Airline accountability Archives

New Delhi, India: In a decisive move to tackle widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced on 5th December, 2025 that certain Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) enforced by the DGCA have been placed in abeyance with immediate effect. The temporary suspension aims to restore airline operations, relieve passenger distress, and maintain safety standards. IndiGo, India’s largest domestic carrier, cancelled over 1,000 flights across its network over the past five days, affecting major airports including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad. On Friday, 5 December, nearly 400 flights were cancelled in a single day, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers. Previously, media reports estimated that cumulative cancellations during the multi-day disruption crossed the 550 flight mark nationwide. The airline’s on-time performance (OTP) fell sharply to 8.5%, 19.7% on Wednesday, 35% of the IndiGo flights operated on time on Tuesday, down from 67.7% in November 2025 before FDTL enforcement. The disruption was triggered by DGCA’s revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, aimed at reducing pilot fatigue and enhancing safety. The stricter Phase 2, effective from 1 November 2025, mandates 48 hours of weekly rest, limits consecutive night duties, and caps night landings and duty extensions The official PIB statement highlighted that the abeyance of FDTL rules is “urgent and proactive” and undertaken “solely in the interest of passengers,” particularly seniors, students, patients, and travellers dependent on timely air services. The government has mandated: Immediate restoration of flight schedules, with normal operations expected within three days. Airlines provide real-time updates, automatic refunds for cancellations, hotel accommodation for stranded passengers, and special assistance for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. A 24×7 control room to monitor airline operations and coordinate corrective measures. A high-level inquiry to examine the causes of the disruption, determine accountability, and recommend preventive measures. While safety-driven, these rules exposed gaps in crew availability, particularly for an airline of IndiGo’s scale. The airline had notified regulators about challenges in roster planning and pilot availability, prompting the government’s intervention. What the Abeyance Means The abeyance is temporary and does not repeal FDTL rules; safety remains a priority. Airlines are expected to take operational measures, including flexible crew rostering, to restore service reliability without compromising pilot rest and safety standards. DGCA will conduct ongoing reviews to ensure compliance and implement corrective actions. Passengers affected between 3–6 December 2025 are eligible for full refunds or rescheduling. The government has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to prioritise passenger safety, care, and convenience during the temporary relaxation.

DGCA Eases FDTL Rules Temporarily After IndiGo Cancels Over 1,000 Flights In Five Days

Aviation Today News Desk / December 6, 2025

New Delhi, India: In a decisive move to tackle widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced […]

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded an Air India Airbus A320 aircraft and launched a formal investigation after it was found to have operated eight commercial flights without a valid Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC). The lapse was discovered during a routine night‑halt inspection by an engineer, who noticed the aircraft’s ARC had expired. The certificate is mandatory to ensure the aircraft meets maintenance and safety standards before any flight. DGCA officials confirmed the aircraft had flown eight “revenue sectors” on 24–25 November 2025, despite the absence of a valid ARC. Flying without this certificate is considered a serious compliance violation as it directly pertains to flight safety. Following the discovery, DGCA immediately grounded the aircraft and suspended all personnel responsible for approving its release to service pending the outcome of the investigation. The regulator has also instructed Air India to conduct an internal compliance audit to identify systemic gaps and prevent future lapses. In a statement, Air India acknowledged the incident, calling it “regrettable.” The airline said it self-reported the breach to DGCA, suspended the staff involved, and initiated its own internal investigation. It reaffirmed its commitment to strict safety and regulatory compliance. Operating an aircraft without a valid airworthiness certificate poses significant safety risks and could potentially impact insurance coverage for the aircraft, including hull, liability, and passenger insurance. It has been described as a Level‑1 violation, the most serious type of compliance failure concerning aircraft safety standards. The aircraft was part of the former Vistara fleet, which merged with Air India in late 2024. After the merger, DGCA renewed ARCs for 69 of 70 aircraft. The 70th aircraft, which later operated eight sectors, had undergone an engine change, during which its ARC expired. Despite this, it was mistakenly released into service. DGCA’s inquiry will determine whether penalties, fines, or further actions against responsible personnel are warranted. Air India’s internal investigation will also examine systemic compliance gaps and recommend measures to prevent recurrence.

Investigation

DGCA Grounds Air India A320 After Aircraft Operates Eight Flights Without Valid ARC

Aviation Today News Desk / December 3, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has grounded an Air India Airbus A320 aircraft and launched

New Delhi, India: An Air India flight operating from Delhi to Ahmedabad made a precautionary return to the national capital shortly after take-off on Thursday after a smoke indication alert was triggered in the aircraft’s cargo hold. All passengers and crew were safely deboarded, and the alert was later confirmed to be false. The incident involved Flight AI2939, which departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport for Ahmedabad with around 170 people onboard. Moments after take-off, the cockpit crew received a smoke warning from the cargo compartment and immediately followed emergency safety procedures, aborting the climb and turning back to Delhi. The aircraft landed safely without any injuries or technical damage. Air India engineers conducted a detailed inspection after landing and found no trace of smoke or fire, confirming that the alert was a technical false indication. In an official statement, Air India said the flight crew acted strictly as per standard operating procedures and prioritised passenger safety. The airline arranged an alternate aircraft to ferry the affected passengers to Ahmedabad, resulting in a delay of approximately four hours. “Passenger safety is always our top priority. Our ground team ensured immediate assistance and alternative travel arrangements for all passengers,” an Air India spokesperson said, apologising for the inconvenience. A day before the Delhi-Ahmedabad Air India incident, an Air India Express flight from Guwahati to Hyderabad, IX 2884, was cancelled after being delayed for over four hours due to what the airline termed “unforeseen operational reasons.

Incidents

Air India Delhi–Ahmedabad Flight Returns After Smoke Alert, All Passengers Remain Safe

Aviation Today News Desk / November 28, 2025

New Delhi, India: An Air India flight operating from Delhi to Ahmedabad made a precautionary return to the national capital

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation watchdog has imposed a ₹20 lakh penalty on IndiGo for violating instrument flight procedure norms at Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport, marking another compliance setback for the country’s largest airline. According to a regulatory filing by InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of IndiGo, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) found the airline in breach of rules after it implemented a Standard Instrument Departure (SID) and Instrument Flight Procedure (IFP) that had been internally formulated by the company rather than issued by the Airport Authority of India (AAI), the only authorised body to publish such procedures. The DGCA stated that the airline’s actions violated Rule 133A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, along with provisions of Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 9, Series C, Part I, specifically paragraphs 2.2 and 2.34, which mandate strict adherence to officially promulgated instrument procedures. InterGlobe confirmed that the communication from the DGCA was received on 17 November 2025. In its exchange filing, the company noted that the penalty would have “no material impact” on its operations or financial position. Industry observers say the latest order reflects DGCA’s tightening oversight on airlines’ compliance with flight procedures, especially at airports that require strict navigational conformity. Instrument departures and arrivals are critical for maintaining flight safety, particularly in regions with terrain challenges or high-density traffic. The penalty comes weeks after DGCA imposed a ₹40 lakh fine on IndiGo for using non-qualified full-flight simulators to train pilots operating to Category C airports, including Leh, Calicut, and Kathmandu. The investigation revealed that nearly 1,700 pilots underwent training on simulators that did not meet regulatory standards prescribed for operations into these high-difficulty airports. In that case, DGCA penalised IndiGo’s Director of Training and Director of Flight Operations with individual fines of ₹20 lakh each, citing oversight lapses and deviations from CAR guidelines.

Airlines

DGCA Imposes Penalty On IndiGo For Instrument Flight Procedure Violation At Udaipur

Aviation Today News Desk / November 19, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation watchdog has imposed a ₹20 lakh penalty on IndiGo for violating instrument flight procedure norms

Incidents

Federal Judge Declines More Jail For Pilot Who Tried To Cut Fuel To Alaska Jet Engines

Aviation Today News Desk / November 18, 2025

Portland, United States: A federal judge has ruled that Joseph David Emerson, a former Alaska Airlines pilot, will not serve

Airlines

Mother Sues Qatar Airways For $5M Over Alleged Negligence In Child’s Allergy Case

Aviation Today News Desk / November 13, 2025

Virginia, United States: A North Carolina mother has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Qatar Airways, alleging that the airline’s

Airlines

United Airlines Accused of Ignoring Pilot’s Sexual Misconduct Toward Flight Attendant

Aviation Today News Desk / October 31, 2025

Denver, United States: United Airlines is facing a major federal lawsuit filed by a former flight attendant who accuses the

Taipei, Taiwan: EVA Air is under global scrutiny following the death of a 34-year-old flight attendant, identified by the surname Sun, who reportedly fell ill during a long-haul flight from Milan to Taipei. The attendant sought medical treatment upon arrival at Taoyuan Airport on September 25 and was initially treated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Linkou. She was later transferred to China Medical University Hospital in Taichung, where she passed away on October 10. Reports indicate that Sun had informed her cabin chief about receiving an injection at the airport for pain and fever before being referred to a hospital's rheumatology department. Doctors suspected Adult-Onset Still’s Disease (AOSD), a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by high fevers, salmon-colored rashes, sore throat, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. The condition affects roughly 1 in 100,000 people worldwide and can lead to severe complications such as pericarditis, pneumonia, or macrophage activation syndrome, which carries a high mortality rate. The Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union has called for better care and support for sick flight attendants, urging EVA Air to ease sick leave rules. EVA Air has launched an internal investigation, and Taiwan labor authorities are also examining the circumstances surrounding Sun’s death. EVA Air is currently facing a public relations fallout on multiple fronts. The story has gone global, fueling anger over reports that cabin leadership failed to call in medical support teams or summon an ambulance for a severely ill employee. A viral social media post, reportedly shared by fellow crew members, claimed that Sun’s appeals for rest and medical aid were disregarded. It further suggested that many EVA Air flight attendants avoid taking sick or personal leave due to concerns that doing so could negatively impact their performance scores and bonuses. Meanwhile, the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) stated it would closely oversee EVA Air’s response to the incident and assess whether the airline complied with all required safety and labor standards.

Airlines

EVA Air Flight Attendant Dies Following Long-Haul Flight, Investigations Underway

Aviation Today News Desk / October 14, 2025

Taipei, Taiwan: EVA Air is under global scrutiny following the death of a 34-year-old flight attendant, identified by the surname

Canberra, Australia: QantasLink has announced plans to close its bases in Canberra, Hobart, and Mildura by April 2026, affecting approximately 70 pilots and cabin crew members. The airline states that this decision follows a comprehensive review aimed at consolidating operations to enhance service reliability, especially with the introduction of new aircraft like the Airbus A220 and Q400 turboprops. In response, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) has strongly criticized the move, arguing that it prioritizes profits over people and will harm regional communities and staff stability. A survey conducted by the TWU, Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), and the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) found that 68% of affected pilots would need to consider other employment if the bases closed, with one in five already impacted by recent closures in Perth and Cairns. The closures come as QantasLink posted near-record profits of $2.39 billion. The airline was recently fined a record $90 million by the Federal Court for illegally outsourcing 1,800 ground workers. Despite the base closures, Qantas will continue to employ over 120 staff at its Hobart Contact Centre and plans to hire an additional 13 employees soon Political leaders, including Transport Minister Catherine King also criticized the closures, urging Qantas to reconsider and safeguard local jobs. QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan maintains that the consolidation of crew bases into major airports like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane will enable the airline to deliver more reliable services and better respond to disruptions. “The airline is offering a comprehensive support package to affected employees, including assistance with commuting and relocation options, to help them continue living in their current cities while working from a major base”.

Airlines

QantasLink to Shut Canberra, Hobart, and Mildura Bases by 2026 Amid $2.39B Profit

Aviation Today News Desk / October 3, 2025

Canberra, Australia: QantasLink has announced plans to close its bases in Canberra, Hobart, and Mildura by April 2026, affecting approximately

Washington, United States: The family of a passenger killed in January’s midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has filed the first federal lawsuit over the disaster, naming American Airlines, its regional affiliate PSA Airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the U.S. Army as defendants. The complaint, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, comes from Rachel Crafton, whose husband, Casey Crafton, was among the 67 people killed when American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29. The crash, which occurred at low altitude just half a mile from the runway, killed all 64 people aboard the Embraer E175 regional jet and all three Army crew members on the helicopter. Crafton’s lawsuit accuses the defendants of negligence and wrongful death, arguing that the tragedy was both predictable and preventable. The 115-page filing cites more than 30 documented near misses in the crowded D.C. airspace that, according to the suit, were ignored by regulators and operators. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary findings indicate insufficient vertical separation, estimated at just 75 feet, and highlight a history of over 15,000 near-misses between aircraft and helicopters in the area from 2021 to 2024, many occurring at night or above designated altitudes. The NTSB has recommended that the FAA restrict helicopter operations near DCA during active runway use and designate safer routes to prevent future collisions. The full investigation is ongoing, with a final report expected in 2026. “The defendants utterly failed in their responsibilities to protect passengers, crew, and the public,” the complaint alleges. It further faults American and PSA for inadequate pilot training, the FAA for failing to redesign or better monitor congested flight paths into Reagan National, and the Army for not preventing its aircraft from entering civilian approach corridors. The suit also highlights alleged air traffic control failures, including the absence of timely safety alerts that could have helped avoid the collision. This federal filing follows earlier Federal Tort Claims Act notices submitted by Crafton in February, seeking $250 million in damages from the FAA and the Army. Those claims are a legal prerequisite to suing the U.S. government, which typically enjoys sovereign immunity unless exceptions apply. The FAA responded with a statement of condolences, noting that it had “acted decisively” since the crash to improve safety over the capital region and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. The Army declined to comment, citing the active investigation, but said it remains focused on supporting victims’ families. American Airlines and PSA signaled they would defend themselves in court, pointing to their overall safety record. The Crafton case is expected to be a bellwether lawsuit, with other families of victims likely to join or file their own claims in the coming months. The NTSB’s final accident report, expected in 2026, will likely shape the scope of liability across all parties.

Investigation

Widow of Passenger Sues American Airlines, FAA, Army Over Deadly D.C. Collision

Aviation Today News Desk / September 25, 2025

Washington, United States: The family of a passenger killed in January’s midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has

Airline accountability

DGCA Eases FDTL Rules Temporarily After IndiGo Cancels Over 1,000 Flights In Five Days

DGCA Grounds Air India A320 After Aircraft Operates Eight Flights Without Valid ARC

Air India Delhi–Ahmedabad Flight Returns After Smoke Alert, All Passengers Remain Safe

DGCA Imposes Penalty On IndiGo For Instrument Flight Procedure Violation At Udaipur

Federal Judge Declines More Jail For Pilot Who Tried To Cut Fuel To Alaska Jet Engines

Mother Sues Qatar Airways For $5M Over Alleged Negligence In Child’s Allergy Case

United Airlines Accused of Ignoring Pilot’s Sexual Misconduct Toward Flight Attendant

EVA Air Flight Attendant Dies Following Long-Haul Flight, Investigations Underway

QantasLink to Shut Canberra, Hobart, and Mildura Bases by 2026 Amid $2.39B Profit

Widow of Passenger Sues American Airlines, FAA, Army Over Deadly D.C. Collision

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