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Airline Safety Checks

EASA Flags Safety Lapses In Air India Aircraft, DGCA Increases Oversight Measures SEO DES: Data reviewed by the regulator showed that the ratio of findings per inspection reached 1.96 in January, significantly higher than acceptable safety benchmarks SOCIAL: EASA flagged maintenance and compliance lapses in Air India aircraft during surprise inspections, with findings ratio peaking at 1.96 before improving to 1.76 under Directorate General of Civil Aviation monitoring. The inspections highlighted issues such as documentation gaps, delayed defect rectification, and procedural non-compliance. Authorities have since intensified checks, with over 100 internal inspections carried out to ensure compliance. New Delhi, India: European aviation regulator EASA has raised concerns over safety and maintenance compliance in aircraft operated by Air India, following a series of unannounced inspections across airports in Europe, triggering heightened scrutiny from Indian authorities. According to multiple reports, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) identified several deficiencies during ramp inspections carried out under its Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) programme. These inspections are conducted without prior notice and are aimed at ensuring that foreign carriers comply with international safety standards. The inspections reportedly revealed a range of issues related to: Maintenance procedures Documentation gaps Delayed rectification of defects Operational compliance shortcomings Data reviewed by the regulator showed that the ratio of findings per inspection reached 1.96 in January, significantly higher than acceptable safety benchmarks. Typically, airlines with strong safety records maintain a ratio below 1, indicating fewer discrepancies per inspection. Following the findings, EASA communicated its concerns to India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), prompting immediate action. A senior DGCA official stated, “DGCA immediately stepped in imposing corrective measures on Air India to avoid potential consequences affecting its operations in European countries.” The official further noted that after intensified monitoring, the fault ratio declined to 1.76, indicating early improvement but still above global best-practice levels. Indian authorities have significantly increased oversight of Air India’s international operations. A DGCA official confirmed, the airline has conducted over 100 internal inspections and the aircrafts are cleared for operations only after defects are rectified and compliance is ensured This reflects a coordinated regulatory response aimed at preventing escalation into operational restrictions in Europe. Recent Air India issue prompts precautionary diversion mid-flight An Air India long-haul flight from New York to Delhi was forced to divert on Sunday to Shannon Airport in Ireland following a mid-air technical issue, prompting a precautionary landing and safety checks. The flight, AI102, operated by an Airbus A350 aircraft, was en route from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Delhi when the crew detected a suspected technical snag during the journey. The aircraft had been airborne for nearly six hours before the decision was made to divert. According to airline officials, the diversion was carried out as a safety precaution. An Air India spokesperson said, “Flight AI102 operating from New York (JFK) to Delhi on March 15 made a precautionary diversion to Shannon, Ireland, following a suspected technical issue.” The aircraft landed safely at Shannon Airport at approximately 04:30 local time, with all passengers and crew reported safe. There were around 300 people onboard at the time of the incident.

EASA Flags Safety Lapses In Air India Aircraft, DGCA Increases Oversight Measures

Aviation Today News Desk / March 17, 2026

New Delhi, India: European aviation regulator EASA has raised concerns over safety and maintenance compliance in aircraft operated by Air

Three British Airways Crew Hospitalized After Consuming Marijuana-Infused Candies SEO DES: Reportedly, the sweets were handed out by a passenger following a long-haul flight from London Heathrow to Los Angeles. British Airways Launches Probe SOCIAL: Three British Airways cabin crew members were hospitalised in Los Angeles after unknowingly consuming marijuana-laced sweets given by a passenger following a London–LA flight. The crew experienced panic and “out-of-body” symptoms but have since recovered. British Airways has launched an investigation, replacing the affected crew for the return flight, and authorities are attempting to identify the passenger responsible. The airline is also reviewing its policies on accepting gifts from passengers. No passengers were affected during the incident, and flight operations continued as scheduled. The crew members are not expected to face disciplinary action as they were unaware of the sweets’ contents. London, United Kingdom: Three British Airways cabin crew members were hospitalized after consuming sweets containing a high dose of marijuana that had been handed out by a passenger following a long-haul flight from London Heathrow to Los Angeles, airline and police sources confirmed. The incident occurred last week after the flight touched down in Los Angeles. The cabin crew accepted what they believed were ordinary confections from a passenger as a gesture of appreciation. The sweets were laced with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) marijuana’s principal psychoactive compound with some edibles reported to contain up to 300 mg of THC each. Crew members did not consume the sweets during flight operations. Instead, they ate them on the crew shuttle bus en route to their hotel. Shortly after ingestion, three staffers began experiencing frightening symptoms as “out-of-body sensations,” panic, and loss of control. Alarmed colleagues sought medical help, and the affected employees were taken to a local hospital for treatment. A British Airways spokesperson said the crew members “have since recovered” and that the incident did not compromise passenger safety on the affected service. A replacement crew was deployed to operate the return flight to London while the original team was stood down and later transported back as passengers on a different service. British Airways has initiated a formal investigation to determine how the drug-infused sweets were brought aboard and whether aviation safety regulations were violated. Authorities are working to identify and locate the passenger involved. If apprehended, the individual could face multiple criminal charges related to drug distribution and endangering public safety. A source told the Hindustan Times that while passengers occasionally offer small gifts to crew members as a sign of thanks, this case has prompted the airline to review internal guidance on accepting food or gifts particularly international flights where legality of substances may differ across jurisdictions. There is no indication that the affected crew members will face disciplinary action, as they were unaware of the nature of the sweets they consumed. Passengers on board the original flight were unaffected, and operations continued as scheduled following the medical response.

Three British Airways Crew Hospitalized After Consuming Marijuana-Infused Candies

Aviation Today News Desk / February 11, 2026

London, United Kingdom: Three British Airways cabin crew members were hospitalized after consuming sweets containing a high dose of marijuana

Air France A350 With 283 Passengers Makes Wrong Turn Into Military Zone At Abidjan SEO DES: Wide-body jet became stuck on a narrow taxiway, triggering a security alert with passengers kept onboard for hours before crews guided the aircraft back SOCIAL: On February 3, 2026, an Air France Airbus A350-900 with 283 passengers and 12 crew inadvertently taxied into a restricted military zone at Abidjan’s Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport after landing from Paris. The wide-body jet became immobilised due to narrow taxiways, prompting a security alert and lengthy recovery. Passengers remained on board for several hours before the aircraft was guided back to a civilian stand. No injuries occurred, but Air France canceled the return Flight AF703 as technicians conducted safety inspections. Ivorian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on pilot communications, taxiway signage, and air traffic control compliance. Image: Mark Bess (Flickr) Video: Air France Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: An Air France Airbus A350-900 carrying 283 passengers and 12 crew members inadvertently taxied into a restricted military zone at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport on February 3, prompting a security alert, lengthy recovery efforts and the cancellation of its scheduled return flight. Air France Flight AF702 had completed a routine six-hour flight from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and touched down safely on Runway 03 at 19:27 GMT. The aircraft, registered F-HUVM, entered a designated taxi route for the civilian terminal after landing. However, during ground movement, it deviated from the assigned taxiway and proceeded into an adjoining military airfield area exclusively reserved for defence operations. Airport and military officials quickly recognised the aircraft’s presence in the high-security zone. Due to the restricted access and narrow taxiway design, the wide-body A350 became effectively immobilised, complicating efforts to reposition the jet. Emergency ground crews and specialised towing equipment were deployed in coordination with airport authorities to safely extricate the aircraft. Passengers remained on board for several hours before ground crews successfully guided the aircraft back to a civilian parking stand. Though the aircraft landed without incident and no injuries to passengers or crew were reported, the error had significant operational consequences. Air France cancelled the return service, Flight AF703, to Paris as technicians flew in from France to conduct comprehensive safety inspections focusing particularly on the landing gear, tyres and structural components after the unplanned taxiway incursion. Ivorian aviation authorities have opened a formal investigation into the ground movement miscue. Early inquiries are concentrating on ground-to-cockpit communications, taxiway signage clarity, and compliance with air traffic control instructions during the post-landing phase. Authorities are expected to release findings once the investigative review concludes. Taxiway deviations are relatively rare in commercial operations, complex airport layouts particularly where civilian and military zones are in proximity increase the potential for navigational confusion during ground handling.

Air France A350 With 283 Passengers Makes Wrong Turn Into Military Zone At Abidjan

Aviation Today News Desk / February 10, 2026

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire: An Air France Airbus A350-900 carrying 283 passengers and 12 crew members inadvertently taxied into a restricted

Istanbul, Turkey: A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350‑900 service scheduled to fly from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) faced multiple departure failures this week, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and prompting questions about operational communication and passenger handling during prolonged irregular operations. The long‑haul flight, originally scheduled as SQ391 on December 12, 2025 at 1:15 pm local time, was unable to depart on three successive occasions due to a recurring technical issue identified during pre‑departure procedures. The aircraft eventually departed on December 14 at around 3 am under a revised flight number SQ9391, arriving in Singapore later that day. Shortly after pushback on the first departure attempt, the flight crew reported a problem with the aircraft’s flaps, a key flight control component. The aircraft returned to the gate. All 229 passengers remained on board for nearly four hours as engineers conducted inspections and attempted repairs. During this time, food and beverages were provided. Efforts to resolve the fault extended beyond the initial delay, and the airline determined that additional time was needed for technical support and parts before safe continuation of service. Subsequent departure times were announced and later revised, resulting in three failed attempts before the aircraft was finally released. Passengers recounted frustrations over the prolonged delays and changing departure times. Some criticised the clarity and frequency of updates provided by airline staff at the airport. Although meal vouchers and hotel accommodation options were offered, several travellers reported challenges covering additional incidental expenses such as medication and extra meals during their extended stay in Istanbul. In response to media queries, a Singapore Airlines spokesperson reiterated that the safety of customers and crew remained the airline’s priority throughout the disruption, and offered apologies to affected travellers. The carrier also noted that assistance was provided in rebooking connecting flights at the final destination. In a separate incident, a Singapore Airlines long‑haul flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) carrying 151 passengers was delayed for more than 48 hours after its original departure on December 14, 2025, was postponed due to adverse winter weather and a runway closure for de‑icing. The flight, originally designated SQ21, was rescheduled and renumbered as SQ9021, but was delayed again due to an airport baggage handling system fault and a technical issue with the aircraft’s nose wheel, forcing further disruptions. The rescheduled service was subsequently planned to depart on December 16 and arrive in Singapore on December 17. Singapore Airlines, consistently ranked among the world’s top carriers, has reaffirmed its commitment to safety and customer care in its ongoing response to operational disruptions. The airline continues to support affected customers, reaffirming that technical rectification and passenger welfare are core priorities during irregular operations.

Singapore Airlines From Istanbul Delayed Nearly 2 Days After Three Failed Departures

Aviation Today News Desk / December 19, 2025

Istanbul, Turkey: A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350‑900 service scheduled to fly from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

New Delhi, India: An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham experienced an uncommanded deployment of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) during final approach on October 4, raising fresh concerns over the safety of the carrier’s widebody fleet. The aircraft, registered VT-ANO, landed safely in Birmingham, though its return service to Delhi was cancelled and the jet was grounded for detailed inspections. India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has launched a probe into the incident. According to officials, all electrical and hydraulic systems remained stable despite the RAT deployment. Routine maintenance checks recommended by Boeing were performed on the aircraft, and no discrepancies were reported. The DGCA has stated that the jet will be cleared to return to service only after thorough inspections are completed. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) President G S Randhawa has formally written to the DGCA, warning that limiting post-crash inspections to fuel control switches is insufficient. Instead, the group has urged regulators to expand checks to the electrical systems of all Boeing 787 aircraft in India. The FIP highlighted that the aircraft’s Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM) system flagged a fault in the Bus Power Control Unit (BPCU), which manages the electrical power distribution and may have triggered the RAT deployment. The union stressed that this mirrors deeper systemic issues rather than isolated switch malfunctions.

Air India Boeing 787 Experiences Uncommanded RAT Deployment on Approach to Birmingham

Aviation Today News Desk / October 6, 2025

New Delhi, India: An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham experienced an uncommanded deployment

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