Skip to content

Facebook Instagram Linkedin X-twitter Youtube

About Us
Contact Us
Advertisement

About Us
Contact Us
Advertisement

Aviation Newsletter

WhatsApp Channel

Search

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

Search

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

News

Civil Aviation

Pilot Training

Flight School Analysis

Aviation Jobs

Training

Services

About Us

Contact Us

Search

Air India Express

Varanasi, India: A Bengaluru–Varanasi Air India Express flight sparked a major security scare on Monday after a passenger allegedly attempted to access the cockpit mid-air, prompting the crew and security agencies to take swift action. The incident occurred on Flight IX-1086, which departed Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru at around 8:00 am and landed safely at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport shortly after 10:25 am. According to initial reports, a male passenger approached the cockpit door while apparently searching for the lavatory. Eyewitnesses told investigators that he tried operating the cockpit entry mechanism, which is controlled by a keypad and passcode system. Although early reports suggested the individual may have entered the correct code, sources told The Indian Express that the attempt was unsuccessful and the cockpit door remained secure. The captain, alerted to the unusual activity, immediately blocked access and reinforced cockpit security measures. Cabin crew quickly escorted the passenger away from the cockpit area, following standard aviation safety procedures. On landing in Varanasi, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) detained not only the passenger but also eight individuals traveling with him. The group of nine was handed over to Phulpur police for further questioning to determine intent and establish whether the act was accidental or deliberate. Air India Express confirmed the incident but stressed that flight safety and security protocols were never compromised. “Our crew acted promptly in line with standard operating procedures, and the cockpit remained secure throughout,” the airline said in a statement. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified, and officials are assessing whether the incident qualifies as “Level-3 unruly behaviour,” the highest category under India’s Civil Aviation Requirements. Such classification could result in strict penalties, including the possibility of the passenger being placed on a no-fly list.

Air India Express Passenger Attempts Cockpit Access on Flight, CISF Detains Nine

Aviation Today News Desk / September 23, 2025

Varanasi, India: A Bengaluru–Varanasi Air India Express flight sparked a major security scare on Monday after a passenger allegedly attempted […]

New Delhi, India: Air India Express has officially joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA), marking a major milestone in its growth and global expansion strategy. IATA represents over 350 airlines across more than 120 countries, accounting for more than 80% of global air traffic. Membership requires airlines to complete the rigorous IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), ensuring compliance with over 900 safety and operational standards. Air India Express has maintained its IOSA registration since 2017, highlighting its commitment to operational excellence. Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific, IATA, welcomed the airline, stating, “Air India Express has been on the IOSA registry since 2017, and we are glad that they have taken the next step to become an IATA member. Having Air India Express as a member broadens the perspectives we bring to global issues affecting our industry.” Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, said, “Becoming a part of the IATA family is a proud moment. It highlights our commitment to enhance our global standing, assures our guests of world-class standards, and facilitates access to global partnerships. This membership ensures that every journey meets the highest standards of reliability, safety, and convenience.” The IATA membership allows Air India Express to participate in global financial settlement systems, including the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP), streamlining payments and enabling wider distribution through accredited travel agents. This step also empowers the airline to contribute actively to shaping global aviation policies and standards. Currently, Air India Express operates a fleet of 115 aircraft, offering over 500 daily flights to 41 domestic and 17 international destinations, including key markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. The airline has recently launched daily direct flights between Bengaluru and Bangkok starting October 18, 2025, enhancing connectivity during the festive season. This strategic development positions Air India Express as one of India’s fastest-growing carriers, combining international operational standards with expanding global reach to provide passengers with safer, more reliable, and globally connected travel experiences.

Air India Express Joins IATA, Connecting 41 Domestic & 17 Global Destinations

Aviation Today News Desk / September 22, 2025

New Delhi, India: Air India Express has officially joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA), marking a major milestone in

Vishakhapatnam, India: An Air India Express flight bound for Hyderabad was forced to make an emergency landing at Visakhapatnam (Vizag) airport on Thursday afternoon after a suspected bird strike caused engine trouble shortly after takeoff. Flight IX 2658, operated by Air India Express, departed Vizag around 2:38 PM with 103 passengers onboard. About 10 nautical miles into its climb, the pilots detected abnormal vibrations in one of the engines and suspected a bird strike. Following standard safety protocols, the commander immediately contacted Air Traffic Control and requested clearance to return. The aircraft made a precautionary landing back at Visakhapatnam airport at approximately 3:00 PM. Emergency services were placed on standby, but the landing was completed without incident. All passengers were safely deboarded, and no injuries were reported. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed of the incident, and engineers are carrying out a detailed inspection to confirm the extent of the damage and verify whether a bird strike was indeed the cause of the engine trouble. Air India Express released a statement assuring that passenger safety was never compromised. The airline confirmed that alternative arrangements, including rebooking on later flights and refund options, were being provided to affected passengers. The flight, however, has been cancelled pending safety clearance of the aircraft.

Air India Express Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Vizag After Suspected Bird Strike

Aviation Today News Desk / September 20, 2025

Vishakhapatnam, India: An Air India Express flight bound for Hyderabad was forced to make an emergency landing at Visakhapatnam (Vizag)

Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has raised safety concerns after identifying repeated aircraft defects and operational shortcomings during a recent night-time surveillance drive at major Indian airports. The inspections, carried out between June 19 and 21, 2025, covered multiple airlines operating from Delhi and Mumbai and form part of the regulator’s intensified oversight efforts following a string of safety incidents. Key Findings from the Night Surveillance: According to DGCA’s internal report, the audits uncovered several repeated and unresolved issues across a range of aircraft. The most notable findings include: Recurring technical snags that were neither properly rectified nor reported in the aircraft technical logs, including flap/slat lever issues. Unsecured or missing life vests under passenger seats an infringement of mandatory cabin safety requirements. Defective systems that were carried forward without appropriate corrective maintenance action or recorded deferrals. Inadequate maintenance practices, including improper recording of faults and non-adherence to prescribed engineering protocols. DGCA officials stated that these were not isolated incidents but recurring issues that had not been systematically addressed by the airlines concerned. Operational Oversight Gaps The surveillance also revealed gaps in standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly with respect to turnaround maintenance and documentation. In several instances, snags logged in the cockpit were not matched with engineering follow-up in the technical documentation, pointing to communication lapses between flight crews and ground staff. The findings suggest that some airlines may be failing to follow up with required engineering assessments during night halts, when regular supervision is typically reduced. Corrective Measures Mandated The DGCA has issued formal directives to the operators whose aircraft were inspected. These include: Immediate resolution of all noted discrepancies. Submission of action-taken reports within seven days. Review and reinforcement of night-time maintenance protocols. Re-training of engineering staff and line maintenance personnel where necessary. In a statement, the DGCA reiterated its “zero-tolerance approach” toward operational non-compliance and emphasized that failure to address the issues may attract further regulatory action, including penalties or suspension of aircraft operations. Background and Context The night-time audits were launched as part of a broader response to mounting concerns over flight safety, especially in the wake of the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of more than 240 passengers and crew. The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of aircraft airworthiness, regulatory compliance, and safety oversight across Indian aviation. These latest inspections are part of a broader, nationwide surveillance campaign initiated by the DGCA to enhance flight safety standards. The campaign includes random night audits, pre-flight checks, and focused inspections on crew duty times and aircraft logbook records. The aviation regulator has indicated that such inspections will now be conducted more frequently, particularly during non-peak hours when traditional monitoring tends to lapse. Airlines have been urged to strengthen internal compliance and ensure that all safety equipment, engineering checks, and log entries are maintained in line with regulatory expectations. The DGCA is expected to release a detailed summary of the audit outcomes later this month.

Night-Time DGCA Audits Expose Gaps in Aircraft Maintenance, Safety Protocols Violated

Aviation Today News Desk / June 27, 2025

Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has raised safety concerns after identifying repeated aircraft defects and operational

Air India Express Flight with 180 Aborts Landing Just 200 Feet Above Chennai Runway

Aviation Today News Desk / May 30, 2025

Picture Credits: Air India Express Chennai, India: An Air India Express flight operating from Singapore to Chennai experienced a critical

28-Year-Old Air India Express Pilot Dies Shortly After Landing, Sparking Health Concerns, Captain Armaan, 28, who had recently tied the knot, showed distress after landing, vomited in the cockpit, and collapsed at the dispatch office at IGI Airport | Aviation Today

Air India, Incidents, Pilots

Air India Express Pilot Dies Shortly After Landing, Sparking Health Concerns

Aviation Today News Desk / April 10, 2025

Picture Credits: Air India Express Delhi, INDIA: An Air India Express pilot, Captain Armaan, tragically died of a cardiac arrest

The Tata Group, which acquired Air India nearly three years ago, has outlined its growth strategy, focusing on the distinct roles of its two carriers. With a fleet of around 300 aircraft, Air India will serve high-demand international and domestic markets, while Air India Express will focus on short-haul routes. As part of its Vihaan.AI transformation program, Air India placed orders for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing in June 2023, aiming to modernize its fleet. This was followed by an additional order of 100 Airbus aircraft in December, bringing the total to 570 | AViation Today

Air India’s Expansion Strategy with new Airbus and Boeing Orders

Aviation Today News Desk / January 13, 2025

India: The Tata Group, which acquired Air India nearly three years ago, has outlined its growth strategy, focusing on the

Cochin: On December 17, 2024, Air India Express Flight IX471, flying from Cochin International Airport to Bahrain International Airport, was forced to return to Cochin shortly after takeoff owing to tire debris discovered on the runway | Aviation Today

Air India Express Flight Heading to Bahrain Returns to Kochi Due to Tire Debris

Aviation Today News Desk / December 18, 2024

Image source: Wikipedia Cochin: On December 17, 2024, Air India Express Flight IX471, flying from Cochin International Airport to Bahrain

← Previous 1 2

Follow Us

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in X-twitter Youtube

AVIATION TODAY brings the latest in aviation and aims to cater information to professionals and Aviation Enthusiasts about the Industry.

Quick Links

About Us
Contact Us
Services
Advertise
FAQ

Navigate

Latest News
Civil Aviation
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Aviation Jobs
Training

General Support

info@aviationtoday.in

News Desk Support

news@aviationtoday.in

Follow Us

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in X-twitter Youtube

© Copyright 2026 Aviation Today. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer

Search

About Us
News
Pilot Training
Civil Aviation
Flight School Analysis
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More
Contact Us
Advertisement

Aviation Newsletter

Facebook Instagram Linkedin X-twitter Youtube