Air Traffic Control Archives

Tbilisi, Georgia: A Turkish Air Force C-130 Hercules military cargo aircraft crashed in eastern Georgia on Tuesday, killing all 20 military personnel onboard, according to Turkish and Georgian authorities. The aircraft was en route from Ganja, Azerbaijan, to Turkey when it went down in the Kakheti region near the Azerbaijan–Georgia border. The Lockheed C-130, a four-engine turboprop transport aircraft, reportedly lost contact with air traffic control shortly after entering Georgian airspace. Witnesses in the Sighnaghi Municipality described seeing the plane on fire before it crashed into hilly terrain. Rescue teams from Georgia’s Emergency Management Service and Turkish military units launched a joint search and recovery operation, later confirming that no survivors were found among the 20 people onboard. Georgia’s Interior Ministry said debris was scattered across a wide area, indicating the aircraft may have broken apart mid-air before impact. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with both countries cooperating on a joint technical inquiry. Preliminary assessments suggest the aircraft might have experienced an in-flight fire or catastrophic mechanical failure, though officials have not yet confirmed this. The Turkish Defence Ministry confirmed the tragedy, stating,“We have lost 20 of our heroic personnel aboard a military transport plane during duty. Search and rescue efforts have been completed in coordination with Georgian authorities.” Turkey has dispatched a high-level investigation team to Georgia, including defence and aviation safety experts, to coordinate recovery and analysis efforts. The governments of Azerbaijan and Georgia both expressed solidarity with Turkey. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev conveyed condolences to Erdoğan, stating,“We share the sorrow of our Turkish brothers and stand by them in this difficult time.” Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze also confirmed his country’s full cooperation with Turkish officials in the investigation, adding that emergency response units “arrived at the site within minutes of reports of the crash.” The downed C-130 was reportedly an older model that had served in the Turkish Air Force for decades. The aircraft type, known for its durability and versatility, is used globally for military transport and humanitarian aid missions.

All 20 Onboard Killed As Turkish Military C-130 Cargo Plane Crashes In Eastern Georgia

Aviation Today News Desk / November 12, 2025

Tbilisi, Georgia: A Turkish Air Force C-130 Hercules military cargo aircraft crashed in eastern Georgia on Tuesday, killing all 20 […]

New Delhi, India: More than 800 flights were delayed at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) after a technical failure disrupted air traffic control systems on Friday, causing widespread operational chaos at one of the world’s busiest airports. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed that a malfunction occurred in the airport’s Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) , a critical platform that generates and distributes flight plans to controllers and pilots. The failure forced the ATC to manually process flight plans, drastically slowing departures through Friday. “The system developed a technical issue late Thursday evening, leading to temporary delays in flight departures,” the AAI said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “Technical teams are working to restore the system at the earliest.” According to flight-tracking platform Flightradar24, over 800 flights experienced delays, with more than 175 departures affected on Friday morning alone. The average delay was around 55 minutes, but several international routes were held back much longer. Domestic carriers, including IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India, reported schedule disruptions. IndiGo’s shares dropped 1.5 % in response. An ITA Airways flight to Rome was delayed by nearly two hours, while a Virgin Atlantic service to London took off more than an hour behind schedule. While the AAI has not confirmed the root cause, officials said preliminary checks are underway to determine whether the issue was linked to a possible malware intrusion. A senior aviation ministry source told Reuters that “cybersecurity experts are reviewing the system logs for any signs of tampering or external interference.” Delhi’s IGIA, managed by GMR Airports Limited and overseen by the AAI, handled 78 million passengers in 2024, ranking as the ninth-busiest airport globally according to Airports Council International. AAI technicians and software vendors were still working late Friday to fully restore the AMSS. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been briefed and is monitoring the situation for compliance and safety implications. No cancellations were officially reported, but passengers experienced long queues, rescheduling, and confusion as airlines adjusted flight plans.

Airports

Over 800 Flights Delayed At Delhi Airport After Air Traffic Control System Failure

Aviation Today News Desk / November 7, 2025

New Delhi, India: More than 800 flights were delayed at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) after a technical failure disrupted

Washington, D.C, United States: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency order mandating a temporary 10 percent reduction in flight operations at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. The move, announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, is aimed at maintaining safety across the national airspace system as the government shutdown enters its second month. FAA Cites Safety Strain, Staffing Pressures Since the shutdown began, thousands of air traffic controllers have worked without pay, triggering severe staffing shortages and operational stress across major hubs. The FAA said it recorded 2,740 delays over the past weekend alone, reflecting growing pressure on the system. “My department has many responsibilities, but our number one job is safety. This isn’t about politics – it’s about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue to work without pay,” Secretary Duffy said. “It’s safe to fly today, and it will continue to be safe to fly next week because of the proactive actions we are taking.” Administrator Bedford added, “We are seeing signs of stress in the system, so we are proactively reducing the number of flights to make sure the American people continue to fly safely. The FAA will continue to closely monitor operations and will not hesitate to take further action to make sure air travel remains safe.” Summary of the FAA Emergency Order According to the directive: A 4% reduction in domestic operations takes effect Friday, Nov 7, ramping up to 6% by Nov 11, 8% by Nov 13, and 10% by Nov 14. International flights are exempt, allowing airlines discretion to decide which routes to reduce. Airlines must issue full refunds for canceled flights, though they are not required to cover secondary costs, consistent with federal policy for government-related disruptions. The FAA also temporarily: Prohibits visual flight rule (VFR) approaches at affected facilities with staffing triggers. Limits commercial space launches and reentries to the hours of 10 p.m.–6 a.m. local time. Suspends parachute operations and aerial photography missions near impacted facilities. The agency said the measures were guided by safety data and voluntary reports from pilots and controllers showing mounting fatigue and system stress. Impact on Travelers Officials emphasized that the airspace remains safe but acknowledged the steps are preventive and temporary. Airlines are adjusting schedules to comply with the phased reductions, focusing cancellations during peak domestic hours. The FAA said any expansion or rollback of the cuts will be driven by real-time safety data. Official List of Affected Airports ANC – Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport ATL – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport BOS – Boston Logan International Airport BWI – Baltimore/Washington International Airport CLT – Charlotte Douglas International Airport CVG – Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport DAL – Dallas Love Field DCA – Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport DEN – Denver International Airport DFW – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport DTW – Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport EWR – Newark Liberty International Airport FLL – Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport HNL – Honolulu International Airport HOU – William P. Hobby Airport IAD – Washington Dulles International Airport IAH – George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport IND – Indianapolis International Airport JFK – New York John F. Kennedy International Airport LAS – Las Vegas McCarran International Airport LAX – Los Angeles International Airport LGA – New York LaGuardia Airport MCO – Orlando International Airport MDW – Chicago Midway International Airport MEM – Memphis International Airport MIA – Miami International Airport MSP – Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport OAK – Oakland International Airport ONT – Ontario International Airport ORD – Chicago O’Hare International Airport PDX – Portland International Airport PHL – Philadelphia International Airport PHX – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport SAN – San Diego International Airport SDF – Louisville International Airport SEA – Seattle–Tacoma International Airport SFO – San Francisco International Airport SLC – Salt Lake City International Airport TEB – Teterboro Airport TPA – Tampa International Airport Looking Ahead The FAA said it will continue to review safety metrics daily to determine whether further cuts or operational adjustments are needed. “Safety reporting is showing us where the stress points are,” the agency said. “This order will remain in effect only as long as necessary to maintain system stability.” Passengers traveling through the affected airports are urged to monitor airline communications for updated flight schedules and potential waivers.

Airlines

FAA Imposes 10% Flight Reduction at Major 40 U.S. Airports as Shutdown Deepens

Aviation Today News Desk / November 7, 2025

Washington, D.C, United States: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency order mandating a temporary 10 percent reduction

Boston, United States: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a close-call incident at Boston Logan International Airport on Thursday afternoon, when a Delta Air Lines widebody jet and a Cape Air commuter aircraft came dangerously close to each other on intersecting runways. According to FAA officials, Delta Flight 263 an Airbus A330-900neo operating from Paris Charles de Gaulle to New York-JFK had been diverted to Boston due to weather in the New York area. The aircraft, carrying 284 passengers and 11 crew, was on approach to Logan around 4:15 p.m. ET when air traffic control ordered the pilots to perform a go-around to maintain safe separation from Cape Air Flight 548, which had been cleared for takeoff on an intersecting runway. Audio recordings from LiveATC.net, cited by multiple outlets, captured the tense exchange between the flight crews. As the Delta A330 climbed away from the runway, one of its pilots radioed, “That was close.” Moments later, a Cape Air pilot could be heard responding, “Yeah, man, not cool.” While no collision occurred and both flights landed safely, aviation experts said the proximity of the two aircraft estimated at less than half a mile at one point warranted investigation. “Even when vertical and horizontal separation remains within limits, intersecting-runway operations always carry elevated risk,” one aviation analyst told WCVB Boston. The FAA confirmed that controllers instructed the Delta crew to abort landing to “ensure safe separation” after the Cape Air flight was cleared for departure. The agency has since opened a formal investigation into the event to determine whether procedural, human, or environmental factors contributed. Both airlines confirmed that their pilots followed ATC instructions. “Delta Air Lines is cooperating fully with the FAA’s review,” the company said in a statement, adding that safety remains its top priority. Cape Air also noted that its pilots “acted in accordance with clearance and protocol.” The incident comes amid rising operational pressure on U.S. air traffic controllers, who have faced long shifts and reduced staffing levels exacerbated by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers working without pay and prompting hundreds to take on second jobs to cover essential expenses. The situation, aviation unions warn, is beginning to pose serious risks to both air safety and system reliability.

Incidents

FAA Probes Close Call Between Delta A330 And Cape Air Plane At Boston Logan Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / November 3, 2025

Boston, United States: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a close-call incident at Boston Logan International Airport on Thursday

Mumbai, India: On the morning of November 1, 2025, a security threat email forced the diversion of IndiGo flight 6E 68, operating from Jeddah to Hyderabad. The email sent to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad alleged the presence of a “human bomb” onboard and claimed that operatives of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and Inter‑Services Intelligence (ISI) had “planned a major 1984 Madras Airport modus operandi style blast”. After receiving the threat at approximately 5:30 a.m. IST, airport authorities alerted all relevant stakeholders. The flight was diverted to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) where it landed safely. Following normal security protocol, checks were carried out at Mumbai and Hyderabad under cooperation of the airline and security agencies. No suspicious items or individuals were found. A case has been registered by the police and investigation is ongoing. In a statement, IndiGo confirmed receipt of the threat for flight 6E 68 from Jeddah to Hyderabad on November 1, and noted the aircraft diversion to Mumbai in consultation with authorities. The airline said it informed relevant agencies immediately and conducted appropriate security checks before resuming operations. It also stated efforts were made to minimise inconvenience to passengers, including offering refreshments and regular updates. According to aviation tracker flightradar24, the flight was to land in Hyderabad at 9.10 am, but was diverted to Mumbai after the threat. The flight took off after the checks and reached Hyderabad around 4 pm.

Incidents

IndiGo Jeddah–Hyderabad Flight Diverted To Mumbai After ‘Human Bomb’ Threat Email

Aviation Today News Desk / November 3, 2025

Mumbai, India: On the morning of November 1, 2025, a security threat email forced the diversion of IndiGo flight 6E

New York, United States: Two United Airlines aircraft made contact while taxiing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Friday, October 31, amid worsening weather conditions and ongoing ground delays caused by staffing shortages. According to multiple eyewitness accounts and passenger reports, a United Airlines flight arriving from Orlando clipped the tail of another United aircraft that was stationary and preparing for departure to Houston. The collision occurred during a turn into the gate area, causing what passengers described as a “bump” during taxi. “We all felt a bump during taxi, but didn’t know it was another plane until the captain said it was,” one passenger told The New York Post. Both planes immediately halted operations and returned to the gate for inspection. United Airlines confirmed that no injuries were reported among the 328 passengers and 15 crew members aboard the two aircraft. Maintenance teams conducted post-incident assessments to determine the extent of any structural damage before clearing the affected area. The mishap unfolded as LaGuardia faced heavy congestion and high winds, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph. Flight tracking data showed average ground delays exceeding two hours, while some departures were held for more than five hours. Compounding the situation, the U.S. government shutdown has significantly reduced air-traffic control staffing levels, forcing airports to operate with limited resources. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently warned that prolonged shortages could lead to “a real risk of disaster” if the issue remains unresolved. Around 13,000 U.S. air traffic controllers are currently working without pay as the federal government shutdown drags on, raising serious concerns about aviation safety and operational reliability. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that staffing issues now account for over half of all flight delays, compared to roughly 5% under normal conditions. Controllers, already facing a nationwide shortfall of 3,500 personnel, are reportedly working extended 10-hour shifts and six-day weeks, leading to fatigue and morale problems. The Houston-bound United aircraft was already delayed by about 90 minutes prior to the collision, according to flight records. Ground handling staff at LaGuardia temporarily suspended operations on the affected taxiway while crews assessed the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation to determine whether procedural lapses, environmental factors, or limited ground visibility contributed to the contact between the two planes.

Incidents

Two United Airlines Jets Collide At LaGuardia Amid High Winds And Staffing Crisis

Aviation Today News Desk / November 1, 2025

New York, United States: Two United Airlines aircraft made contact while taxiing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Friday, October

Air Traffic Controller

13,000 Air Traffic Controllers Unpaid as U.S. Shutdown Deepens, Safety Concerns Rise

Aviation Today News Desk / October 30, 2025

Washington, United States: The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has entered its fourth week, leaving nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers working

Paris, France: An Air France Boeing 777-300ER bound for Réunion Island was forced to return to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) on October 24 after a sudden malfunction in the aircraft’s air-conditioning system caused extreme heat inside the cabin, prompting the pilots to declare an emergency. Flight AF652, operated by a Boeing 777-328(ER) registered F-GZNG, took off from CDG at 18:01 local time en route to Saint-Denis, Réunion. About 50 nautical miles southeast of Zurich, the flight crew reported rapidly rising cabin temperatures and an unusual smell of overheating. Passengers reportedly described the cabin as turning into a “sauna,” with the temperature climbing to uncomfortable levels within minutes. According to Business Insider, the crew first issued a “PAN-PAN” urgent call before upgrading to a “MAYDAY” to request priority handling and clearance to dump fuel over French territory prior to returning to Paris. The aircraft landed safely at Charles de Gaulle approximately two hours after departure. Air France confirmed the incident, stating that the flight “experienced a technical malfunction in the cabin temperature regulation system,” and that the decision to return was made “in accordance with standard safety procedures.” All 312 passengers and 14 crew members disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported. A replacement aircraft was dispatched later that evening, completing the journey to Réunion with a delay of about six hours. An initial review indicates a fault in the Environmental Control System (ECS), which regulates temperature and air circulation. The specific cause whether a software issue, valve malfunction, or sensor failure has not yet been confirmed. France’s Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) is expected to open an investigation into the technical sequence that led to the overheating. Air France issued an apology to passengers, reaffirming that “safety remains the airline’s top priority.”

Incidents

Air France Boeing 777 Makes Emergency Return To Paris After Cabin Overheats Mid-Flight

Aviation Today News Desk / October 28, 2025

Paris, France: An Air France Boeing 777-300ER bound for Réunion Island was forced to return to Paris Charles de Gaulle

Ahmedabad, India: A Qatar Airways flight operating from Doha to Hong Kong declared a full emergency on Tuesday afternoon and made a precautionary landing at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) after the aircraft reportedly experienced a sudden loss of cabin pressure. According to airport officials, Flight QR 816, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER (registration A7-BOB), was cruising through Indian airspace when the crew detected abnormal cabin pressure levels. At 2:12 p.m. (IST), Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control declared a full emergency, activating standard response protocols and alerting ground services, medical units, and firefighting teams. The aircraft landed safely at 2:32 p.m., and the emergency status was withdrawn six minutes later, once engineers confirmed there was no immediate safety threat. All passengers and crew members onboard were reported safe, with no injuries or medical emergencies. “The aircraft landed safely in Ahmedabad following a technical issue,” a Qatar Airways spokesperson said in a brief statement. “All passengers are being looked after, and the aircraft is currently undergoing maintenance checks before resuming operations.” Airport authorities confirmed that normal flight operations continued uninterrupted during and after the emergency response. Qatar Airways’ engineering team initiated a detailed inspection to determine the cause of the technical fault related to the cabin pressure system. Preliminary assessments suggested a pressurization system malfunction, but the airline has yet to release an official statement on the cause.

Incidents

Qatar Airways Doha–Hong Kong Flight Diverts To Ahmedabad After Cabin Pressure Loss

Aviation Today News Desk / October 15, 2025

Ahmedabad, India: A Qatar Airways flight operating from Doha to Hong Kong declared a full emergency on Tuesday afternoon and

Bucharest, Romania: A British Airways flight traveling from Istanbul to London Heathrow made an emergency landing in Bucharest on Thursday afternoon after the crew reported a suspected technical issue. Romanian authorities said four people received medical assistance for possible smoke inhalation, though none required hospitalization. Flight BA603, operated by an Airbus A320, departed Istanbul earlier in the day with 142 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft declared an emergency around 5:50 p.m. local time and landed safely at 6:14 p.m. at Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest, according to Romania’s air traffic control and emergency services. The Romanian Ministry of Health initially reported that smoke was detected inside the cabin and that four individuals were affected. Medical teams treated the passengers at the airport, and all were later cleared without serious injuries. British Airways said in a statement to The Associated Press that “Our flight diverted to Bucharest as a precaution following a suspected technical issue. The aircraft landed safely and customers disembarked normally. Safety is always our highest priority.” The airline added that its engineers were examining the aircraft and that passengers were provided hotel accommodation while arrangements were made for onward travel to London. Romanian aviation authorities confirmed that the aircraft was to undergo inspection before resuming operations. The cause of the incident has not been officially determined, though officials described the diversion as “precautionary.” Local emergency crews deployed ambulances, fire units, and airport medical teams to the runway as part of standard safety protocol during emergency landings.

Incidents

British Airways Flight Diverts To Bucharest After Smoke Alert, 4 Treated For Inhalation

Aviation Today News Desk / October 10, 2025

Bucharest, Romania: A British Airways flight traveling from Istanbul to London Heathrow made an emergency landing in Bucharest on Thursday

Air Traffic Control

All 20 Onboard Killed As Turkish Military C-130 Cargo Plane Crashes In Eastern Georgia

Over 800 Flights Delayed At Delhi Airport After Air Traffic Control System Failure

FAA Imposes 10% Flight Reduction at Major 40 U.S. Airports as Shutdown Deepens

FAA Probes Close Call Between Delta A330 And Cape Air Plane At Boston Logan Airport

IndiGo Jeddah–Hyderabad Flight Diverted To Mumbai After ‘Human Bomb’ Threat Email

Two United Airlines Jets Collide At LaGuardia Amid High Winds And Staffing Crisis

13,000 Air Traffic Controllers Unpaid as U.S. Shutdown Deepens, Safety Concerns Rise

Air France Boeing 777 Makes Emergency Return To Paris After Cabin Overheats Mid-Flight

Qatar Airways Doha–Hong Kong Flight Diverts To Ahmedabad After Cabin Pressure Loss

British Airways Flight Diverts To Bucharest After Smoke Alert, 4 Treated For Inhalation

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