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Toronto, Canada: An Air Canada Rouge domestic flight was forced to return to the gate at Toronto Pearson International Airport on December 13, 2025, after a ground crew member became inadvertently trapped in the aircraft’s cargo hold, prompting passengers to alert cabin crew after hearing distressing noises. Flight AC1502, an Airbus A321 bound for Moncton, New Brunswick, had begun taxiing for departure when passengers seated toward the rear reported hearing screaming and banging sounds emanating from beneath the cabin. Several travellers notified flight attendants, who investigated and subsequently halted the aircraft’s progress. In a video shared on social media and verified by local media, the aircraft captain addressed passengers after the taxi was stopped. “I’ve never had that in my life. First time, hopefully first and last,” the pilot said, noting that the trapped individual was safely removed. According to Air Canada, the cargo doors were inadvertently closed while the ground crew member was still inside the hold, and he was discovered only after the plane had already begun to taxi. Emergency procedures were activated, and the aircraft immediately returned to the departure gate. The airline confirmed no injuries were reported and that the employee was freed from the cargo compartment without harm. In a statement to the media, Air Canada said it has “reinforced our procedures with our ground crews” to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future. Passengers described the incident as unsettling. One traveller told CBC that the sounds from the hold were unmistakable and that flight attendants initially checked other areas of the aircraft before determining the source. The flight ultimately did not depart for Moncton as scheduled. Passengers were informed that the delay was beyond the control of the airline and that arrangements would be made for later travel.

Incidents

Air Canada Flight Returns To Toronto After Crew Member Trapped In Cargo Hold

January 14, 2026

GLOBAL: AirlineRatings.com, a globally recognised authority on airline safety and product performance, has released its 2026 list of the world’s safest airlines, naming Etihad Airways of the United Arab Emirates as the world’s safest full-service airline and the first Gulf carrier to secure the top spot in the history of the rankings. The annual evaluation, published on 13 January 2026, assesses more than 320 global airlines using a comprehensive methodology that incorporates incident and accident rates adjusted for flight frequency, fleet age, pilot training, results from independent safety audits, and participation in turbulence prevention programmes. Etihad’s ascendancy to number one reflects a combination of factors, including a relatively young fleet, a crash-free operational history, advanced cockpit safety systems, and industry-leading turbulence management measures. According to AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen, the statistical differences among the top carriers are extremely narrow, underscoring that all airlines in the Top 25 are world leaders in safety performance. Alongside Etihad’s top ranking, Emirates secured the fifth spot among full‑service airlines globally, reinforcing the UAE’s strong presence in aviation safety. Cathay Pacific of Hong Kong secured second place on the full-service list, followed by Australia’s Qantas in third. Middle Eastern and regional giants Qatar Airways and Emirates also feature in the top five, highlighting the sustained strength of safety practices across major global carriers. Other notable full-service airlines in the top 25 include Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, Virgin Australia and Korean Air, reflecting broad geographic representation among industry leaders. The Top 25 Full-Service Airlines For 2026 Etihad Airways Cathay Pacific Qantas Qatar Airways Emirates Air New Zealand Singapore Airlines EVA Air Virgin Australia Korean Air STARLUX Airlines Turkish Airlines Virgin Atlantic All Nippon Airways (ANA) Alaska Airlines TAP Air Portugal SAS Scandinavian Airlines British Airways Vietnam Airlines Iberia Lufthansa Air Canada Delta Air Lines American Airlines Fiji Airways In the low-cost airline category, HK Express of Hong Kong topped the rankings, followed by Jetstar Airways and Singapore’s Scoot. flydubai now reclassified as a full-service operation in upcoming reports placed fourth on the low-cost list. Other recognised carriers include easyJet Group, Southwest Airlines, airBaltic and AirAsia Group. The inclusion of Spring Airlines China marks the first appearance of a Chinese carrier in these global safety rankings, while established operators such as Volaris and WestJet Group maintain their positions in the extended list of 25. The Top 25 Safest Low-Cost Airlines For 2026 HK Express Jetstar Airways Scoot flydubai (now considered full-service; future assessments will reflect this) easyJet Group Southwest Airlines airBaltic VietJet Air Wizz Air Group AirAsia Group TUI UK Vueling Norwegian JetBlue flynas Cebu Pacific Jet2 Ryanair (Ireland and UK) Spring Airlines (China) Transavia Group Eurowings Group Volaris WestJet Group GOL SKY Airline (Chile) A key update this year was a heightened emphasis on turbulence prevention, recognising that turbulence remains a leading cause of in-flight injuries. The evaluation now considers participation in the IATA Turbulence Aware programme and results from detailed onboard safety audits. Transparency in reporting and responsiveness to audit processes were also cited as critical factors. Petersen noted that the tight clustering of safety scores suggests that future editions of the rankings may move toward safety performance tiers rather than strict hierarchical lists, as the difference between top airlines becomes increasingly marginal. Independent reporting confirms the significance of this year’s results. Multiple media outlets highlighted Etihad’s achievement as historic and indicative of the UAE’s growing influence in global aviation safety. Emirates and other carriers from the region also featured prominently in the global rankings. The release of the 2026 list comes amid broader industry efforts to further enhance safety culture, risk management and operational consistency worldwide, building on decades of improvements that have made commercial aviation one of the safest modes of travel.

Airlines

Etihad Named World’s Safest Full-Service Airline, HK Express Tops Low-Cost List For 2026

January 14, 2026

Pune, India: A morning flight operated by Akasa Air from Pune to Bengaluru was significantly delayed on Tuesday after a last-minute technical issue was detected in the aircraft, leading the airline to deplane all passengers and reschedule the service. The Bengaluru-bound flight QP1312, scheduled to depart Pune at 8:50 am, had completed boarding by around 8:10 am when crew members identified a fault in the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft just before departure. Passengers remained seated on board for nearly 90 minutes before airline staff asked them to disembark as a precaution and to carry out further technical checks. In a communication to passengers, Akasa Air stated that the flight had been delayed due to operational reasons and provided a revised departure time of 1:15 pm. The airline also confirmed that the aircraft was undergoing inspection before it could be cleared for take-off. An Akasa Air spokesperson said that affected passengers were offered options to reschedule on an alternative evening flight, and that the refund process had been initiated for those who chose not to travel. Ground staff and Akasa Care teams remained available at Pune Airport to assist travellers. One passenger, who spoke to news agency PTI, confirmed that the flight was held up on the tarmac after a technical issue was reported and that all on board were asked to leave the aircraft once the problem was identified. No further details about the specific nature of the technical issue were provided publicly by the airline at the time of reporting. Akasa Air reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and said it regretted the inconvenience caused by the unforeseen delay.

Incidents

Akasa Air Pune–Bengaluru Flight QP1312 Face 4-Hour Delay After Technical Issue

January 14, 2026

Washington, United States: A United Express regional flight of United Airlines bound for Mobile, Alabama, returned to Washington Dulles International Airport shortly after takeoff Sunday evening following an apparent engine malfunction, authorities confirmed Monday. The CommuteAir-operated United Express Flight 4295, an Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet, departed Dulles International Airport (IAD) for Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) at approximately 6:30 p.m. Eastern, carrying 43 passengers and 3 crew members, according to airport officials. Minutes after becoming airborne, the flight crew reported an issue with one of the aircraft’s engines and elected to return to the airport under emergency protocols. Airport rescue and firefighting crews were on standby as the aircraft made its return. The jet landed safely at Dulles at approximately 6:45 p.m., and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew, spokespersons for United Airlines and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said. Following the landing, the aircraft was inspected by maintenance teams. Passengers were disembarked and re-accommodated on alternative flights later Sunday night. Full details on the engine issue, including its cause and any potential maintenance findings, have not yet been released. This event follows another recent safety incident at Dulles involving a United Airlines Boeing 777-200ER flight bound for Tokyo Haneda Airport on December 13, 2025. That flight returned safely to Dulles shortly after takeoff when one of its engines lost power; debris from the engine’s cowling struck the ground and sparked a small brush fire near the runway. Officials confirmed no injuries in that incident, and the Federal Aviation Administration said it would investigate. The FAA typically opens a formal review of such occurrences to determine the contributing factors and evaluate any safety implications. United Airlines, its regional partners, and regulatory authorities regularly collaborate on ensuring aircraft airworthiness and operational safety, particularly when mechanical issues prompt precautionary actions like flight returns.

Incidents

United Airlines Regional Flight Returns To Dulles After Engine Issue Post-Takeoff

January 13, 2026

Muan County, South Korea: South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has formally admitted that a key navigation structure at Muan International Airport did not meet safety standards and likely contributed to the severity of Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash flying from Bangkok to Muan International Airport in South Korea, on December 29, 2024, during an emergency landing after suspected landing gear issues. The aircraft belly‑landed, skidded off the runway, and collided with a concrete embankment, which caused a catastrophic explosion and contributed to the high fatality count. Of the 181 people on board 175 passengers and 6 crew 179 were killed, with only two flight attendants surviving with serious injuries. Earlier South Korea’s parliament had approved an independent investigation into the December 2024 Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people, responding to delays and criticism of the official probe. Under the new law passed on December 22, 2025, an 18‑member cross‑party panel will examine all aspects of the disaster including potential mechanical issues, bird‑strike risk, the aircraft’s final moments, and whether government agencies tried to conceal findings by the main investigation body. This independent review follows growing pressure from victims’ families and lawmakers for greater transparency and credibility in the ongoing examination of the country’s deadliest aviation accident. The aircraft, Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800 arriving from Bangkok, belly-landed on the runway after suffering a suspected bird strike that disabled its landing gear. It then overran the runway and struck a concrete mound supporting the localizer system, a navigation aid used for precision approaches triggering a catastrophic explosion. Only two cabin crew members survived. Opposition lawmaker Kim Eun-hye released documents from a government-commissioned analysis indicating that the concrete mound should have been designed to be fragile, able to break easily upon impact given its proximity (less than 240 m) to the runway end. Under airport safety operation standards, such structures must be breakable if situated within this safety area to minimize impact forces in runway overruns. The ministry acknowledged that during a 2020 upgrade project, the mound was not modified to meet these criteria. Simulations by the Korean Society of Computational Structural Engineering, commissioned by the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, found that without the rigid concrete mound the aircraft could have slid to a stop after sliding beyond the runway without sustaining fatal structural damage. A frangible design would similarly have greatly reduced impact severity, possibly allowing the aircraft to breach the perimeter fence and slide into open terrain with no serious injuries expected. The ministry’s admission has reignited criticism from politicians and victim families, with some lawmakers arguing the disaster was largely preventable and that longstanding regulatory oversights were to blame. Opposition figures described the embankment as a “mound of death” and alleged that officials attempted to suppress or delay release of critical safety findings. In parliament, a special committee is examining the crash and broader aviation safety protocols. Rep. Kim Eun-hye has accused the government of negligence dating back decades, asserting that the structure violated both domestic and international safety practices. Families of the victims are demanding greater transparency and accountability. While the simulation report has heightened focus on the airport structure, a final official investigation by the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board is still pending. Prosecutors and police have separately searched offices of Jeju Air and airport operators for documents related to aircraft operations and runway safety features. Experts continue to examine multiple factors in the crash, including whether the aircraft’s engines were functioning at impact and whether procedural or emergency response issues contributed to the outcome. In the aftermath of the crash, the Transport Ministry and airport authorities have pledged to review and upgrade runway safety areas nationwide, ensuring that navigational aids and nearby structures comply with both domestic regulations and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Reports indicate plans to remove the concrete embankment at Muan and replace it with breakaway installations at Muan and other regional airports.

Investigation

South Korea Admits Navigation Structure Failure At Muan Airport In Jeju Air Crash

January 13, 2026

Varanasi, India: An IndiGo Airlines flight bound for Bengaluru was forced to make an emergency landing at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday night after it was struck by a bird mid-air, aviation and airport officials said on Monday. The aircraft, operating as flight 6E-437 from Gorakhpur to Bengaluru, was carrying 216 passengers and crew when the bird impact occurred shortly after takeoff. The strike damaged the front portion of the aircraft, prompting the flight crew to seek an immediate diversion to the nearest safe airport, officials reported. According to airport authorities, the pilot promptly informed Varanasi Air Traffic Control about the situation and executed a precautionary emergency landing at Varanasi. All passengers and crew were evacuated from the aircraft safely without any reported injuries. Airport Director Puneet Gupta confirmed that the aircraft sustained damage to its nose section as a result of the bird strike, but emphasized that the crew’s swift action ensured a safe outcome. Passengers were assisted after the landing, with some being flown to Bengaluru on other flights on Monday and others accommodated on alternative services arranged by the airline. IndiGo has initiated further technical inspections of the aircraft before it resumes service, sources indicated. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review the incident as part of standard procedural requirements for bird strike events, though no formal DGCA statement has been released yet. Air India Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Jaipur On January 12, 2026, an Air India flight en route from New Delhi to Vijayawada was diverted to Jaipur International Airport after an elderly passenger fell critically ill mid-air. The aircraft, operating as AI-2517 on an Airbus A320, made an urgent landing in Jaipur early Monday morning following the onboard medical emergency. Once on the ground, the passenger was swiftly deplaned and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while all other passengers remained safe. Flight tracking data confirmed the diversion to Jaipur, and no official statement has yet been issued by Air India.

Incidents

IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Varanasi After Bird Strike, All Onboard Safe

January 13, 2026

New Delhi, India: Akasa Air has formally joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA), marking a significant milestone for the young Indian carrier and strengthening its standing within the global aviation ecosystem. With this development, Akasa Air becomes the fifth Indian airline to be part of IATA, joining Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, and SpiceJet. The membership places the airline among more than 360 carriers worldwide that together account for over 80 percent of global air traffic. Akasa Air’s inclusion follows the successful completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), a globally recognised safety and operational assessment programme that is a mandatory requirement for IATA membership. The audit evaluates an airline’s flight operations, maintenance systems, safety management, security, and organisational processes against international standards. According to IATA’s official member directory, Akasa Air operating under SNV Aviation Private Limited is now listed as an IATA member airline in the Asia-Pacific region. Industry experts view the development as a key step in Akasa Air’s international integration, particularly as the airline expands overseas operations and explores deeper cooperation with global carriers. IATA membership provides access to industry-standard settlement systems, safety data sharing, regulatory coordination platforms, and global best practices. Akasa Air founded in 2020 by Vinay Dube and in substantial backing of the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, the renowned Indian investor widely referred to as the “Big Bull” of the stock market. Akasa Air commenced commercial operations in August 2022 and operates a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The airline serves a growing domestic network and has gradually expanded international services since 2024. Company leadership has previously outlined long-term ambitions to scale fleet size and rank among the world’s leading airlines over the next decade. For India’s aviation sector, Akasa Air’s entry into IATA reflects the continued expansion and maturation of the country’s airline industry, at a time when passenger demand and global connectivity from India are rising steadily.

Airlines

Akasa Air Joins IATA Within Four Years Of Launch, Becomes India’s Fifth Member Airline

January 12, 2026

Airlines

Allegiant To Acquire Rival Sun Country In $1.5 Billion Deal, Expanding Leisure Network

January 12, 2026

Bogota, Colombia: Colombian music popular singer-songwriter Yeison Jiménez, 34, was killed Saturday afternoon in a small aircraft crash while en route to a concert in Medellín, officials and his representatives confirmed. All six people aboard the plane died when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in the Boyacá region, authorities said. The Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics reported that a Piper PA-31-325 Navajo bearing registration N325FA departed from Juan José Rondón Airport in Paipa bound for Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellín. The aircraft failed to gain altitude and came down in a rural area between Paipa and Duitama late Saturday afternoon. Jiménez was among the six victims. The others onboard were identified as pilot Captain Fernando Torres, team members Jefferson Osorio, Juan Manuel Rodríguez and Óscar Marín, and Jiménez’s longtime photographer, Weisman Mora. In a statement shared on social media, Jiménez’s team mourned the loss and described him not only as a prominent artist but as a “son, brother, friend and a human being full of dreams and courage.” The statement expressed gratitude for the support from fans and asked for privacy for the families during this time of grief. Colombian authorities have launched formal inquiries into the crash. The Technical Directorate for Accident Investigation is conducting the technical aviation investigation, while the Attorney General’s Office (Fiscalía) has opened a parallel criminal inquiry, a standard procedure in fatal aviation accidents, to determine whether any legal issues arose in connection with the flight. Officials have not yet released a preliminary cause of the crash. Forensic teams have transferred the victims’ remains to Bogotá for identification and autopsy in line with legal protocols. Caldas, Jiménez rose from humble beginnings to become one of Colombia’s most popular figures in the música popular genre, a style rooted in regional folk traditions meshed with Mexican influences. He achieved significant milestones, including selling out Bogotá’s Movistar Arena multiple times in 2024 and becoming the first Colombian artist in his genre to sell out El Campín Stadium in 2025. His wife and three children are still alive. Fans and fellow artists across Latin America have been sharing condolences and tributes on social media following the news of his death.

Aircraft Crashes

Fatal Colombia Aircraft Crash Kills Six People Including Popular Singer Yeison Jiménez

January 12, 2026

New Delhi, India: India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has recommended a comprehensive one-time inspection of airlines’ safety management systems (SMS) by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), following its 35-page final investigation report into a serious air proximity incident involving two IndiGo aircraft in Delhi airspace on November 17, 2023. The incident involved IndiGo Flight IGO2113, an Airbus A321 operating from Delhi to Hyderabad, and IndiGo Flight IGO2206, an Airbus A320 operating from Delhi to Raipur. The two aircraft came dangerously close to each other shortly after departure, breaching the minimum separation standards mandated for controlled airspace. Fortunately, the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts helped pilots maintain safe separation, and no injuries or damage to the aircraft were reported. The AAIB’s final report identified multiple factors that contributed to the near-miss. The crew of IGO2113 failed to correctly set up and verify the Standard Instrument Departure (SID) data, which is critical for maintaining a safe climb trajectory. In addition, monitoring during the climb phase was insufficient, leading to reduced vertical and lateral separation from IGO2206. The bureau also noted that six previous SID deviation events involving IndiGo aircraft between August and November 2023 had not been reported through mandatory safety reporting channels, highlighting weaknesses in both the airline’s internal safety culture and compliance with regulatory requirements. In response to these findings, the AAIB has recommended that the DGCA carry out a one-time inspection of the safety management systems of all scheduled operators and the Air Navigation Service Provider. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of hazard identification, risk assessment, and reporting culture, as well as compliance with mandatory occurrence reporting. The AAIB has also emphasized that airlines must ensure that all previous and future incidents are reported promptly and accurately to both the DGCA and the AAIB. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been advised to review ATC procedures, particularly during high-intensity simultaneous departures, and to assess the Short Term Conflict Alert (STCA) system and airspace design to prevent future separation breaches. IndiGo has been recommended to take corrective action by ensuring accurate entries into the Flight Management and Guidance System (FMGS), minimizing cockpit disturbances during pre-flight setup, and strengthening cross-checks during training. Aviation safety experts note that these recommendations are critical for maintaining operational safety, especially as India’s air traffic continues to grow rapidly. The AAIB’s recommendations focus on the importance of robust safety management system audits, procedural discipline, and a culture of compliance to prevent near-misses from escalating into accidents. The DGCA is expected to follow up on the AAIB’s recommendations, potentially conducting targeted inspections across airlines and air navigation services to identify and rectify systemic vulnerabilities. The incident and the bureau’s final report highlight the vital role of near-miss investigations in reinforcing aviation safety, ensuring that lessons from minor incidents are institutionalized and preventive measures are implemented effectively.

Investigation

AAIB Flags Safety Reporting Gaps, Seeks DGCA SMS Review After IndiGo Near-Miss

January 11, 2026

Odisha, India: A nine-seater aircraft operated by IndiaOne Air was involved in an accident near Rourkela in Odisha on Saturday, resulting in injuries but no fatalities, according to officials. The aircraft was operating a regional service when it encountered a technical issue and made a crash landing approximately 10 km short of the Rourkela airstrip. Emergency services, including police, fire personnel, and medical teams, were dispatched to the site, and all occupants were evacuated and taken to nearby hospitals for medical evaluation. Authorities confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening. Visuals from the accident site showed the aircraft sustaining damage to its lower fuselage and landing gear area. The crash location was subsequently secured to facilitate investigation and recovery operations. Separately, Prasanna Pradhan, Director of Biju Patnaik International Airport, stated that the aircraft was operating a flight from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela at the time of the incident. According to Pradhan, the aircraft identified as a Cessna 208 was carrying four passengers and two crew members, all of whom were reported to be safe. Earlier media reports had cited differing figures regarding the number of occupants on board. Aviation authorities are expected to provide further clarification as more information becomes available. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed of the incident and is expected to initiate a detailed investigation to determine the cause. The aircraft remains at the crash site pending technical examination. IndiaOne Air operates several regional routes using small turboprop aircraft, serving short-haul and underserved markets. Operations at Rourkela airstrip were temporarily affected following the incident but later resumed normal activity.

Aircraft Crashes

IndiaOne Air Aircraft Crash-Lands in Odisha After Technical Issue, 6 People Injured

January 10, 2026

Hong Kong, China: A power bank carried by a passenger aboard an Asiana Airlines flight from Seoul to Hong Kong overheated and caught fire mid-air on Thursday night, injuring one passenger and emphasizing ongoing aviation safety concerns related to lithium-battery devices. The incident occurred on Flight OZ745, an Airbus A330-214 operating from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) with 284 passengers on board. Around two hours into the flight, a portable battery charger (power bank) carried in the cabin ignited, producing smoke and flames near the economy class seating area. Cabin crew responded within minutes, extinguishing the fire with onboard fire extinguishers. The device’s owner sustained a minor hand burn during the incident, while no other passengers or crew were seriously injured. Despite the onboard fire, the aircraft continued its scheduled flight and landed safely in Hong Kong at approximately 10:52 pm, just minutes behind schedule. Authorities in Hong Kong, including the Airport Authority and local police, were not required to intervene after landing. Eyewitness accounts posted on social media described a brief moment of panic among passengers before the crew contained the situation. “For a moment, I thought I was going to die,” one passenger wrote, highlighting the anxiety such incidents can provoke even when managed effectively. Asiana Airlines confirmed the matter was handled according to established safety procedures and that aviation regulators will be notified as part of standard post-incident processes. In a similar incident on 20 March 2025, Hong Kong Airlines Flight HX115, an Airbus A320 flying from Hangzhou to Hong Kong, was forced to make an emergency diversion to Fuzhou Changle International Airport after a fire broke out in an overhead luggage compartment. The blaze, believed to have been caused by a portable power bank, was extinguished onboard by crew and passengers, and all 168 people on board disembarked safely with no injuries reported. In response to rising incidents involving lithium‑ion batteries, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has updated safety regulations to prohibit charging power banks during flights and mandate that such devices be carried only in hand luggage, not checked baggage. Domestic carriers like IndiGo have further restricted storage, requiring passengers to keep power banks within reach and not in overhead bins. South Korea bans storing power banks and e-cigarettes in overhead bins and requires insulated handling, while Hong Kong and mainland China restrict uncertified batteries. Airline-level measures include Singapore Airlines and Scoot banning in-flight charging from April 2025, Thai Airways, AirAsia, EVA Air, and China Airlines restricting in-flight use. Emirates has banned the use of power banks onboard since 1 October 2025, allowing only one device under 100 Wh in cabin baggage, stored under the seat or in the seat pocket, and strictly forbidding charging or use during flight. Current rules at a glance: allowed with conditions carry power banks under specified watt-hour limits (typically 100 Wh) with clear labeling; prohibited placing in checked luggage, charging in-flight, or storing in overhead bins.

Incidents

Power Bank Ignites Mid-Air On Asiana Airlines Flight, 1 Passenger Sustains Minor Burns

January 10, 2026

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Automation Rises, But Are Indian Pilots Being Trained To Keep Pace With The Future?

Automation Rises, But Are Indian Pilots Being Trained To Keep Pace With The Future?

START: India is emerging as the fastest-growing aviation market worldwide, yet it faces a significant hurdle: a shortage of trained technical personnel, including pilots, engineers, and technicians. This challenge is expected to become more acute as Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles enter the market within the next year or two, creating an additional need for pilots. The issue stems largely from inadequate planning and foresight by the authorities. Consequently, many aspiring Indian pilots are pursuing training in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bosnia, Montenegro, and the Philippines. In fact, approximately 700 out of every 1,000 commercial pilot licenses issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are earned abroad. India’s Potential as a Global Hub for Aviation Education Considering India’s expansive geography and favorable weather for flying, the country is ideally suited to be a global hub for aviation education. In the 1980s and 1990s, students from nations such as Iran, Jordan, Palestine, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and several African countries came to India for flight training. Today, the trend has reversed, with Indian students going overseas for pilot education. One key reason is the slow pace of domestic training programs and the cumbersome security clearance process for foreign students, which discourages them from enrolling in India. Competition from International Flight Schools Meanwhile, nations like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have established world-class flight schools. Students from neighboring Arab countries now mostly prefer the United States, Canada, and Europe for training, despite these regions lacking ideal weather for primary flight instruction. Domestic regulations further complicate matters. The DGCA allows a flight school to operate only if it meets minimum requirements for aircraft and paid-up capital, while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) imposes additional capital requirements. These rules do not guarantee quality education but are often sufficient to prevent many capable entrepreneurs from opening flight schools. By contrast, an Indian entrepreneur started a flight school in New Zealand with a single rented aircraft, which has since expanded to a fleet of over 20 planes and now attracts Indian students. Shortage of Trainer Aircraft The shortage of trainer aircraft is another pressing challenge. In the 1970s, Prof. David Hazen of Princeton University, invited by the Indian government to establish the first aeronautical department at IIT Kanpur, outlined a roadmap for India to achieve self-reliance in aviation training. However, progress has been slow. The DGCA developed the Swati light aircraft, manufactured by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), but a fatal accident during testing brought the program to an end. Similarly, the Hansa trainer created by the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) was rejected by most flight schools. Lessons from the Pushpak Aircraft A comparison with the Pushpak aircraft is instructive. Manufactured in the 1950s, HAL produced 160 Pushpaks, which served India reliably for over 50 years and maintained an excellent safety record. In 1968, the government gifted one Pushpak each to Singapore and Malaysia to help them establish their flight training programs. The Pushpak’s success was largely due to it being modeled closely on the proven US Aeronca Chief. NAL later developed the next-generation Hansa (NG Hansa), which was showcased at the 2020 Wings India airshow, but production has yet to start, and setting up the necessary infrastructure would still take several years even if action begins immediately. Global Trainer Aircraft Shortages and LSAs The shortage of trainer aircraft is not unique to India. Major manufacturers such as Cessna and Piper had slowed production, underestimating demand, and now struggle to meet global requirements. Other countries have tackled this problem by incorporating Light Sport Aircraft (LSAs) into flight training. Equipped with advanced navigation systems, LSAs are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and widely used in the US and EU for commercial pilot instruction. However, Indian regulations currently do not permit LSAs for commercial pilot training. Despite being equipped with only a magnetic compass, pilots trained on Pushpaks have gone on to fly advanced aircraft like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A320. Allowing LSAs in India could reduce aircraft shortages, encourage domestic manufacturing, generate employment, and attract foreign investment. Lack of Experienced Flight Instructors The lack of experienced flight instructors adds another layer of difficulty. Rapid growth in airlines such as Indigo and Air India has led many instructors to leave training schools for better pay, career progression, and recognition in commercial aviation. This high turnover leaves less-experienced instructors teaching students, unlike other professional fields where teachers usually have extensive industry experience. In countries like the US, airline pilots can provide primary flight training in their spare time, giving trainees the advantage of learning from seasoned professionals and ensuring higher safety standards. Without urgent, proactive measures, India will continue to rely on foreign nations to fulfill the increasing demand for skilled professionals in its civil aviation sector. https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-insight/knowledge/flight-training-a-challenge-in-civil-aviation-101727069965710.html

India’s Aviation Boom Threatened By Severe Pilot, Instructor And Aircraft Shortages

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