiGo flight at Bengaluru, 2 injured during evacuation

Smoke detected on IndiGo flight at Bengaluru, 2 injured during evacuation

Rediff.com26 May 2026

DGCA is investigating the incident, and the aircraft has been grounded for inspection.

Domestic Air Passenger Traffic Dips in July; IndiGo and Air India See Market Share Rise

Domestic Air Passenger Traffic Dips in July; IndiGo and Air India See Market Share Rise

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Domestic air passenger traffic in India decreased by 4.80 per cent in July 2026 compared to the previous year, reaching 1.20 crore, with major airlines experiencing a drop in load factor, according to DGCA data. Despite the overall dip, IndiGo and Air India Group increased their market share.

Power Bank Fires On Flights: Dos And Don'ts

Power Bank Fires On Flights: Dos And Don'ts

Rediff.com3 days ago

Follow these guidelines to reduce the potential of a power bank fire on a flight.

Governor Yadav Champions Drone Tech For Nagaland's Youth

Governor Yadav Champions Drone Tech For Nagaland's Youth

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav has advocated for increased use of technology, especially drones and geospatial systems, to enhance governance and create employment opportunities for the state's youth. During his visit to the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre and Drone Centre of Excellence, he highlighted the broad applications of drone technology and the importance of skill development. The centre is actively training youth in various drone-related courses, aiming to meet the demand for drone pilots in the Northeast.

FIP Wants DGCA to Triple Drug Tests For Pilots

FIP Wants DGCA to Triple Drug Tests For Pilots

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Federation of Indian Pilots has requested the DGCA to increase random drug testing for pilots, aiming to enhance aviation safety.

No airline, however large...: Govt talks tough amid IndiGo chaos

No airline, however large...: Govt talks tough amid IndiGo chaos

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the Lok Sabha regarding the recent IndiGo flight disruptions, assuring that the airline will be held accountable and strict action will be taken for non-compliance and passenger hardship.

IndiGo fined Rs 22cr for mass flight cancellation in December

IndiGo fined Rs 22cr for mass flight cancellation in December

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

A Bengaluru-bound IndiGo Airlines flight with 216 passengers made an emergency landing in Varanasi after a bird strike. All passengers were safely evacuated.

176 Non-Scheduled Planes Lack Flight Data Recorders: What This Means

176 Non-Scheduled Planes Lack Flight Data Recorders: What This Means

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Indian government disclosed that 176 aircraft operated by non-scheduled and general aviation operators lack flight data and cockpit voice recorders, raising safety concerns. The disclosure was made in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha.

DGCA warns IndiGo over dangerous goods handling lapses

DGCA warns IndiGo over dangerous goods handling lapses

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Aviation watchdog DGCA has issued a warning letter to IndiGo for lapses in compliance with norms for handling dangerous goods and has asked the airline to review the relevant training programme to include more practical exercises as well as operational scenarios.

Air India enters Pak air space; DGCA acts against Amritsar ATC, flight crew

Air India enters Pak air space; DGCA acts against Amritsar ATC, flight crew

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

An Air India flight from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistan airspace during a go-around manoeuvre at Amritsar airport. India's aviation regulator, DGCA, has taken interim action against an air traffic controller and the operating crew for failing to report the incident, which is now under internal investigation by Air India.