Airlines: Fleet Information, Flight Routes & Ticket Prices

India: A Right to Information (RTI) response from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), as reported by The Times of India, has revealed that Indian airspace recorded 65 in-flight engine shutdowns over the past five years. The data also disclosed 11 Mayday calls between January 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025, four of which were linked to Hyderabad’s air traffic control region. Engine Shutdowns Involving Multiple Airlines and Aircraft The incidents spanned both domestic and foreign carriers, with shutdowns occurring during takeoff, in cruise, or as a precautionary measure following cockpit alerts. The DGCA identified key technical causes, including: Blocked or contaminated fuel filters Interrupted fuel supply Oil pressure loss Foreign object ingestion Turbine control unit malfunctions All 65 incidents were classified as reportable occurrences under India’s civil aviation regulations and were investigated by the concerned operators under DGCA supervision. “We continue to witness shutdowns due to recurring causes like fuel contamination or component wear. Every occurrence is tracked and mandates technical review,” said Capt. C. S. Randhawa, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots. Mayday Calls Highlight Critical Emergencies The DGCA confirmed that the 11 Mayday calls issued during the 17-month period were in response to severe emergencies requiring immediate crew response. These included engine fires, hydraulic failures, and other situations jeopardizing flight safety. “A Mayday is the most serious alert. When pilots call one, it means the situation demands urgent intervention be it fire, total engine loss, or system failure,” explained Anil Rao, Executive Member, ALPA-India. Though the RTI reply did not identify the specific flights or aircraft types, officials confirmed that all events were subject to post-flight safety reviews, many involving the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). BCAS Staffing Vacancies Raise Oversight Concerns Separately, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), India’s aviation security watchdog, reported 224 vacancies out of 598 sanctioned posts as of March 2025. The shortfall represents a staffing gap of over 37%. A recent parliamentary standing committee had raised concerns that such vacancies may hinder effective regulatory oversight. Air India Express Crash Raises Safety Scrutiny The disclosure comes shortly after the Air India Express Flight IX-171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, in which an engine failure during climb-out was suspected based on preliminary reports. While the DGCA has not confirmed whether the case is counted among the 65 shutdowns, the timeline places it within the scope of the RTI data. Aviation regulators emphasize that twin-engine aircraft are certified under ETOPS to continue flying with one engine inoperative, but each incident is taken seriously. Investigations may lead to maintenance bulletins, airworthiness directives, or fleet-wide inspections. Lack of Public Safety Dashboard India currently does not provide a public-facing aviation safety dashboard like the FAA’s Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) system. Access to data on technical issues or Mayday calls remains limited, often requiring RTI filings. Increased transparency in aviation safety has been a growing demand among Indian aviation stakeholders. In its June 2025 report, a civil aviation working group recommended enhanced publication of anonymized safety statistics and the establishment of a centralized digital platform for incident data.

Airlines

DGCA Confirms 65 Engine Shutdowns Since 2020 and 11 Maydays in Last 17 Months

India: A Right to Information (RTI) response from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), as reported by The Times

July 17, 2025 No Comments

The escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, following military action involving the United States and Israel against Iranian targets, has sent ripples through the international aviation sector. With large swathes of airspace now declared unsafe or restricted, several major international carriers have been forced to reroute or suspend operations across key transit corridors. Airspace Closures Impact Global Routes The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and multiple regional regulators have issued advisories against flying over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and parts of Israel. The Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom has further restricted operations near Lebanon and Jordan. The immediate result has been a surge in flight cancellations and diversions. Carriers such as British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Emirates, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Air Canada have implemented rerouting measures, primarily over Saudi Arabia and Turkey, to avoid high-risk zones. These diversions have resulted in longer flight durations, increased fuel consumption, and knock-on effects on crew scheduling. Surge in Operational Costs and Delays Flight time extensions of up to 90 minutes on Asia–Europe and India–US routes are now common. This has placed additional pressure on fleet availability and turnaround planning. Airlines report elevated costs associated with fuel, landing permits, alternate routing, and air navigation charges. While many carriers continue to operate, delays have become more frequent and passenger itineraries increasingly unpredictable. Air India, for instance, has reportedly revised contingency budgets to absorb the increased operating expenses. A senior airline official, speaking to Indian media under condition of anonymity, described the financial impact as “significant” and “ongoing as long as overflight restrictions persist.” Heightened Safety Threats and Pilot Authority In addition to airspace restrictions, the conflict zone poses security risks from potential missile activity, UAV incursions, and GPS interference. Several aircraft have already reported signal spoofing and jamming incidents while operating near affected regions. These occurrences have prompted advisories for pilots to exercise heightened situational awareness. Under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, pilots retain the right to refuse routes deemed unsafe. Multiple union bodies across Europe and North America have issued internal safety memos reminding flight crews of this discretion. Insurance and War-Risk Premiums Increase The aviation insurance sector is also reacting to the volatile security situation. War-risk insurance premiums have surged in response to the deteriorating threat environment. Lloyd’s of London and other leading underwriters have revised risk assessment models for flights transiting over conflict zones. Airlines flying into high-risk regions are now required to submit additional risk mitigation documentation to retain coverage. Some insurance providers have temporarily suspended coverage for specific flight paths until further clarity emerges on the safety of operations. Broader Operational and Industry Impacts The disruptions are not limited to passenger carriers. Air cargo operations, especially those routing via the Persian Gulf and West Asia, have faced constraints. Logistics firms have been instructed to anticipate shipment delays and increased transit charges. Aircraft manufacturers are also monitoring the situation closely, especially as rising geopolitical instability adds pressure to global aviation supply chains already strained by the ongoing Ukraine conflict and export sanctions on key aviation components. As tensions continue to escalate, aviation authorities and commercial operators remain in close coordination to evaluate safety risks in real time. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has emphasized the importance of data sharing, conflict zone mapping, and maintaining the highest safety standards for flight operations worldwide. A long-term resolution will likely hinge on diplomatic developments in the region.

Airlines

Airlines Divert Flights as Missiles, GPS Spoofing Threaten Middle East Airspace

The escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, following military action involving the United States and Israel against Iranian targets,

June 23, 2025 No Comments

Airlines

Singapore-Based Jetstar Asia to Shut Down after 20 Years Amid Heavy Losses

Picture Credits: Jetstar Asia Singapore: Jetstar Asia, the Singapore-based low-cost airline and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Qantas Group,

June 12, 2025 No Comments

Bengaluru, India: In a significant milestone for India’s newest airline, Akasa Air has officially inducted its 29th aircraft into its growing fleet. The new Boeing 737 MAX 8-200, bearing the registration VT-YBG, landed at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Sunday. Akasa Air, which began operations in August 2022, has now reached 29 aircraft in less than three years of commercial service. This addition underscores the airline’s accelerated fleet expansion plan, which aims to double its current capacity in the next two years. The latest aircraft is part of Akasa’s large order book of over 200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, including both the MAX 8 and the high-density MAX 8-200 variants. The MAX 8-200 aircraft offer increased seating and fuel efficiency, enabling the airline to improve operating economics while maintaining passenger comfort. The airline’s operations team and ground staff welcomed the aircraft with customary water cannon salutes and internal handover protocols. Akasa officials stated that this induction not only marks a numeric achievement but also aligns with the airline’s strategy to increase route frequency and add new destinations across India and abroad. The fleet expansion is crucial to accommodate the rising passenger demand, particularly as the aviation sector sees strong recovery and growth across Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Alongside its growing fleet, Akasa is actively preparing for operations out of the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. The airline’s leadership, including CEO Vinay Dube, confirmed that Akasa plans to operate up to 50 daily departures from the new airport once it becomes operational. Initial schedules are expected to include around 15 domestic and international flights. This move is seen as part of Akasa’s long-term strategy to diversify airport bases and serve emerging passenger corridors beyond existing metros. With consistent aircraft deliveries and a focused route network strategy, Akasa Air continues to position itself as a major player in the Indian aviation sector.

Airlines

Akasa Air Receives 29th Boeing 737 MAX, Plans 50 Daily Flights from Navi Mumbai Airport

Picture Credits: Akasa Air Bengaluru, India: In a significant milestone for India’s newest airline, Akasa Air has officially inducted its

June 10, 2025 No Comments

Airlines

SriLankan Airlines Adds A330-200 to Fleet, Targets New Routes & More Aircraft in 2025

Picture Credits: SriLankan Airlines Colombo, Sri Lanka: In a significant step toward reviving its long-haul capabilities, SriLankan Airlines has taken

June 6, 2025 No Comments

New Delhi, India: In a significant development, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulatory body, has identified multiple safety and compliance violations by Turkish Airlines during unannounced inspections conducted between May 29 and June 2, 2025. These inspections took place at major Indian airports, including Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Key Findings from the DGCA Inspections Unauthorized Carriage of Dangerous Goods: One of the most serious violations involved the transportation of hazardous materials, specifically explosives, without the necessary permissions or proper declaration. This breach of air cargo safety norms poses significant security risks. Unqualified Ground Personnel: At Bengaluru airport, a marshaller responsible for directing aircraft during taxiing operations was found operating without proper authorization or a valid competency card, contravening Indian aviation regulations. Improper Aircraft Maintenance Procedures: Inspections revealed that, in some instances, aircraft maintenance was conducted by technicians instead of certified Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs). For example, at Bengaluru airport, an AME was unavailable during the arrival of a flight, and the procedure was instead handled by a technician. This violates aviation safety protocols, as only certified AMEs are authorized to perform such tasks. Lack of Formal Agreements with Ground Handling Agents: At Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports, Turkish Airlines was utilizing ground handling services from Globe Ground India without formal Service Level Agreements (SLAs). This lack of formal agreements led to accountability issues with essential ground equipment, including ladders, trolleys, and Ground Power Units (GPUs), which lacked proper monitoring and handover procedures. DGCA's Directive and Future Actions In response to these findings, the DGCA has directed Turkish Airlines to promptly address these violations and ensure full compliance with both International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and Indian aviation regulations. The regulator emphasized that further inspections will be conducted to ensure continuous safety oversight. These developments come amid strained diplomatic relations between India and Turkey, particularly following Turkey's support for Pakistan in regional conflicts. In a related move, India's aviation ministry has also revoked the security clearance of Turkish ground handling firm Çelebi, halting its operations in the country. Airlines failing to adhere to these standards may face increased scrutiny and potential operational restrictions.

Airlines

Turkish Airlines Warned by DGCA after Explosives and Unqualified Staff found during Checks

Picture Credits: Turkish Airlines New Delhi, India: In a significant development, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation

June 5, 2025 No Comments

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Airlines

DGCA Confirms 65 Engine Shutdowns Since 2020 and 11 Maydays in Last 17 Months

Airlines Divert Flights as Missiles, GPS Spoofing Threaten Middle East Airspace

Singapore-Based Jetstar Asia to Shut Down after 20 Years Amid Heavy Losses

Akasa Air Receives 29th Boeing 737 MAX, Plans 50 Daily Flights from Navi Mumbai Airport

SriLankan Airlines Adds A330-200 to Fleet, Targets New Routes & More Aircraft in 2025

Turkish Airlines Warned by DGCA after Explosives and Unqualified Staff found during Checks

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