air traffic management Archives

Birmingham, United Kingdom: An Air India Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operating flight AI117 from Amritsar, India, to Birmingham, UK, declared a general emergency due to low fuel on the evening of 8 January 2026 after prolonged holding caused by severe winter weather and the temporary closure of Birmingham Airport. The aircraft was safely diverted to London Heathrow Airport where it landed without incident, airline and flight tracking data show. Flight AI117, registration VT‑NAC, was approaching Birmingham in worsening weather as Storm Goretti brought heavy snowfall and dangerously low visibility, leading airport authorities to suspend runway operations. Visibility dipped well below the minima required for a safe landing, forcing the crew to abort the initial approach and enter a holding pattern. With extended time spent circling near the destination, fuel reserves fell toward critical levels. In response, the crew transmitted Squawk 7700 the transponder emergency code indicating a serious onboard issue requiring urgent air traffic control priority signalling a general emergency due to low fuel. This prompted expedited handling and coordination with UK air traffic control for diversion. Air Traffic Control cleared the Boeing 787 to divert to London Heathrow Airport (LHR), chosen for its longer runways and advanced Category III Instrument Landing System (ILS) capable of accommodating landing in degraded weather conditions with enhanced safety margins. The aircraft touched down safely on Heathrow’s runway 09L and subsequently taxied to gate B49 with no reported injuries to passengers or crew. Air India flight operations encountered significant disruption as snow continued to impact Birmingham Airport operations throughout the evening. The airport’s decision to close the runways was part of ongoing safety precautions amid rapid snow accumulation and deteriorating meteorological conditions. A declaration of Squawk 7700, a universal aviation emergency code does not automatically reflect a catastrophic failure; rather, it alerts all air traffic units that the flight requires priority handling due to a critical situation, in this case driven by fuel management considerations following a prolonged holding pattern.

Air India 787 Declares Emergency Over Low Fuel, Safely Diverts To London Heathrow

Aviation Today News Desk / January 9, 2026

Birmingham, United Kingdom: An Air India Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operating flight AI117 from Amritsar, India, to Birmingham, UK, declared a general […]

Manama, Bahrain: On 3 December 2025, Oman's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) welcomed the decision by leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to create a unified GCC Civil Aviation Authority under the umbrella of the GCC General Secretariat. The resolution, adopted during the 46th session of the Supreme Council in Bahrain, marks a strategic milestone for Gulf-wide aviation cooperation. According to CAA, this move underscores the GCC states’ commitment to harmonize their civil aviation systems in line with evolving global regulatory and technological standards. The unified authority aims to enhance safety, security, sustainability, and overall competitiveness across the region’s aviation sector. In a statement, CAA President Naif bin Ali Al‑Abri said the establishment of the GCC-wide authority represents a continuation of long‑standing Gulf cooperation. He described it as the beginning of a new era of joint action and reaffirmed Oman’s support for deeper integration especially through regulatory modernization, aviation resource development, and unified representation in international aviation forums. The GCC Civil Aviation Authority will work to unify civil aviation regulations and policies among member states, aligning national legislation under a common Gulf framework capable of keeping pace with rapid developments in global aviation. It will also promote cooperation on infrastructure development, including airports and navigation systems, support training and capacity‑building of aviation personnel, and encourage investment. Beyond regulatory and infrastructure harmonization, the authority will coordinate efforts on safety and security standards, environmental sustainability, passenger rights and travel procedures all with the goal of elevating service quality and strengthening the Gulf’s competitiveness in international civil aviation. The CAA highlighted that GCC‑CAA will not only unify regulatory frameworks but will also enhance passenger experience, elevate safety and security standards, and encourage environmentally sustainable practices in line with global civil aviation developments. By consolidating oversight and coordination at the regional level, GCC states aim to boost efficiency, competitiveness, and the global reputation of Gulf aviation. Oman CAA concluded by reaffirming its commitment to working closely with the new authority and its fellow GCC member states to ensure successful implementation of the unified framework, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across the Gulf’s aviation sector.

Middle East

Oman CAA Welcomes GCC Civil Aviation Authority, Boosting Regional Aviation Integration

Aviation Today News Desk / December 11, 2025

Manama, Bahrain: On 3 December 2025, Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) welcomed the decision by leaders of the Gulf Cooperation

Tiruchirappalli, India: A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Tiruchirappalli International Airport on Monday after the crew detected a technical malfunction shortly after take-off. The aircraft landed safely after remaining airborne for nearly two hours as part of standard safety procedures. No injuries were reported. The aircraft, operating as Flight IX 611, departed Trichy at around 1:55 PM, carrying approximately 152 people onboard, after a brief delay from its scheduled departure time of 12:45 PM. Soon after take-off, pilots reported a technical snag and immediately entered a holding pattern over the Tiruchirappalli and Pudukottai airspace to burn excess fuel before attempting a safe landing. After circling for nearly two hours, the aircraft touched down safely at 3:53 PM, triggering emergency protocols at the airport. Fire and rescue services remained on standby as a precautionary measure. Airport sources said 11 passengers were offloaded following the return. The remaining 135 travellers, along with six crew members, were shifted to another aircraft through a one-to-one transfer process. Air India Express has not yet disclosed the exact nature of the technical fault. Officials confirmed that a detailed investigation will be conducted in line with aviation safety protocols. Airport authorities stated that the incident was handled efficiently and that passenger safety was never compromised. Several passengers reportedly contacted relatives after noticing the aircraft was not gaining cruising altitude, sparking momentary concern before the safe landing was confirmed. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review the technical report once it is submitted by the airline.

Incidents

Dubai-Bound Air India Express Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing At Trichy After Snag

Aviation Today News Desk / December 2, 2025

Tiruchirappalli, India: A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Tiruchirappalli International Airport on

Vilnius, Lithuania: A regional jet operated by LOT Polish Airlines slid off the taxiway at Vilnius Airport today, forcing a temporary closure of the runway. All 63 passengers and four crew members on board disembarked safely, and no injuries have been reported, airport and airline officials confirmed. The aircraft involved was an Embraer E170 (registration SP-LDK), operating flight LO771 from Warsaw (Poland) to Vilnius (Lithuania). The flight landed at 13:43 local time (runway 01) without apparent issues. However, while taxiing toward the stand, the aircraft veered off the paved surface sliding onto the northern side of the airfield. Flight-tracking records show the plane had slowed to under 30 knots before the final taxiway turn but nevertheless “continued straight,” failing to make the turn and leaving the paved taxiway surface. Emergency services including fire and ground-handling teams responded immediately. Passengers disembarked via mobile stairs and were safely transported to the terminal. No injuries or medical emergencies have been reported. The airline confirmed the return flight, LO772 from Vilnius to Warsaw, has been cancelled pending technical inspection. LOT’s technical team, together with airport authorities, is assessing the aircraft and runway condition before any further operations resume. Following the incident, Vilnius Airport under the authority of Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) issued a NOTAM and closed its runway, suspending all arrivals and departures. Initial estimates suggested resumption by 17:00 local time, but the closure was later extended until at least 22:00 as recovery and inspection work continued. The closure has affected other scheduled flights. Passengers on flights due to depart or arrive during the shutdown were advised to contact their airlines for updated schedules. The incident occurred amid heavy, wet snowfall in Vilnius part of a broader winter weather surge across Lithuania. The buildup of snow and slush likely contributed to poor friction on taxiway/runway surfaces. Meteorological warnings had been issued earlier, cautioning travelers about hazardous conditions. While the exact cause has not yet been determined, local media and aviation-safety observers have highlighted slippery surfaces from snow and wet slush as plausible contributing factors. Immediately after the incident, the airport’s Emergency Commission convened a meeting. The gathering included the transport minister, justice-department officials, and LTOU management, signaling the start of a formal investigation. Authorities have yet to publish a preliminary report. The investigation is expected to examine multiple aspects including runway/taxiway surface condition, snow/ice removal procedures, friction measurements, aircraft handling during taxi, and possible human or technical errors.

Incidents

LOT Polish Airlines Jet Slides Off Taxiway At Vilnius Airport, Runway Shut After Snow

Aviation Today News Desk / November 27, 2025

Vilnius, Lithuania: A regional jet operated by LOT Polish Airlines slid off the taxiway at Vilnius Airport today, forcing a

New Delhi, India: Flight operations across several Indian carriers were disrupted on Tuesday after volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi eruption drifted toward major West Asia and India-bound air corridors. Airlines including Air India, Akasa Air and IndiGo cancelled or rerouted multiple flights as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an urgent advisory enforcing strict avoidance of ash-affected airspace. The DGCA directed airlines to steer clear of regions and flight levels identified as contaminated by volcanic ash. The regulator also instructed carriers to reassess flight plans, fuel requirements and alternates, and to file immediate reports of any suspected ash encounters. The advisory highlighted the risk to aircraft engines and airframes, and asked operators to conduct additional inspections for any aircraft that may have flown near the affected zones. Airports were simultaneously ordered to check runways, aprons and taxiways for possible ash contamination and initiate cleaning procedures if required. Air India cancelled 11 flights over the past 24 hours, stating that precautionary checks were needed on aircraft that might have traversed areas close to the ash plume. The airline said it was monitoring volcanic-ash advisories in coordination with international aviation agencies and had not observed any major operational impact beyond temporary cancellations. Akasa Air suspended several India–Gulf flights, including services to Jeddah, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi, citing the need to avoid ash-affected airspace over the Arabian Peninsula. The airline offered full refunds and complimentary rebooking for passengers scheduled to travel on 24 and 25 November. IndiGo reported multiple cancellations as well, noting that its operations team was adjusting routes in real time based on ash-movement maps issued by global meteorological centres. At least six flights including services from Mumbai and southern metros were grounded as a precaution. Volcanic ash can severely damage aircraft by melting inside engines, clogging ventilation systems and affecting sensors. Following ICAO protocols, Indian carriers have shifted flight paths and temporarily halted services operating along westbound routes that intersect the plume’s trajectory. Although the ash cloud was observed at high altitudes reducing the likelihood of direct impact on surface visibility, aviation authorities stressed that even small concentrations can be hazardous for high-altitude jet operations. Meteorological agencies indicated that the ash plume continued its eastward movement toward China after passing over northern India. Airlines said normal operations would resume once updated advisories confirm the clearing of affected corridors. Indian regulators and carriers remain on heightened watch, treating the event as a significant international air-safety incident requiring continuous monitoring.

Airlines

Ethiopia Volcano Ash Disrupts Indian Flight Operations; DGCA Issues Safety Alert

Aviation Today News Desk / November 25, 2025

New Delhi, India: Flight operations across several Indian carriers were disrupted on Tuesday after volcanic ash from Ethiopia’s Hayli Gubbi

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

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

Washington, United States: As the U.S. government entered a partial shutdown at midnight on October 1, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced plans to furlough over 11,000 employees, approximately one-quarter of its workforce due to a lapse in federal funding. This move follows the Department of Transportation's notification that such furloughs would be necessary if the shutdown persisted. Despite the furloughs, more than 13,000 air traffic controllers are required to continue working without pay to maintain air traffic operations. The FAA is also proceeding with hiring and training new controllers, a departure from practices during previous shutdowns. The agency remains approximately 3,800 controllers short of its staffing targets. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has stated that about 25% of its 400 employees would be furloughed. However, the NTSB will continue to launch new investigations into air accidents and other incidents during the shutdown. Meanwhile, about 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff working airport security checkpoints would also continue working without pay. During the 35-day shutdown in 2019, absences among controllers and TSA officers increased as paychecks were missed, leading to longer checkpoint wait times and slowed air traffic in cities such as New York, which put pressure on lawmakers to resolve the funding impasse. Airline trade group, Airlines for America, representing carriers including United, Delta, American, and Southwest, warned that a lapse in funding could force the system to slow down, reducing efficiency and affecting travelers. The U.S. Travel Association, which represents airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel businesses, estimated that even a partial shutdown could cost the U.S. travel sector approximately $1 billion per week. The FAA employs around 45,000 people, and the Transportation Department as a whole would furlough 12,200 of its 53,717 employees, including those at the FAA. The agency confirmed that essential certification activities covering commercial airplanes and engines, as well as commercial space launches would continue to ensure operational safety.

FAA

FAA Furloughs 11,000 as U.S. Shutdown Begins; Controllers Continue Working Unpaid

Aviation Today News Desk / October 6, 2025

Washington, United States: As the U.S. government entered a partial shutdown at midnight on October 1, the Federal Aviation Administration

air traffic management

Air India 787 Declares Emergency Over Low Fuel, Safely Diverts To London Heathrow

Oman CAA Welcomes GCC Civil Aviation Authority, Boosting Regional Aviation Integration

Dubai-Bound Air India Express Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing At Trichy After Snag

LOT Polish Airlines Jet Slides Off Taxiway At Vilnius Airport, Runway Shut After Snow

Ethiopia Volcano Ash Disrupts Indian Flight Operations; DGCA Issues Safety Alert

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

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

FAA Furloughs 11,000 as U.S. Shutdown Begins; Controllers Continue Working Unpaid

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