News for 'civil-aviation'

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.

Mumbai's iconic Air India building set to become Maha govt hub soon

Mumbai's iconic Air India building set to become Maha govt hub soon

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Maharashtra government is nearing the acquisition of the Air India building in south Mumbai after the Finance Department transferred Rs 1,600 crore to the Public Works Department. The agreement with Air India Assets Holding Limited is expected to be signed within two weeks, providing much-needed office space for state government departments.

All Moscow airports shut amid Ukrainian drone attack

All Moscow airports shut amid Ukrainian drone attack

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Moscow's international airports were temporarily closed due to safety concerns after air defense forces intercepted multiple Ukrainian drones.

Now, no charges for cancelling air ticket before 48 hrs

Now, no charges for cancelling air ticket before 48 hrs

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The DGCA has revised air ticket refund norms, allowing passengers to cancel or change tickets without additional charges within 48 hours of booking, subject to conditions. The new rules also address name correction fees and medical emergency cancellations.

Passenger booked for smoking beedi mid-air on Delhi-Goa Akasa Air flight

Passenger booked for smoking beedi mid-air on Delhi-Goa Akasa Air flight

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

A passenger on an Akasa Air flight from Delhi to Goa was arrested for allegedly smoking a 'beedi' in the lavatory and possessing a lighter, endangering the safety of the flight.

Pawan Hans helicopter with 7 onboard crashes into Andaman sea

Pawan Hans helicopter with 7 onboard crashes into Andaman sea

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

A Pawan Hans helicopter with seven people on board crashed into the sea near Mayabunder in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. All passengers and crew members were rescued and admitted to a hospital. A technical snag is suspected to be the cause of the crash.

DGCA sets stricter rules for VIP flights after Ajit Pawar plane crash

DGCA sets stricter rules for VIP flights after Ajit Pawar plane crash

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The DGCA has issued new guidelines for aircraft operators flying VIPs and VVIPs, including chief ministers and governors, emphasising safety and preventing undue pressure on flight crews.

Flight ops resume at Pune airport after fighter jet incident

Flight ops resume at Pune airport after fighter jet incident

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Flight operations at Pune airport have resumed after a fighter aircraft experienced a technical issue during landing, causing a temporary runway closure and affecting numerous flights.

Tears, prayers mid-air as Fly91 flight diverted to Bengaluru

Tears, prayers mid-air as Fly91 flight diverted to Bengaluru

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A Fly91 flight from Hyderabad to Hubballi was diverted to Bengaluru due to adverse weather conditions, causing concern among passengers before safely returning to its destination.

DGCA Gets New Chief After Turbulent Year

DGCA Gets New Chief After Turbulent Year

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Events from mid-2025 to early 2026 exposed deeper systemic concerns for India's aviation safety architecture.

Maha govt requests CBI probe into Ajit Pawar plane crash

Maha govt requests CBI probe into Ajit Pawar plane crash

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Following allegations of foul play, the Maharashtra government has requested a CBI investigation into the plane crash that tragically killed Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, promising a thorough probe into the incident.

AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet protest free seat selection rule, warn of fare hikes

AI, IndiGo, SpiceJet protest free seat selection rule, warn of fare hikes

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet are opposing the government's directive to offer 60% of seats for free selection, arguing it will lead to increased airfares to compensate for lost revenue.

How Air India Is Using AI To Transform Operations

How Air India Is Using AI To Transform Operations

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Air India is significantly embracing artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer services, increase revenues, and reduce costs as part of its ambitious transformation plan under the Tata Group.

'Beginning of a new chapter': Modi inaugurates Noida airport in Jewar

'Beginning of a new chapter': Modi inaugurates Noida airport in Jewar

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting its role as a multi-modal transport hub and its potential to significantly boost cargo and passenger handling capacity.

Gulf War Fallout: DGCA Allows Longer Pilot Duty Hours

Gulf War Fallout: DGCA Allows Longer Pilot Duty Hours

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Federation of Indian Pilots, said the union has written to the DGCA raising concerns over the extension.

Wingtips of Air India, IndiGo jets touch at Mumbai airport

Wingtips of Air India, IndiGo jets touch at Mumbai airport

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Wingtips of Air India and IndiGo planes came in touch with each other at the Mumbai airport on Tuesday evening, and both aircraft have been grounded for checks, according to officials. Aviation regulator DGCA's team is at the site and will be probing the incident.

Ajit Pawar crash: Naidu seeks Maharashtra's help for fast probe

Ajit Pawar crash: Naidu seeks Maharashtra's help for fast probe

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has requested the Maharashtra government's cooperation in the investigation into the plane crash that killed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal investigation.

Middle East crisis: Indian airlines cancel 350 flights on Sunday

Middle East crisis: Indian airlines cancel 350 flights on Sunday

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Indian airlines are expected to cancel 444 international flights due to airspace restrictions in the Middle East following attacks on Iran by Israel and the US. The civil aviation ministry is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with airlines to ensure passenger safety and minimize disruptions.

Strict Rules On Cards For Foreign Airlines

Strict Rules On Cards For Foreign Airlines

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Under the proposal, if a foreign carrier does not operate flights to a particular Indian airport for 'four consecutive IATA seasons', the regulator may suspend that airport authorisation.

Airbus Inaugurates Major Technology Centre in Bengaluru

Airbus Inaugurates Major Technology Centre in Bengaluru

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Airbus has inaugurated a state-of-the-art technology centre in Bengaluru, India, significantly expanding its strategic presence and supporting its 'Make in India' mission.

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Zero FIR filed in Bengaluru, conspiracy angle probed

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Zero FIR filed in Bengaluru, conspiracy angle probed

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Bengaluru police have registered a case related to the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, following a complaint by his nephew alleging a criminal conspiracy.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Black box recovered; Bombardier to assist probe

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Black box recovered; Bombardier to assist probe

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Black Box of the Learjet 45 aircraft that crashed near the Baramati airstrip on Wednesday has been recovered, the Civil Aviation Ministry said.

Many landing attempts, go-around and then crash: Final moments of Ajit Pawar's ill-fated plane

Many landing attempts, go-around and then crash: Final moments of Ajit Pawar's ill-fated plane

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

"The aircraft was cleared to land on runway 11 at 0843 IST (8.43 am). However, they did not give a readback of the landing clearance (did not respond to ATC). Next, the ATC saw the flames around the threshold of runway 11 at 0844 IST (8.44 am)," the civil aviation ministry statement said.

What Ajit Pawar said in last phone call just before death

What Ajit Pawar said in last phone call just before death

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Ajit Pawar and four other persons on board a chartered aircraft were killed when it crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of a tabletop runway at Baramati airport in Pune district on January 28.

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.

CCI Orders Probe into IndiGo

CCI Orders Probe into IndiGo

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Competition Commission of India, following its preliminary inquiry, said the airline appeared to have caused an appreciable adverse effect on competition by restricting its services.

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.

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.

Air India crash: Govt says all causes being probed

Air India crash: Govt says all causes being probed

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The civil aviation ministry on Monday said all probable causes leading to the Air India plane crash in June last year are being investigated, and all efforts are being made to complete the probe in a time-bound manner.

Moscow Reports Interception of 28 Ukrainian Drones

Moscow Reports Interception of 28 Ukrainian Drones

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Russian air defence units reportedly destroyed 28 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, marking the second consecutive day of such incidents. Airport operations were temporarily suspended due to the drone attacks.

India to get 3 more airlines in 2026. Here are details

India to get 3 more airlines in 2026. Here are details

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Two new airlines -- Al Hind Air and FlyExpress -- are set to take to the skies, with the carriers receiving their no objection certificates from the civil aviation ministry.

UK regulator seeks details on Air India fuel switch incident

UK regulator seeks details on Air India fuel switch incident

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority is investigating a fuel control switch issue on an Air India Boeing 787-8 at Heathrow Airport. The incident occurred before a flight to Bengaluru, prompting scrutiny from both UK and Indian aviation regulators.

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of using the proposed amendment to the women's quota law as a front for the Delimitation Bill, which she claims will divide the country. She asserted that her party will fight this move at every step.

Pakistan gives nod to direct flight from Dhaka

Pakistan gives nod to direct flight from Dhaka

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Pakistan's aviation authorities have issued permission to the Bangladesh national airline, Biman Airways, to start direct operations on the route of Dhaka-Karachi.

Karnataka CM Asks Modi to Ensure Safety of Indians in Middle East

Karnataka CM Asks Modi to Ensure Safety of Indians in Middle East

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take measures to protect Indian citizens in the Middle East due to escalating geopolitical tensions, including initiating evacuation plans and enhancing diplomatic efforts.

Middle East conflict: Indian airlines cancel 278 flights

Middle East conflict: Indian airlines cancel 278 flights

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Due to airspace restrictions resulting from the conflict in the Middle East, Indian domestic carriers have cancelled 278 international flights. Some airlines are operating limited services and special flights to assist stranded passengers.

Modi reviews fuel, power, fertiliser supply amid West Asia tensions

Modi reviews fuel, power, fertiliser supply amid West Asia tensions

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with senior ministers to assess the impact of the evolving situation in West Asia on India's crude oil, gas, petroleum, power, and fertiliser sectors, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted supply and stable logistics.

Punjab's Halwara Airport to Commence Flight Bookings in April, Boosting Connectivity

Punjab's Halwara Airport to Commence Flight Bookings in April, Boosting Connectivity

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Flight bookings for Halwara airport in Punjab are scheduled to begin in April, with the first commercial flight expected between May 10 and 15. The airport's opening is anticipated to significantly enhance air connectivity and boost economic growth in the region.

Pankaja Munde's helicopter faces snag ahead of take-off

Pankaja Munde's helicopter faces snag ahead of take-off

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

A technical snag was detected in a helicopter scheduled to transport Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde for campaigning, delaying her journey. The issue was discovered during a routine inspection, leading to the grounding of the helicopter and a DGCA investigation.