News for 'India Airlines'

FlyDubai incident: 2 Maldivian pilots arrested in Dubai

FlyDubai incident: 2 Maldivian pilots arrested in Dubai

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Two Maldivian pilots employed by flydubai have been arrested in the UAE in connection with an alleged attempt by an Omani co-pilot to hijack and crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. The incident, which injured Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, is being investigated by UAE authorities and India's NIA, with the accused co-pilot suspected of extremist ideologies.

Three Varanasi-bound flights diverted to Lucknow due to bad weather

Three Varanasi-bound flights diverted to Lucknow due to bad weather

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Multiple flights, including three Varanasi-bound domestic flights and one international Dubai-Pokhara flight, were diverted to Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport due to adverse weather conditions at their original destinations. All diverted flights subsequently resumed their journeys.

GMR Aero Technic And StandardAero Forge Alliance For APAC On-Wing Engine MRO

GMR Aero Technic And StandardAero Forge Alliance For APAC On-Wing Engine MRO

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

GMR Aero Technic (GAT) and StandardAero have signed an agreement to establish an authorised service centre in India for on-wing engine support in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This partnership aims to combine StandardAero's engine aftermarket expertise with GMR Aero Technic's MRO capabilities, offering a comprehensive range of specialised engine maintenance services to minimise aircraft downtime and enhance operational efficiency for airlines and operators in the region.

Flying Economy Costs More Than Ever

Flying Economy Costs More Than Ever

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Economy passengers are paying more year-on-year while business travellers are paying less.

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

How Air India Fared Under Chandra

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Air India Group has accumulated losses of about Rs 47,821 crore since its takeover, leaving its prolonged transformation among the biggest unfinished projects of N Chandrasekaran's tenure.

IndiGo raises travel charges for infants, unaccompanied minors

IndiGo raises travel charges for infants, unaccompanied minors

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

IndiGo, India's largest airline, has recently increased charges for several ancillary services, including infant travel and unaccompanied minors, citing rising operational costs and higher fuel prices. Domestic infant travel charges have risen to Rs 3,000, while unaccompanied minor services are now Rs 5,999 for domestic and Rs 12,999 for international flights.

'This Is Worse Than The Emergency'

'This Is Worse Than The Emergency'

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

'Fifty thousand policemen were deployed; the entire New Delhi district was under siege. It shows how scared they are.'

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.

Cyber attack behind disruptions at UK's airports?

Cyber attack behind disruptions at UK's airports?

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) has ruled out a cyberattack as the cause of the recent massive disruption across UK airports, which led to thousands of flight cancellations and affected tens of thousands of passengers, including those on flights to and from India. An investigation is underway, and the incident marks the third major air traffic collapse under the current CEO's tenure.

Why Delhi Court Granted Bail To Eight Gold Smuggling Accused

Why Delhi Court Granted Bail To Eight Gold Smuggling Accused

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A Delhi court has granted bail to eight men accused of smuggling over 6 kg of gold worth Rs 9.9 crore, citing the customs department's failure to provide specific reasons for their continued detention. The court noted the absence of direct evidence linking the accused to the gold recovered from the aircraft after their disembarkation, and the lack of corroboration for alleged activities in Dubai.

Air India to conduct drug test for all pilots after Phuket incident

Air India to conduct drug test for all pilots after Phuket incident

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Air India and Air India Express are implementing mandatory psychoactive substance testing for all their 5,000+ pilots. This decision follows an incident where the pilot of a Phuket-Delhi flight, which experienced a sudden altitude drop injuring 24 people, tested positive for marijuana. The testing aims to enhance safety standards and reassure passengers.

FLY91's USD 1 Billion Aircraft Order To Boost Regional Connectivity

FLY91's USD 1 Billion Aircraft Order To Boost Regional Connectivity

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Regional Indian airline FLY91 has placed a significant order for 40 new ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, valued at nearly USD 1 billion. This marks the single largest order for ATR planes by a regional carrier globally and is set to dramatically expand FLY91's network, connecting more unserved and underserved cities across India. Deliveries are scheduled from late 2027 to 2032, supporting the airline's goal of operating over 60 aircraft.

ATC 'technical issue' grounds flights across UK airports

ATC 'technical issue' grounds flights across UK airports

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

A 'technical issue' in the UK's National Air Traffic Services (NATS) flight processing system grounded hundreds of flights across the UK, including long-haul routes to and from India, leading to widespread disruption and prompting Ryanair to demand the resignation of NATS CEO Martin Rolfe.

Vijay Mallya's Debt Recovery Doesn't Absolve Him of Money Laundering Charges, ED Tells Bombay HC

Vijay Mallya's Debt Recovery Doesn't Absolve Him of Money Laundering Charges, ED Tells Bombay HC

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has informed the Bombay High Court that former liquor baron Vijay Mallya continues to evade Indian law, and the recovery of debts by banks does not absolve him of money laundering charges.

June Is A Cruel Month For Airlines, Airports

June Is A Cruel Month For Airlines, Airports

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Airlines are cutting not only international services but also domestic flights, especially on routes projected to remain unprofitable in the coming weeks due to weak demand and high fares.

Air India sacks pilot of Phuket flight hours after AIIB report

Air India sacks pilot of Phuket flight hours after AIIB report

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems at 36,000 feet on a Phuket-Delhi flight, injuring 24 people. The pilot-in-command was subsequently terminated after testing positive for banned psychoactive substances, though the AAIB has not linked this to the technical failure.

Air India Pilot Fails Drug Test Following Mid-Air Hydraulic Failure

Air India Pilot Fails Drug Test Following Mid-Air Hydraulic Failure

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

An Air India Airbus A320 experienced a near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems mid-flight, causing an altitude upset and injuring 24 people. A preliminary investigation revealed the pilot-in-command tested positive for a psychoactive substance post-flight, leading to their termination, while the technical aspects of the incident are still under scrutiny.

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.

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian pilot and several passengers are being hailed as heroes after thwarting a co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv. The incident involved a mid-air struggle, a rapid descent, and an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with international leaders praising the bravery that saved 174 lives.

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.

'Free Palestine' leaflets found with flydubai co-pilot who stabbed Capt Smit

'Free Palestine' leaflets found with flydubai co-pilot who stabbed Capt Smit

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

As international investigations intensify into the mid-air security scare aboard the Flydubai flight, Israel's i24 News reported that an Emirati source has revealed that among the belongings of the Omani co-pilot were leaflets and publications from "Free Palestine" groups, alongside pro-Palestinian material.

IndiGo faces booking system glitches once again

IndiGo faces booking system glitches once again

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

IndiGo, India's largest airline, experienced intermittent issues with its core reservation platform on Friday, affecting online services for customers. This follows a similar disruption on Wednesday, though the airline stated the issues have since been resolved.

2 more Air India pilots fail drug test after Phuket flight fiasco

2 more Air India pilots fail drug test after Phuket flight fiasco

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Two Air India Group pilots have failed initial drug tests, with their samples sent for confirmatory analysis. This comes after mandatory psychoactive substance testing was implemented following an incident where a pilot tested positive for marijuana after a flight lost altitude.

Flydubai Attack: Questions, Questions

Flydubai Attack: Questions, Questions

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

While Smit Machchhar is rightly being lauded as a hero, the curious thing is that the name of the Omani copilot responsible for this attempt to hijack or crash the aircraft has been withheld. His name and face should have been splashed all over the international media. This was not done and it therefore raises legitimate suspicion. Is it possible that his involvement could expose some powerful entity? Could it point to a blatant intelligence failure that would have left certain powers shamefaced? Could it be that he may have revealed things that could prove severely damaging to certain vested interests? asks Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

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.

US Visa Pause Clouds Travel Plans

US Visa Pause Clouds Travel Plans

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'One important clarification is that the reported US action is not a blanket cancellation of all US tourist visas.'

Government okays Rs 10,000 cr jet fuel fund for airlines

Government okays Rs 10,000 cr jet fuel fund for airlines

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The support will be provided to oil-marketing companies (OMCs) in the form of interest-free advances through the ministry of petroleum and natural gas. The OMCs, in turn, will use the fund to provide ATF price stabilisation support to Indian carriers operating domestic and international flights.

GMR Aero Technic And Honeywell Aerospace Collaborate To Boost LEAP Engine MRO In India

GMR Aero Technic And Honeywell Aerospace Collaborate To Boost LEAP Engine MRO In India

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

GMR Aero Technic has signed a license agreement with Honeywell Aerospace to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for LEAP engine line replaceable units (LRUs). This partnership will enhance MRO capabilities for Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in India, leveraging Honeywell's technology and GMR's infrastructure to offer efficient and cost-effective solutions for regional airlines.

Suspected Drones Disrupt Operations At Amritsar Airport

Suspected Drones Disrupt Operations At Amritsar Airport

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Multiple suspected drones were detected near the operational area of Amritsar's international airport, leading to the diversion of seven flights, including two international ones. The incident prompted a security alert and suspended flight operations for 90 minutes.

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.

I Have To Thank The 1980s For...

I Have To Thank The 1980s For...

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

I have to thank the 1980s for its soul-stirring music. It added so much melody and cheer to my life -- there hasn't been so much lovely music like that since, recalls Vaihayasi Pande Daniel.

Reliance, Rolls-Royce join hands to build India's fighter jet engine

Reliance, Rolls-Royce join hands to build India's fighter jet engine

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce on Friday said they intend to jointly develop a sovereign combat engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, marking a bid by India's largest private-sector company and Britain's storied aero-engine maker to build indigenous fighter-jet propulsion capability in the country.

Reliance, Rolls-Royce join hands to build India's fighter jet engine

Reliance, Rolls-Royce join hands to build India's fighter jet engine

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce on Friday said they intend to jointly develop a sovereign combat engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, marking a bid by India's largest private-sector company and Britain's storied aero-engine maker to build indigenous fighter-jet propulsion capability in the country.

Tata Group Faces Massive Funding Challenge

Tata Group Faces Massive Funding Challenge

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Tata Sons has the balance sheet to support them, for now.

International flights to get one-year landing charge waiver at Navi Mumbai

International flights to get one-year landing charge waiver at Navi Mumbai

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has waived landing charges for international flights at the Navi Mumbai International Airport for one year, with phased discounts for subsequent years. This move aims to incentivise airlines to establish new international routes from the airport, modifying previous criteria that linked waivers to the broader Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Willie Walsh assumes charge as IndiGo CEO, eyes global expansion

Willie Walsh assumes charge as IndiGo CEO, eyes global expansion

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Willie Walsh, former IATA Director General and CEO of British Airways, has officially taken charge as the CEO of IndiGo, India's largest airline, with a mandate to drive global expansion and operational excellence.

Air India May Restore Flight Cuts

Air India May Restore Flight Cuts

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

'We may be able to wind back some of the schedule reductions we'd taken in recent months.'

How GE Aerospace AI Is Revolutionising Aircraft Engine Maintenance

How GE Aerospace AI Is Revolutionising Aircraft Engine Maintenance

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

GE Aerospace is utilising artificial intelligence solutions, developed by its Bengaluru team, to significantly improve aircraft engine inspection, analytics, and maintenance. These innovations have reduced turnaround times by at least five days, enhancing engine durability, reliability, and time on wing, with specific tools like the AI-enabled Blade Inspection Tool cutting inspection times by 50%.

7 Hidden Credit Card Settings To Avoid Scams

7 Hidden Credit Card Settings To Avoid Scams

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Your credit card may have security controls you rarely use. Here are seven settings that can help prevent unwanted or fraudulent transactions.

Have taken all steps to learn from Dec disruption: IndiGo's Bhatia

Have taken all steps to learn from Dec disruption: IndiGo's Bhatia

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia has stated that the airline has 'taken all the necessary steps' to learn from the operational disruption faced in December last year, while outlining a long-term vision focused on customer trust, international expansion, and establishing India as a global aviation hub.