News for 'Directorate of Civil Aviation'

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.

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.

Ensure ample staff at check-in counters, govt tells airlines as fog sets in

Ensure ample staff at check-in counters, govt tells airlines as fog sets in

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

Airlines must ensure that all check-in counters at the Delhi airport are fully staffed to minimise passenger inconvenience as smog has started affecting the flight operations, Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu directed on Wednesday. The minister gave this direction during a meeting with representatives of major airlines, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

DGCA audit reveals major lapses in flight safety

DGCA audit reveals major lapses in flight safety

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday said surveillance conducted at major airports revealed several defects in the aviation ecosystem, including multiple cases wherein the defects reappeared on aircraft and centre line marking faded on runway.

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 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.

It's Deja Vu for Kozhikode, Mangaluru plane crash survivors

It's Deja Vu for Kozhikode, Mangaluru plane crash survivors

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

Air India Boeing 787-8 crash in Ahmedabad has brought back all traumatic memories.

DGCA orders inspection of Boeing 787, 737 fuel switch system

DGCA orders inspection of Boeing 787, 737 fuel switch system

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

The DGCA has asked airlines to inspect the fuel switch locking system in their Boeing 787 and 737 planes after a preliminary probe report into the Air India crash found that the switches were cut off before the accident.

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.

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.

Arun Kumar appointed chief of aviation regulatory body

Arun Kumar appointed chief of aviation regulatory body

Rediff.com9 Jul 2019

Kumar is an IAS officer of 1989 batch of Haryana cadre.

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.

Air India flight fell on ground right after take-off

Air India flight fell on ground right after take-off

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The Air India plane AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed immediately after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, as per the Gujarat State Police Control Room.

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.

Air India fires trainer pilot, grounds 10 others trained by him

Air India fires trainer pilot, grounds 10 others trained by him

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Air India has terminated the services of a trainer pilot for lapses during simulator training. Ten pilots who underwent training under the trainer pilot have been removed from flying duties pending investigation. The action follows a whistleblower complaint alleging that the trainer pilot failed to properly discharge his duties. Air India conducted a detailed probe and corroborated the allegations. The airline voluntarily reported the matter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and commended the whistleblower for coming forward.

Mid-air drama over Sena leader's son's trip to Bangkok

Mid-air drama over Sena leader's son's trip to Bangkok

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The chartered flight, operated by a private firm, carrying Rishiraj Sawant (32) and his two friends returned to Pune airport between 8 pm and 8.30 pm on Monday, abruptly cutting short a trip to the Thailand capital which was not disclosed to the former minister, who is leader of the ruling Shiv Sena, and his family.

Air India Delhi-New York flyer finds cockroach in food

Air India Delhi-New York flyer finds cockroach in food

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

An Air India passenger has complained of finding a cockroach in an omelette served onboard the flight from the national capital to New York, with the airline saying the matter has been taken up with the catering service provider for further investigation.

What DGCA Wants AI To Check Before B787 Flights

What DGCA Wants AI To Check Before B787 Flights

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

The DGCA directive called for a series of specific checks before each flight's departure from India, including inspection of fuel parameter monitoring systems, cabin air compressors, and electronic engine control units.

Lone survivor reveals what he saw just after the crash

Lone survivor reveals what he saw just after the crash

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of Air India's AI 171 crash, said he still cannot believe how he miraculously survived the accident of the ill-fated London-bound flight in which 265 people lost their lives.

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.

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.

Your Face Could Be Your Boarding Pass

Your Face Could Be Your Boarding Pass

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

When passengers book a flight, they could receive a secure 'journey pass' on their phone that stores all relevant travel information including passport data, seat assignment.

Hailstorm horror: IndiGo pilot's request to use Pak airspace rejected

Hailstorm horror: IndiGo pilot's request to use Pak airspace rejected

Rediff.com22 May 2025

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Srinagar encountered severe turbulence after a sudden hailstorm. The pilot requested permission from Lahore Air Traffic Control to use Pakistani airspace to avoid the turbulence, but the request was rejected. The flight, carrying over 220 passengers, including Trinamool Congress MPs, landed safely at Srinagar Airport. The incident is being investigated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

IndiGo assault: Aviation minister seeks report from DGCA

IndiGo assault: Aviation minister seeks report from DGCA

Rediff.com8 Nov 2017

"In a civilised society fisticuffs have to be condemned ...action has to be taken," Raju told reporters.

What may have caused fuel switch change in doomed AI plane?

What may have caused fuel switch change in doomed AI plane?

Rediff.com12 Jul 2025

"When the fuel control switch has to be cut off, the pilot flying will say, fuel control switch left, confirm. So, after the confirmation is made by the second pilot, the pilot monitoring will cut off (the switch).

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.'

'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.

'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 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.

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."

Bill to replace DGCA by new aviation regulator

Bill to replace DGCA by new aviation regulator

Rediff.com3 Apr 2013

The new regulator will be called Civil Aviation Authority that will also administer financial matters.

'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.'

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.'

Fog: Govt mulls amending aviation rules

Fog: Govt mulls amending aviation rules

Rediff.com14 Dec 2006

Government is considering amending Civil Aviation rules to make it mandatory to have Category II instrument landing system at all airports across the country to reduce fog-related problems.

Will Ombudsman Fix Air Travel Hassles?

Will Ombudsman Fix Air Travel Hassles?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2024

'The ministry may like to consider setting up an ombudsman similar to electricity ombudsman and insurance ombudsman, to ensure a time-bound resolution of consumer issues within the airline sector.'

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.

Last rites of AI pilot Kunder, flight attendant Songhare held

Last rites of AI pilot Kunder, flight attendant Songhare held

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Hundreds of people, including inconsolable family members and friends, gave an emotional farewell to First Officer Clive Kunder, co-pilot of the Air India plane that crashed in Ahmedabad last week, and flight attendant Roshni Songhare whose last rites were held on Thursday.

Govt posts Manipur cadre officer as aviation secretary, rejigs bureaucracy

Govt posts Manipur cadre officer as aviation secretary, rejigs bureaucracy

Rediff.com1 Sep 2023

The Centre has appointed senior IAS officers Vumlunmang Vualnam and Neeraj Mittal as new secretaries in the ministry of civil aviation and the department of telecommunications respectively in a major secretary-level bureaucratic reshuffle, a government order stated.

1 killed, 6 injured as Delhi airport roof collapses; govt orders probe

1 killed, 6 injured as Delhi airport roof collapses; govt orders probe

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

The Delhi airport, the country's busiest airport, on Friday early morning witnessed the collapse of a roof at Terminal 1 amid heavy rains that killed one person, prompting the government to order a detailed probe and an inspection of the structural strength of all airports.