AirportOperations Archives

Moscow, Russia: Russian air defenses intercepted nearly 60 Ukrainian drones approaching Moscow in the early hours of Monday, prompting the temporary suspension of flights at all four major airports serving the Russian capital before operations were later restored, Russian authorities said. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram that almost 60 drones heading toward the capital were shot down overnight. He did not provide further details on the scale of the attack or potential damage but said emergency services had been dispatched to locations where drone debris fell. Russia's aviation watchdog, Rosaviatsia, temporarily halted operations at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports as a safety precaution during the attack. The agency later announced that flight operations had resumed after authorities determined conditions were safe. Officials did not immediately disclose how long the restrictions remained in effect or whether flights were delayed or cancelled. At roughly the same time, Russia carried out drone attacks on Ukraine, including strikes on Zaporizhzhia and Odessa. The Zaporizhzhia Regional Prosecutor’s Office reported on Telegram,“Throughout the night and morning of June 22, 2026, the Russians struck civilian infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). As a result of the enemy shelling, two women, aged 39 and 53, were killed. Another seven people were injured, including an 11-year-old boy.” The attack targeted civilian infrastructure in the southeastern Ukrainian city, with emergency services responding to the scene as authorities assessed the full extent of the damage. Ukrainian officials said the strike formed part of a broader wave of overnight Russian attacks reported across several regions of the country. The latest drone assault comes only days after Ukraine carried out a renewed strike on Moscow's only oil refinery, one of the region's most important fuel-production facilities. The refinery, operated by Gazprom Neft in Moscow's Kapotnya district, was struck for a second time within a week during a major Ukrainian drone offensive on June 18. Industry sources told Reuters that the attack damaged a key processing unit and temporarily halted refinery operations. The Moscow refinery is the capital region's largest fuel supplier and produced 11.6 million metric tons of oil products in 2024, including gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel. The facility has become a recurring target as Ukraine intensifies long-range strikes against Russian energy infrastructure. The June 22 attack reflects an escalating drone campaign by Ukraine aimed at military, energy and logistics infrastructure deep inside Russian territory. Ukrainian officials have previously described such operations as a response to Russia's continuing attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The attack occurred amid heightened security concerns around Moscow following one of the largest drone assaults on the Russian capital since the war began. During the June 18 offensive, Russia said it shot down hundreds of drones across the country, including around 180 near Moscow. That attack damaged the city's oil refinery, disrupted airport operations and injured at least 16 people in the Moscow region, according to regional Governor Andrei Vorobyov. In response to the growing threat of drone incursions, Rosaviatsia recently announced new restrictions on light aircraft and drone operations in Moscow and several neighboring regions. The measures, which took effect on June 20, establish a minimum operating altitude of 5,200 meters, effectively grounding most private aircraft and drones in affected areas while leaving commercial airline operations unaffected.

Drone Attack Near Moscow Forces Temporary Closure Of Four Major Airports

Aviation Today News Desk / June 22, 2026

Moscow, Russia: Russian air defenses intercepted nearly 60 Ukrainian drones approaching Moscow in the early hours of Monday, prompting the […]

Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh Airport resumed operations on Saturday after a major security incident forced the evacuation of the terminal, the closure of surrounding roads, and widespread disruption to flights and ground transport services. The incident began at approximately 6:50 p.m. local time on Friday, June 19, when authorities received reports of a potentially suspicious package at the airport. Police Scotland immediately launched a security response, ordering the evacuation of the terminal building while specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams were deployed to assess the item. A security cordon was established around the airport, and several access roads were closed as bomb disposal experts conducted their investigation. Hundreds of passengers were evacuated from the terminal and directed away from the airport while emergency personnel secured the area. According to Police Scotland, the evacuation was implemented as a precautionary measure following the report of the suspicious package. Officers urged travelers to contact their airlines for updates and warned of significant disruption while enquiries were ongoing. Airport operator Edinburgh Airport confirmed that specialist teams were investigating the item and advised passengers to check directly with their airlines before travelling to the airport. Flight operations were significantly affected throughout the evening. Multiple arriving aircraft were diverted to alternative airports, including Glasgow Airport, while numerous departures were delayed or suspended. Several flights reportedly entered holding patterns or altered their routes as the security operation unfolded. Ground transportation services were also disrupted. Coach operator Citylink announced that its airport services were unable to access the terminal because of the ongoing incident. Temporary pickup and drop-off arrangements were established at nearby locations, including the Moxy Hotel and Hilton Hotel bus stops. The airport remained largely shut down for several hours while EOD specialists examined the package. Operations began returning to normal during the early hours of Saturday after authorities completed their assessment and lifted restrictions. The prolonged closure created knock-on effects across airline schedules, with passengers warned to expect delays and operational disruptions as carriers worked to reposition aircraft and recover their networks. As of Saturday morning, airport operations had resumed, although airlines continued to advise travelers to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport. Police Scotland has not announced any arrests in connection with the incident, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the discovery remain ongoing.

Airports

Edinburgh Airport Reopens After Overnight Evacuation Over Suspicious Package Alert

Aviation Today News Desk / June 20, 2026

Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh Airport resumed operations on Saturday after a major security incident forced the evacuation of the terminal, the

Washington, United States: A United Airlines Boeing 737-900 operating a scheduled domestic flight was forced to return to Washington Dulles International Airport after the flight crew reported a nose landing gear issue shortly after departure. The incident involved United Airlines Flight 1535, which departed Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) for Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on June 9, 2026. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft returned safely to Dulles after pilots reported a problem involving the nose landing gear. FAA officials said the Boeing 737-900 landed safely at approximately 2:05 p.m. local time and confirmed that the agency will investigate the occurrence. Flight tracking data showed that the aircraft departed Dulles at approximately 12:57 p.m. local time and remained airborne for more than an hour before returning to the airport. United Airlines confirmed that the aircraft returned to Washington Dulles as a precaution to address the issue. “The flight returned safely to the airport to address the issue, and we made arrangements to get customers to their destinations,” the airline said in a statement. Emergency response teams were positioned as a precaution when the aircraft arrived back at the airport. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed that its fire and rescue personnel met the aircraft upon landing. The aircraft landed without incident and subsequently taxied to the gate under its own power. Airport officials stated that the emergency return did not affect normal airport operations and that no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. To minimize disruption, United arranged alternative travel options for affected passengers. Flight records indicate that another flight later departed Washington Dulles for Houston and completed the journey successfully. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-900, one of the largest variants of the 737 Next Generation family widely used on domestic routes throughout the United States. The FAA investigation is expected to determine the precise cause of the reported nose landing gear issue and whether any mechanical, maintenance, or operational factors contributed to the event.

Incidents

United Airlines Boeing 737 Returns To Washington Dulles After Nose Landing Gear Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / June 12, 2026

Washington, United States: A United Airlines Boeing 737-900 operating a scheduled domestic flight was forced to return to Washington Dulles

Thiruvananthapuram, India: An Air Arabia flight bound for Sharjah was forced to return to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport shortly after departure on Wednesday after a bird strike damaged one of the aircraft's engines, prompting an emergency landing. The flight, Air Arabia G9 449, departed Thiruvananthapuram at 4:49 a.m. with 166 people on board, including passengers and crew members. According to airport authorities, the aircraft encountered multiple bird strikes during its initial climb after takeoff. The impact reportedly affected the engine section of the aircraft, damaging fan blades inside one of the engines. Flight crew received a cockpit warning indicating engine damage shortly after the bird strike occurred. Following the alert, the pilots informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested priority handling to return to the airport. Air traffic controllers subsequently adjusted the movement schedules of other arriving and departing flights and cleared the aircraft for an immediate emergency landing. The aircraft landed safely without further incident. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Subsequent inspections determined that the aircraft could not continue its scheduled flight to Sharjah due to the damage sustained during the bird strike. Airport officials declared the aircraft unserviceable pending further technical evaluation and repairs. Passengers were accommodated in hotels while Air Arabia worked on alternative arrangements and recovery plans. Airport authorities said the damaged aircraft would require assessment by a technical team arriving from Sharjah before repair work could begin. The extent of the damage and the expected timeline for returning the aircraft to service have not yet been disclosed. The incident is under review by airport and airline officials. Further details regarding repairs and passenger re-accommodation are expected once the technical inspection is completed.

Incidents

Air Arabia Flight Returns To Trivandrum After Bird Strike Damages Engine During Takeoff

Aviation Today News Desk / June 11, 2026

Thiruvananthapuram, India: An Air Arabia flight bound for Sharjah was forced to return to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport shortly after departure

New Delhi, India: Three Air India narrow-body aircraft sustained damage at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) after ground support equipment was blown across the apron during sudden strong winds and heavy rain on June 7, 2026. The incident occurred at Terminal 2, where the aircraft were parked on the ground when severe weather conditions struck the airport area. Powerful winds dislodged several pieces of ground support equipment from their designated positions, causing them to collide with the parked aircraft. No injuries were reported and no passengers were on board at the time. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The damaged aircraft were Air India single-aisle aircraft parked at Terminal 2 when the storm hit. The affected aircraft have been withdrawn from service for inspections and repairs. One aircraft is expected to remain grounded for several days, while the other two could return to operations later this week following technical assessments and necessary repairs. At least three pieces of ground support equipment were involved. These included a passenger step ladder and a trestle that were reportedly positioned near the aircraft stands before the weather deteriorated. The equipment was hurled from its location after strong winds swept across the apron area. Video footage that surfaced online showed a passenger boarding staircase belonging to IndiGo moving uncontrollably across the apron before striking a parked Air India aircraft. The footage quickly circulated on social media and raised questions regarding the securing of movable airport equipment during adverse weather conditions. While it is confirmed that three aircraft were damaged, authorities have not disclosed the registrations of the aircraft or specified which sections of each aircraft were struck. As of June 8, neither Air India nor airport authorities have publicly identified whether the damage occurred to the fuselage, wings, tail, nose section, engines or other structures. Technical inspections are underway to determine the full extent of the damage. The sudden storm brought strong winds and heavy rain to the airport area, creating hazardous ramp conditions within a short period. Following the incident, the damaged aircraft were removed from operational service and subjected to engineering inspections. A probe has been initiated to establish the sequence of events, assess weather-related factors and review ground handling procedures for securing equipment during sudden adverse weather.

Incidents

3 Air India Planes Damaged After Ground Support Equipment Hits Jets At Delhi Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / June 8, 2026

New Delhi, India: Three Air India narrow-body aircraft sustained damage at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) after ground support

India

DGCA Warns Passengers Against Filming Reels, Vlogs In Restricted Airport Areas

Aviation Today News Desk / June 2, 2026

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has intensified its warning against unauthorized photography and videography inside

Lucknow, India: An Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating from Bengaluru to Bhubaneswar made an emergency landing at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport on May 27 after the flight encountered adverse weather conditions at its destination and subsequently reported low fuel levels during diversion. The flight, operating as QP1503 and registered as VT-YAJ, was carrying a total of 194 passengers and crew members onboard when the incident occurred. According to multiple media reports and airport officials, the aircraft was initially unable to land at Bhubaneswar due to unfavorable weather conditions. The flight was subsequently diverted to Lucknow at approximately 8:40 PM local time. While approaching Lucknow, the crew reportedly issued a “PAN PAN” call to Air Traffic Control (ATC) at around 9:02 PM after fuel levels became critically low during the extended diversion. In aviation terminology, a “PAN PAN” declaration indicates an urgent situation requiring priority assistance, though it is considered less severe than a “MAYDAY” distress call. The pilot-in-command requested priority handling and a clear approach to ensure the aircraft could land safely in a single attempt amid fuel constraints. Following the alert, Lucknow ATC declared a full emergency and immediately activated standard emergency response procedures. Crash fire tenders and emergency response teams were positioned at designated points along Runway 09 by approximately 9:04 PM as a precautionary measure. The aircraft landed safely at Lucknow International Airport at around 9:21 PM. Shortly after touchdown, the flight crew informed ATC that all aircraft operations were normal and that no emergency assistance was required. Authorities subsequently withdrew the full emergency status at approximately 9:30 PM. Airport officials confirmed that all emergency and safety protocols were executed as per standard operating procedures and that the situation was handled without incident. No injuries to passengers or crew were reported. According to reports, three passengers deboarded the aircraft in Lucknow before the flight later resumed its journey to Bhubaneswar. In an official statement, Akasa Air confirmed that the diversion was caused by adverse weather conditions at Bhubaneswar and stated that the crew followed all established operational and safety procedures throughout the incident. “Akasa Air flight QP 1503 operating from Bengaluru to Bhubaneswar on 27 May 2026 was diverted to Lucknow due to adverse weather conditions, which were not favourable for landing. The pilot followed all established operational and safety protocols in line with standard procedures,” the airline said. The carrier further stated that the flight later departed Lucknow and landed safely in Bhubaneswar at 00:02 hrs on May 28. “At Akasa Air, the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority. We regret the inconvenience caused due to circumstances beyond our control and appreciate our passengers’ understanding,” the airline added.

Incidents

Akasa Air Flight Diverts To Lucknow After Weather Disruption And Low Fuel Alert

Aviation Today News Desk / May 29, 2026

Lucknow, India: An Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating from Bengaluru to Bhubaneswar made an emergency landing at Lucknow’s

Muscat, Oman: An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 operating flight IX712 from Muscat to Kannur suffered significant damage during a nighttime takeoff attempt at Muscat International Airport on May 15 after the aircraft reportedly lined up with runway edge lights instead of the runway centreline, triggering a high-speed rejected takeoff and a formal accident investigation by Omani authorities. The incident came to public attention nearly nine days later, on May 24, after regulatory sources in Oman confirmed details of the occurrence. The 18-year-old Boeing 737-800 had been preparing to depart Muscat for the approximately three-hour service to Kannur on the night of May 15. During lineup for departure from Runway 26L, the aircraft allegedly tracked the right-hand runway edge lights rather than positioning itself on the runway centreline. As the aircraft accelerated for takeoff at approximately 9:10 pm local time after entering the runway via taxiway E7, the Boeing 737 struck multiple runway edge lights, destroying several of them during the takeoff roll. Flight crew reportedly aborted the takeoff after hearing a loud bang and receiving cockpit warnings. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the incident. Reports stated that the nose landing gear was damaged, at least one tyre deflated, and hydraulic system leaks were observed after the rejected takeoff. Aviation sources also indicated that debris from shattered runway lights may have been ingested into the engines, potentially causing additional engine damage. The aircraft became disabled on the runway following the rejected takeoff, forcing passengers and crew to disembark directly onto the runway surface while emergency teams responded. However, authorities have not officially confirmed all operational details surrounding the evacuation sequence. The aircraft has reportedly remained grounded in Muscat since the incident while technical inspections and investigative work continue. Oman’s Air Accidents Investigation Sector (AAIS) has classified the occurrence as an “accident” rather than a minor incident, underlining the seriousness of the event. Investigators are now examining cockpit procedures, runway lighting conditions, pilot situational awareness, airport surface markings, and other operational factors that may have contributed to the alignment error during nighttime operations.

Incidents

Air India Express Aircraft Damaged After Wrong Runway Alignment During Muscat Takeoff

Aviation Today News Desk / May 26, 2026

Muscat, Oman: An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 operating flight IX712 from Muscat to Kannur suffered significant damage during a

Bangalore, India: An Air India Airbus A321 operating flight AI2651 from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tail-strike incident while landing at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Thursday morning, prompting the airline to ground the aircraft for detailed technical inspections. The incident occurred during the landing phase of the domestic service arriving from Delhi. According to airline officials and multiple media reports, the aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew members disembarked normally without injuries. The aircraft encountered wake turbulence while approaching the runway at Bengaluru airport. The turbulence was reportedly generated by a departing wide-body aircraft operating nearby at the time of the approach. As the Airbus A321 approached for landing, the pilots initiated a precautionary go-around manoeuvre after experiencing unstable conditions caused by the wake turbulence. During the manoeuvre, the aircraft’s rear lower fuselage reportedly made contact with the runway, resulting in the tail strike. Air India confirmed the occurrence in an official statement, saying the aircraft “experienced a tail-strike during landing.” The airline added that the aircraft has since been withdrawn from service for comprehensive inspections and engineering assessments. The aircraft involved was a narrow-body Airbus A321 operating the Delhi–Bengaluru sector as AI2651. Flight-tracking data also identified the aircraft as an Airbus A321neo variant typically deployed on high-density domestic routes. The aircraft was carrying 181 people, including crew members onboard during the incident. Following the incident, Air India cancelled the return Bengaluru–Delhi service AI2652. The airline stated that alternative travel arrangements were being made for affected passengers while ground staff in Bengaluru were assisting travellers with rebooking and support services. The airline further said the incident would be investigated in coordination with relevant aviation regulatory authorities and under established operational safety procedures.

Incidents

Air India A321 Suffers Tail Strike During Bengaluru Landing, Aircraft Grounded

Aviation Today News Desk / May 22, 2026

Bangalore, India: An Air India Airbus A321 operating flight AI2651 from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tail-strike incident while landing

Florida, United States: An Allegiant Air flight bound for Atlantic City was forced to return to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Monday morning after the crew received an indication related to cabin pressurization during climb, prompting medical evaluations for multiple passengers and crew members. According to airline officials and emergency responders, Allegiant Air Flight 3912 departed Fort Lauderdale at approximately 9:20 a.m. local time for Atlantic City International Airport with 187 people onboard, including passengers and crew. The aircraft involved was identified as a Boeing 737-8200, part of the Boeing 737 MAX family. Shortly after departure, the flight crew received an indication associated with cabin pressurization while the aircraft was climbing. Allegiant spokesperson Sonya Padgett said the pilots leveled the aircraft and elected to return to Fort Lauderdale “out of an abundance of caution” and in accordance with established procedures. The aircraft landed safely and normally back at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where passengers deplaned at the gate. Following the landing, medical personnel from the Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue evaluated passengers and crew members as a precaution. Battalion Chief Michael Kane said paramedics treated a total of 13 people, most of whom complained of ear pain and related discomfort commonly associated with pressurization problems. Three individuals were transported to a hospital for further evaluation. Authorities said no serious injuries were immediately reported. Some passengers complained of ringing in their ears and head discomfort after the aircraft returned to the airport. Flight tracking data cited by regional media showed the aircraft performed a series of turns before eventually landing back at Fort Lauderdale around 11:08 a.m. Allegiant later rescheduled the flight, which subsequently departed Fort Lauderdale for Atlantic City at approximately 3:02 p.m., according to the airline’s operational data.

Incidents

Allegiant Air Flight Returns After Cabin Pressurization Issue; 13 Treated For Ear Pain

Aviation Today News Desk / May 20, 2026

Florida, United States: An Allegiant Air flight bound for Atlantic City was forced to return to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

AirportOperations

Drone Attack Near Moscow Forces Temporary Closure Of Four Major Airports

Edinburgh Airport Reopens After Overnight Evacuation Over Suspicious Package Alert

United Airlines Boeing 737 Returns To Washington Dulles After Nose Landing Gear Issue

Air Arabia Flight Returns To Trivandrum After Bird Strike Damages Engine During Takeoff

3 Air India Planes Damaged After Ground Support Equipment Hits Jets At Delhi Airport

DGCA Warns Passengers Against Filming Reels, Vlogs In Restricted Airport Areas

Akasa Air Flight Diverts To Lucknow After Weather Disruption And Low Fuel Alert

Air India Express Aircraft Damaged After Wrong Runway Alignment During Muscat Takeoff

Air India A321 Suffers Tail Strike During Bengaluru Landing, Aircraft Grounded

Allegiant Air Flight Returns After Cabin Pressurization Issue; 13 Treated For Ear Pain

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