News for 'flight operations'

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.

'Back Home And Safe': P V Sindhu Returns To Bangalore After Dubai Flight Disruption

'Back Home And Safe': P V Sindhu Returns To Bangalore After Dubai Flight Disruption

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

P V Sindhu has returned to India after being stranded in Dubai due to airspace closures in the Gulf region, forcing her withdrawal from the All England Championships.

Air India introduces basic fare category without complimentary meals

Air India introduces basic fare category without complimentary meals

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Loss-making Air India has introduced a new 'Basic Fare' category for select domestic flights, which does not include complimentary meals, as part of its efforts to trim expenses amid rising operational costs.

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.

AI 171 Crash: 'Families Of 260 People Are Waiting For Answers'

AI 171 Crash: 'Families Of 260 People Are Waiting For Answers'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'A lot of people feel there is pressure on the AAIB not to go against Boeing or GE -- both enormous American companies.' 'If the AAIB implicates Boeing or GE, it will impact their sales.' 'If their sales are impacted, jobs are lost in the United States. No government would willingly do that.'

AI 171 crash anniversary: 'Our priority was saving lives'

AI 171 crash anniversary: 'Our priority was saving lives'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Ahmedabad's Chief Fire Officer, Amit Dongre, reflected on the Air India flight AI-171 crash a year ago, describing the 10-hour rescue operation as the most challenging in his 22-year career, despite the tragic loss of 260 lives.

The EPlane Company Unveils E200X Electric Air Taxi Prototype

The EPlane Company Unveils E200X Electric Air Taxi Prototype

Rediff.com6 days ago

Chennai-based deep-tech startup The ePlane Company has successfully completed the assembly of its full-scale electric air taxi, the e200X. This prototype, designated PT-01, is now ready for ground testing, marking a significant step towards flight testing and eventual type certification. The versatile e200X is designed for passenger air taxi services, urban cargo transport, and air ambulance operations, aiming to leverage existing city infrastructure.

MEA assures help to Indians hit in Kuwait attack

MEA assures help to Indians hit in Kuwait attack

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that an Indian national was killed and 13 others injured in an attack on Kuwait International Airport. The MEA is providing assistance to the victims' families and monitoring the situation amidst escalating US-Iran tensions, also advising Indian nationals against travel to Iran and facilitating evacuations.

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.

Jamco Interiors Establishes New Engineering Hub In Pune

Jamco Interiors Establishes New Engineering Hub In Pune

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Jamco Interiors, a global supplier of aircraft cabin systems, has opened a Centre of Excellence (COE) in Pune. This strategic move aims to meet the increasing demand for advanced cabin interiors in India's rapidly growing commercial aviation market and leverage local engineering talent for global aerospace programmes.

Light aircraft crashes into Beijing's tallest skyscraper

Light aircraft crashes into Beijing's tallest skyscraper

Rediff.com3 days ago

A light sport aircraft crashed into Beijing's Citic Tower, the city's tallest skyscraper, prompting immediate evacuations. The incident occurred despite stringent airspace regulations in the Chinese capital, with details on casualties and the aircraft's origin still unclear.

How Qatar's Jet Became The New Air Force One

How Qatar's Jet Became The New Air Force One

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump has unveiled a newly refurbished Boeing 747-8i, previously owned by Qatar, which will serve as the new Air Force One. This luxury jet, featuring a red, white, and navy blue livery, replaces the older aircraft and will act as a "bridge" until new planes from Boeing are delivered by 2028. The aircraft underwent significant security modifications and is set to begin commissioning flights soon.

How Garuda Aerospace Is Expanding Its Global Drone Footprint

How Garuda Aerospace Is Expanding Its Global Drone Footprint

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Indian drone startup Garuda Aerospace has partnered with Extensee SAS to deploy Airbus' Flexrotor unmanned aerial vehicles internationally. This collaboration aims to leverage Extensee's operational expertise for various long-range autonomous missions, expanding Garuda Aerospace's Drone-as-a-Service offerings globally.

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.com21 hours ago

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.

Tashi Network, DroneVerse Conduct Groundbreaking Drone Swarm Trial In Delhi

Tashi Network, DroneVerse Conduct Groundbreaking Drone Swarm Trial In Delhi

Rediff.com5 days ago

Tashi Network and DroneVerse successfully conducted a live drone swarm field trial in Delhi, demonstrating advanced autonomous capabilities for defence and internal security. The trial showcased decentralised mesh technology, allowing drone swarms to maintain mission coherence even with communication disruptions, marking a significant step towards India's technological sovereignty in autonomous warfare.

AI 171 Crash: 'Americans Would Prefer It To Be Pilot Error'

AI 171 Crash: 'Americans Would Prefer It To Be Pilot Error'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'...because that protects their aviation industry.' 'The Boeing 787 is one of the most widely-flown wide-body aircraft in the world, and Airbus is running neck-and-neck with Boeing.' 'Airbus is not going to let an opportunity like this pass.' 'If a software problem with the 787 is confirmed, they will use it to increase their own orders.'

Uddhav demands disqualification of rebel MPs, alleges 'bigger conspiracy'

Uddhav demands disqualification of rebel MPs, alleges 'bigger conspiracy'

Rediff.com2 days ago

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has demanded the immediate disqualification of six party MPs who defected to the Eknath Shinde-led camp, alleging a larger political conspiracy. He accused the BJP of exploiting the Ram Mandir issue and systematically sidelining its own state leaders, while also questioning the rebel MPs' motives and wealth.

London-bound Air India flight forced to return to Delhi

London-bound Air India flight forced to return to Delhi

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

An Air India A350 aircraft en route to London Heathrow returned to Delhi due to a technical issue after being airborne for nearly seven hours. This is the same aircraft that faced a technical issue on March 15, leading to a diversion to Shannon, Ireland.

Dense fog blankets Delhi airport, 148 flights cancelled

Dense fog blankets Delhi airport, 148 flights cancelled

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

At least 148 flights were cancelled and over 150 flights were delayed at the Delhi airport on Wednesday due to dense fog and low visibility conditions.

AI171 crash: AAIB issues interim statement, probe continues

AI171 crash: AAIB issues interim statement, probe continues

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued an interim statement on the probe into the Air India AI171 plane crash that killed 260 people last year, confirming that the investigation is ongoing and the final report will be released after all processes are complete.

IndiGo to suspend Copenhagen flights, reduce UK services

IndiGo to suspend Copenhagen flights, reduce UK services

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

IndiGo is adjusting its long-haul flight schedule, including suspending services to Copenhagen, due to airspace uncertainties and airport congestion. The airline will also reduce flights to London and Manchester.

Delhi's Drone Policy Aims for Safe Operations and Ecosystem Growth

Delhi's Drone Policy Aims for Safe Operations and Ecosystem Growth

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Delhi government is developing a drone policy focused on creating research clusters, establishing testing facilities, enabling drone use in traffic management, and providing subsidies to support the drone ecosystem.

Pilots' body opposes interim AI-171 crash report, seeks judicial probe

Pilots' body opposes interim AI-171 crash report, seeks judicial probe

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) on Thursday renewed its demand for a judicial probe into the AI-171 crash and urged authorities not to release any interim investigation report, saying it would create further confusion and speculation.

Pakistani Drone Intrudes Into Poonch, Army Opens Fire

Pakistani Drone Intrudes Into Poonch, Army Opens Fire

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Indian Army troops fired upon a Pakistani drone that intruded into Indian airspace in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. The drone, which briefly hovered over forward posts, returned to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and a subsequent search operation found nothing suspicious.

Dubai-bound flight returns to Kochi after security concern

Dubai-bound flight returns to Kochi after security concern

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

An Emirates flight en route to Dubai from Kochi was compelled to return due to a security incident at Dubai International Airport, causing travel disruptions and raising security concerns.

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.

Six Thai Nationals Arrested With Hydroponic Cannabis In Varanasi

Six Thai Nationals Arrested With Hydroponic Cannabis In Varanasi

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Six Thai nationals, including three women, were arrested at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi after customs officials seized hydroponic cannabis valued at over Rs 19 crore from their possession.

FIFA World Cup: US Says Iran Travel Restrictions Stay In Place

FIFA World Cup: US Says Iran Travel Restrictions Stay In Place

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, confirmed that the US will continue to assess Iran's travel arrangements for the tournament despite their complaints about restrictions.

DGCA chief urges pilots to help stabilise flight ops

DGCA chief urges pilots to help stabilise flight ops

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)'s chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai on Friday requested the cooperation of all pilots to ensure smooth flight operations amid massive IndiGo flight disruptions.

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.

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.

Dense fog disrupts ops at Delhi airport; 228 flights cancelled, 5 diverted

Dense fog disrupts ops at Delhi airport; 228 flights cancelled, 5 diverted

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Dense fog disrupted flight operations at Delhi Airport, leading to numerous cancellations and diversions. Airlines are working to manage the situation and minimize inconvenience to passengers.

Air India blunder: 'Wrong' plane, 7-hour in air and U-turn

Air India blunder: 'Wrong' plane, 7-hour in air and U-turn

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

An Air India flight bound for Vancouver returned to Delhi after being airborne for seven hours due to an aircraft approval error. The Boeing 777-200 LR was not approved for the route, leading to the flight's return and subsequent rescheduling.

DGCA forms panel to probe IndiGo flight disruptions

DGCA forms panel to probe IndiGo flight disruptions

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Aviation watchdog DGCA has set up a four-member committee to carry out a comprehensive review and assessment of the circumstances that led to the massive flight disruptions.

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Why Taiwan Is At The Heart Of US-China Rivalry

Rediff.com1 days ago

For the foreseeable future, the most likely outcome remains continuation of the status quo. Taiwan will remain self-governing without formally declaring independence, while China continues to apply sustained pressure short of war, predict Krishnan Srinivasan and Manoj Mohanka.

2 killed after Air Canada plane, firetruck collide at New York's LaGuardia airport

2 killed after Air Canada plane, firetruck collide at New York's LaGuardia airport

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

An Air Canada plane collided with a ground vehicle at La Guardia Airport, resulting in a ground stop and significant flight disruptions, impacting travel plans for countless passengers.

300 mm rain in 24 hrs floods Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

300 mm rain in 24 hrs floods Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

Rediff.com5 days ago

Mumbai experienced heavy overnight monsoon rains, with some areas receiving over 200 mm in 24 hours, leading to widespread waterlogging, traffic congestion, and disruptions in suburban train services, particularly on Central Railway lines due to a track cave-in.

Pilots Killed As Air Canada Jet Hits Fire Truck

Pilots Killed As Air Canada Jet Hits Fire Truck

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

An Air Canada Express flight collided with a fire truck while landing at New York's LaGuardia airport late on Sunday night, killing the pilot and co-pilot and injuring at least 13 people, including firefighters.

DRI Foils Rs 5 Crore Crystal Meth Smuggling Bid At Chennai Airport

DRI Foils Rs 5 Crore Crystal Meth Smuggling Bid At Chennai Airport

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

DRI sleuths at Chennai International Airport seized five kgs of crystal methamphetamine, valued at Rs 5 crore, from a passenger attempting to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur. The passenger has been arrested, and an investigation is underway to uncover the broader drug network.

Lucknow blaze: 'Papa, please save me, there is a fire'

Lucknow blaze: 'Papa, please save me, there is a fire'

Rediff.com6 days ago

Families of the victims who perished in the massive Aliganj fire in Lucknow are mourning their losses, with several alleging that delayed rescue efforts contributed to the high death toll. Many victims, including young animation artists, were trapped, and some attempted to save themselves by jumping from the building.