News for 'flight safety'

DGCA Flight Duty Relaxation Sparks Pilot Safety Alarm

DGCA Flight Duty Relaxation Sparks Pilot Safety Alarm

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

'Extending 'flight duty period' and 'flight time' limits for minimum crew complement operations increases exposure to fatigue-related performance degradation'

Air India Express flight to Jeddah returns to Kannur after glitch in engine

Air India Express flight to Jeddah returns to Kannur after glitch in engine

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

An Air India Express flight carrying over 180 passengers from Kannur to Jeddah was forced to return to Kannur airport within two hours of take-off due to an engine fault, specifically a fuel filter issue. All passengers landed safely, and the airline is arranging an alternative aircraft and accommodation.

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.

Air India flight to US returns to Delhi after 8 hours in air

Air India flight to US returns to Delhi after 8 hours in air

Rediff.com27 May 2026

An Air India flight en route to San Francisco was compelled to return to New Delhi due to a technical malfunction, causing significant disruption to passengers.

Air India's Flight Safety Chief suspended for a month

Air India's Flight Safety Chief suspended for a month

Rediff.com21 Sep 2023

On July 25 and 26, the regulator's team carried out the surveillance of Air India in the areas of internal audit, accident prevention work and availability of required technical manpower.

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.

Monkeys on runway, IndiGo flight aborts take-off

Monkeys on runway, IndiGo flight aborts take-off

Rediff.com1 May 2026

An IndiGo flight bound for Raipur aborted its take-off at Lucknow airport after monkeys were spotted on the runway. The pilots aborted the take-off, and the flight later departed after refuelling.

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.'

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.

Air India flight makes emergency landing in Delhi after engine fire scare

Air India flight makes emergency landing in Delhi after engine fire scare

Rediff.com22 May 2026

An Air India flight from Bengaluru carrying 160 passengers made an emergency landing at Delhi airport due to a suspected engine fire, while another Air India aircraft suffered a tail strike in Bengaluru.

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.

Chandrasekaran addresses Air India staff, stresses transformation & safety

Chandrasekaran addresses Air India staff, stresses transformation & safety

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran addressed Air India employees, acknowledging the airline's challenging phase while reaffirming the Tata Group's commitment to its long-term transformation, focusing on service quality, safety, and operational improvements.

IAF fighter jet's 'hard landing' shuts Pune runway, flight ops hit

IAF fighter jet's 'hard landing' shuts Pune runway, flight ops hit

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The Pune airport runway has been reopened after being temporarily closed due to a frontline aircraft's hard landing, which damaged the strip.

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.

IndiGo Aircraft Hit By Lightning At Kolkata Airport

IndiGo Aircraft Hit By Lightning At Kolkata Airport

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

An IndiGo aircraft at Kolkata airport was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm, causing a temporary power outage. All 141 passengers and six crew members were safely deboarded and later departed on an alternate flight. Two ground staff received minor treatment.

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.com16 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.

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.

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.

Pilots Told To Refuse Unsafe Flights: No VVIP Pressure: DGCA Cracks Down

Pilots Told To Refuse Unsafe Flights: No VVIP Pressure: DGCA Cracks Down

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers are responsible for planning and conducting flights, and these decisions must rely on technical judgment rather than external influence.

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.'

Swiss flight aborts take-off at Delhi airport after smoke; 4 hurt

Swiss flight aborts take-off at Delhi airport after smoke; 4 hurt

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A Swiss International Air Lines flight bound for Zurich aborted its takeoff at Delhi airport due to an engine issue, prompting an emergency evacuation of 232 passengers.

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.

Meet Amit Kshatriya, Indian-American behind historic moon mission

Meet Amit Kshatriya, Indian-American behind historic moon mission

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Indian-American scientist Amit Kshatriya's journey from watching rocket launches in Houston to becoming NASA's Associate Administrator is a testament to his dedication and expertise in space exploration.

India Navigates West Asia Crisis: Ensuring Energy Security and Citizen Safety

India Navigates West Asia Crisis: Ensuring Energy Security and Citizen Safety

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

India addresses the escalating conflict in West Asia, outlining its diplomatic efforts to ensure energy security, the safety of its citizens, and advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Chess Federation FIDE Reassures Safety Measures for Cyprus Tournament

Chess Federation FIDE Reassures Safety Measures for Cyprus Tournament

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has sought to allay security concerns surrounding the upcoming Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, emphasising that safety measures and contingency plans are in place despite regional instability.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Indian-origin groom among two killed, bride critical in US helicopter crash

Indian-origin groom among two killed, bride critical in US helicopter crash

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

An Indian-origin groom and a pilot have died in a helicopter crash in Georgia shortly after the groom's wedding. The bride survived and is receiving treatment.

Kashmir airport to shut for runway repairs, tourism sector fears hit

Kashmir airport to shut for runway repairs, tourism sector fears hit

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Srinagar International Airport will suspend all flight operations for 15 days from October 1 for crucial runway maintenance, raising alarm bells within the tourism industry that fears the shutdown will deal a massive blow to the sector as it directly clashes with the peak Durga Puja holiday season.

IndiGo Manchester flight returns to Delhi due to airspace curbs

IndiGo Manchester flight returns to Delhi due to airspace curbs

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Manchester was forced to return to its origin due to last-minute airspace restrictions related to the ongoing situation in West Asia. The flight was using a leased Boeing 787 aircraft.

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.

India launches emergency mission to pull 13 ships out of Hormuz

India launches emergency mission to pull 13 ships out of Hormuz

Rediff.com29 May 2026

India on Friday launched a highly coordinated, priority operation to safely guide 13 Indian-flagged commercial vessels out of the volatile Strait of Hormuz, the ministry of ports, shipping, and waterways announced on Friday.

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.

Airlines cancel Gulf flights; DGCA advises avoiding 11 airspaces

Airlines cancel Gulf flights; DGCA advises avoiding 11 airspaces

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Airports across the country have been placed on operational alert to manage potential flight diversions, unscheduled landings and passenger facilitation requirements.

Humpy Stands by Cyprus Tournament Withdrawal, Cites Safety Concerns

Humpy Stands by Cyprus Tournament Withdrawal, Cites Safety Concerns

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Indian chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy defends her decision to withdraw from the Candidates tournament in Cyprus due to safety concerns amid regional tensions, stating that playing peacefully is impossible when surrounded by warships.

Indian Missions in Gulf Issue Safety Advisories Amid Regional Tensions

Indian Missions in Gulf Issue Safety Advisories Amid Regional Tensions

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Indian missions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and other Gulf countries have issued advisories urging Indian citizens to exercise caution and follow local safety guidelines amid rising regional tensions.

Power bank catches fire in IndiGo plane at Chandigarh airport; all evacuated

Power bank catches fire in IndiGo plane at Chandigarh airport; all evacuated

Rediff.com5 May 2026

An IndiGo flight was evacuated at Chandigarh airport after a passenger's power bank caught fire. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and no major injuries were reported.

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Iran to commute to FIFA World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Iran's national soccer team will sleep in Mexico and travel to the US on the days of its three FIFA World Cup matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the tournament.