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São Paulo, Brazil: A LATAM Airlines Airbus A320 was evacuated late on Thursday after a fire broke out in ground-handling equipment during pre-departure operations at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), forcing 169 passengers to leave the aircraft as a safety precaution. According to LATAM, the incident occurred while the aircraft was preparing for a scheduled service to Porto Alegre. The fire did not originate from the aircraft itself but from third-party baggage-loading equipment positioned near the fuselage. Smoke from the blaze prompted the flight crew to activate emergency evacuation procedures. Passengers exited the aircraft using both the boarding bridge and emergency evacuation slides. Airport fire and rescue teams responded immediately and contained the fire within minutes. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported. LATAM stated that all affected passengers were provided with assistance following the evacuation. Of the 169 onboard, 159 passengers were re-accommodated on flights the following morning, while the remaining travellers were assisted through alternative arrangements, including ground transport. As a precaution, refuelling operations for other aircraft at the airport were temporarily suspended for about 10 minutes while emergency crews secured the area. Normal airport operations resumed shortly after the situation was declared under control. The airport operator and LATAM have both confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire involving the ground-handling equipment. The airline reiterated that passenger safety remains its highest priority and that it is cooperating fully with authorities. Guarulhos International Airport is Brazil’s busiest aviation hub, handling hundreds of domestic and international flights daily. While ground-equipment fires are rare, aviation safety experts note that such incidents highlight the importance of strict maintenance and monitoring standards on the ramp.

169 Evacuated As Ground Equipment Catches Fire Near LATAM Aircraft At GRU At Sao Paulo

Aviation Today News Desk / December 6, 2025

São Paulo, Brazil: A LATAM Airlines Airbus A320 was evacuated late on Thursday after a fire broke out in ground-handling […]

Airbus

Airbus Orders Global Recall of 6,000 A320s Following Serious Mid-Air Control Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / November 29, 2025

Toulouse, France: Airbus has issued an urgent global recall of its A320 family aircraft after a serious mid-air flight-control incident

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

Airlines

Saudi Arabia To Launch Three New Airlines To Boost Tourism And Aviation Growth

Aviation Today News Desk / November 24, 2025

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch three new airlines, a significant expansion of its aviation ecosystem as

Airports

Bomb Threat Email To IndiGo Sparks High Alert, Security Tightened At 5 Major Airports

Aviation Today News Desk / November 13, 2025

New Delhi, India: A bomb threat email sent to IndiGo Airlines on Tuesday sparked a high-security alert across five major

Airlines, Artificial Intelligence

United Airlines Cuts 4% of Management Jobs Using AI, Plans Further Reductions in 2026

Aviation Today News Desk / October 24, 2025

Chicago, United States: United Airlines is taking a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations, resulting in

London, United Kingdom: A British Airways flight was canceled at London Heathrow Airport after a ground service vehicle became lodged under a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, causing significant damage and a 24-hour delay. The incident occurred on Monday evening at Terminal 5, where a van operated by Thales, an aviation technology firm, rolled beneath the aircraft's wing after its driver failed to engage the handbrake during pre-departure checks. The vehicle became wedged under the fuselage, leading to the cancellation of Flight BA33 to Kuala Lumpur over safety concerns. Approximately 300 passengers were affected by the cancellation, resulting in a 24-hour delay. They were provided with overnight accommodation while engineers and emergency services assessed the situation. The total cost of the incident, including safety checks, compensations, and revised crew schedules, was estimated at £100,000. British Airways confirmed the delay and provided accommodations, while Thales did not comment on the incident. For passengers affected by flight cancellations, British Airways offers assistance with delays, cancellations, and refunds. Passengers are advised to update their contact information in "Manage My Booking" to receive timely updates.

Incidents

British Airways 787 Hit by Van at Heathrow Causes 24-Hour Delay, Estimated £100K Loss

Aviation Today News Desk / October 23, 2025

London, United Kingdom: A British Airways flight was canceled at London Heathrow Airport after a ground service vehicle became lodged

Utah, United States: A United Airlines pilot sustained injuries after an unidentified object shattered the cockpit windshield of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 cruising at 36,000 feet on Thursday, forcing an emergency diversion to Salt Lake City International Airport. The flight, operating as United Airlines 1093 from Denver (DEN) to Los Angeles (LAX), was carrying 134 passengers with 6 crew members when the incident occurred approximately 37 minutes after departure. The aircraft tail number N17327 began a controlled descent from its cruising altitude and safely landed in Salt Lake City without further incident. Photographs circulating online show a spider-webbed outer windshield and blood on the pilot’s arm, believed to be caused by flying glass fragments inside the cockpit. United Airlines confirmed that one of the pilots sustained a “minor injury” and was treated after landing. All passengers were unharmed and later transferred to another aircraft to continue to Los Angeles. “The outer pane of the multilayer windshield was damaged, but the aircraft maintained pressurization and all flight controls functioned normally,” United Airlines said in a statement. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the windshield failure. The damaged windshield has been sent to an NTSB laboratory for forensic analysis. Early images of the damage show scorch marks and what appear to be sheared rivets around the impact area, leading investigators to consider several possibilities including a collision with high-altitude debris, a micrometeorite, or a failure in the windshield’s electrical heating system. At 36,000 feet, the chances of a bird strike are virtually impossible, eliminating one of the most common causes of windshield damage at lower altitudes. “We are exploring all potential explanations from internal electrical faults to external debris impact,” an NTSB spokesperson told ABC News. “It’s too early to draw conclusions until the windshield undergoes structural testing.” A California-based company that operates autonomous weather balloons said one of its balloons may have been in the same airspace as Flight 1093 and that it is cooperating fully with authorities. No official link has yet been confirmed. Several passengers described a loud “bang” followed by a rapid descent. “There was a sharp jolt, then the captain announced we were diverting.” Aviation analysts say the nature of the damage concentrated on the upper-left cockpit window and accompanied by burn-like discoloration suggests an external strike rather than an internal electrical failure. “At that altitude, only space debris, high-altitude ice, or an electrical explosion could cause this pattern,” aerospace engineer Mark Pilling told AvGeekery. Despite the extensive cracking, the multilayer windshield design prevented cabin depressurization. The aircraft’s reinforced windshield system consists of three laminated panes, only the outer layer of which was compromised. The NTSB has not released a preliminary report yet but is expected to do so within weeks.

Incidents

United Airlines Pilot Injured As Cockpit Windshield Shatters Mid-Flight At 36,000 Feet

Aviation Today News Desk / October 21, 2025

Utah, United States: A United Airlines pilot sustained injuries after an unidentified object shattered the cockpit windshield of a Boeing

Auckland, New Zealand: On October 14, 2025, Air New Zealand Flight NZ5095, a regional ATR turboprop aircraft, was forced to return to Auckland approximately 40 minutes into its flight to Taupō. Pilots received a system alert indicating a potential technical issue, prompting a precautionary return to base for engineering inspection. The aircraft landed safely at Auckland Airport at around 5:35 PM local time, without declaring an emergency. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Following the return, the aircraft underwent a full inspection by engineering teams. While the exact nature of the system alert was not disclosed, Air New Zealand confirmed that the decision to return was in line with standard safety procedures. Affected passengers were rebooked on the next available flights to Taupō, and the airline provided necessary assistance to minimize disruption. This incident follows a similar occurrence on October 5, 2025, when Flight NZ3, a Boeing 777-300ER operating from Los Angeles to Auckland, returned to Los Angeles shortly after takeoff due to an electrical fault affecting the aircraft's power distribution system. Passengers experienced rising cabin temperatures and a temporary loss of in-flight entertainment. The aircraft landed safely, and engineers conducted an extensive inspection before clearing it for future operations. Air New Zealand emphasized that these precautionary returns reflect the airline's commitment to passenger safety and adherence to standard safety protocols. The airline's Chief Operating Officer, Alex Marren, stated, "All actions taken were consistent with standard safety procedures," and reiterated that passenger safety remains the airline's top priority.

Incidents

Air New Zealand Flight NZ5095 Returns To Auckland Safely After Mid-Flight System Alert

Aviation Today News Desk / October 16, 2025

Auckland, New Zealand: On October 14, 2025, Air New Zealand Flight NZ5095, a regional ATR turboprop aircraft, was forced to

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

airline news

169 Evacuated As Ground Equipment Catches Fire Near LATAM Aircraft At GRU At Sao Paulo

Airbus Orders Global Recall of 6,000 A320s Following Serious Mid-Air Control Issue

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

Saudi Arabia To Launch Three New Airlines To Boost Tourism And Aviation Growth

Bomb Threat Email To IndiGo Sparks High Alert, Security Tightened At 5 Major Airports

United Airlines Cuts 4% of Management Jobs Using AI, Plans Further Reductions in 2026

British Airways 787 Hit by Van at Heathrow Causes 24-Hour Delay, Estimated £100K Loss

United Airlines Pilot Injured As Cockpit Windshield Shatters Mid-Flight At 36,000 Feet

Air New Zealand Flight NZ5095 Returns To Auckland Safely After Mid-Flight System Alert

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

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