AirportOperations Archives - Page 2 of 3

India

Delhi Slashes ATF VAT From 25% To 7% For Six Months Amid Rising Fuel Costs

Aviation Today News Desk / May 18, 2026

New Delhi, India: The Delhi government has reduced the Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 25 […]

Hong Kong, China: A Malaysia Airlines passenger flight bound for Kuala Lumpur was forced to abort takeoff at Hong Kong International Airport on 11 May 2026 after the crew encountered a technical issue during the takeoff roll, which was later followed by a tyre burst. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The incident involved Malaysia Airlines Flight MH079, operated by a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The aircraft had begun its scheduled departure from Hong Kong around 8:45 a.m. local time. According to airport and aviation reports, the takeoff appeared normal initially, but shortly after acceleration began, the flight crew detected an abnormal condition accompanied by a loud bang and strong vibration, prompting an immediate decision to reject the takeoff. The pilots executed a Rejected Takeoff (RTO) procedure and brought the aircraft to a controlled stop on the runway. During the deceleration phase, one of the main landing gear tyres reportedly burst. Early reports indicate that the tyre failure occurred after the takeoff was aborted rather than being the initial cause of the rejection. Emergency response teams were deployed immediately as the aircraft came to a stop. The aircraft was safely brought under control and later vacated the active runway with assistance. It was subsequently towed to a parking bay for inspection. All passengers and crew disembarked safely after the aircraft returned to the apron, and no injuries were reported. Following the incident, the south runway at Hong Kong International Airport was temporarily closed for inspection and safety checks. The closure resulted in minor operational disruptions, including short delays and adjustments to flight movements. Normal runway operations resumed shortly after clearance from airport authorities. The Airport Authority of Hong Kong confirmed that the incident involved a technical issue during the takeoff phase and that emergency services responded promptly. Authorities also confirmed that the tyre burst occurred during deceleration after the rejected takeoff, and not as a primary trigger before the decision to abort departure. The aircraft involved was identified as a Boeing 737-800 operating Malaysia Airlines Flight MH079 from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The flight was later cancelled, and the aircraft underwent initial engineering inspection to determine the cause of the malfunction. Preliminary aviation assessments suggest that investigations are focused on possible landing gear stress during the rejected takeoff sequence or a technical tyre failure. The aircraft’s braking and safety systems functioned as intended, preventing further escalation of the incident. Malaysia Airlines has stated that the aircraft has been withdrawn from service pending detailed inspection and engineering evaluation. Aviation authorities and technical teams are continuing to examine the incident as part of standard safety procedures following a rejected takeoff event.

Incidents

Malaysia Airlines Flight Aborts Takeoff At Hong Kong After Technical Issue, Tyre Burst

Aviation Today News Desk / May 12, 2026

Hong Kong, China: A Malaysia Airlines passenger flight bound for Kuala Lumpur was forced to abort takeoff at Hong Kong

Palma de Mallorca, Spain: An Air Europa Boeing 737-800 suffered a landing incident at Palma de Mallorca Airport after an earlier bird strike reportedly damaged the aircraft’s nose landing gear steering system, leading to initial findings that claimed the jet had “lost a wheel” during landing. The incident occurred on May 8 during Air Europa flight UX6079 from Madrid to Palma de Mallorca. The aircraft involved has been identified as a Boeing 737-800 registered EC-MPG. The aircraft sustained a bird strike while on approach to Runway 06L at Palma Airport. The strike reportedly damaged the nose gear steering mechanism before touchdown. The touchdown itself initially appeared normal. However, during the rollout phase, the aircraft gradually veered to the right before exiting the runway area at low speed and coming to a stop near a high-speed turnoff. Early local media reports stated that one of the landing gear wheels detached during landing, with photographs showing the aircraft leaning to one side on the runway surrounded by emergency vehicles. The visible wheel and tyre damage was likely a consequence of the earlier bird-strike-related steering failure rather than an independent mechanical wheel failure. However, authorities have not yet released an official technical conclusion, and the exact sequence of damage remains under investigation. Emergency services responded immediately after the aircraft came to a stop. Passengers were temporarily unable to disembark normally while firefighters and ground personnel secured the aircraft. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Several prominent figures from Mallorca’s tourism industry were reportedly onboard the flight after attending an event in Madrid, according to local Spanish media. The aircraft remained grounded for several hours while maintenance inspections were carried out. The aircraft subsequently returned to service after repairs and inspections were completed.

Incidents

Air Europa Boeing 737-800 Loses Wheel During Landing Following Bird Strike

Aviation Today News Desk / May 11, 2026

Palma de Mallorca, Spain: An Air Europa Boeing 737-800 suffered a landing incident at Palma de Mallorca Airport after an

Kathmandu, Nepal: A Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 operating flight TK726 from Istanbul to Kathmandu suffered a tyre fire during landing at Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport on Monday morning, triggering an emergency evacuation and temporarily shutting down the country’s busiest airport. According to Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority, the incident occurred shortly after the aircraft touched down at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Airport officials said flames and smoke were seen emerging from the aircraft’s right rear landing gear area moments after landing. Emergency response teams stationed at the airport immediately rushed to the runway and brought the situation under control within a short period. The aircraft involved was an Airbus A330 arriving from Istanbul with 278 passengers and 11 crew members onboard, taking the total number of occupants to 289. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated through emergency exits, and no injuries were reported during the evacuation process. Gyanendra Bhul, spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, told Reuters that the fire originated in the aircraft’s right rear tyre after landing. Officials confirmed that firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze before the aircraft was towed away from the runway to a taxiway area, where it remained grounded for technical inspections. The incident forced authorities to suspend airport operations for nearly an hour because Tribhuvan International Airport operates with a single runway. Several incoming flights were reportedly placed on hold or delayed while emergency teams cleared the runway and investigators initiated preliminary assessments. Nepal’s aviation sector continues to face operational challenges due to mountainous terrain, rapidly changing weather conditions and difficult approach procedures into Kathmandu Valley. A previous incident in 2015 involved a Turkish Airlines aircraft, when another Airbus A330 skidded off the runway at Kathmandu during dense fog conditions. No injuries were reported in that earlier occurrence either. Turkish Airlines had not officially issued a detailed statement regarding the exact technical cause of the tyre fire. Aviation authorities in Nepal are expected to conduct a technical investigation into the incident, including inspections of the landing gear and braking systems. The latest Kathmandu incident comes months after another operational issue involving a Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 in February 2026, when flight THY727 operating from Kathmandu to Istanbul reportedly diverted to Kolkata after the aircraft’s right engine developed a fire indication shortly after takeoff. That flight landed safely with all 236 people onboard, and authorities later launched an investigation into the engine-related emergency.

Incidents

Turkish Airlines Suffers Tyre Fire During Landing In Kathmandu; No Injuries Reported

Aviation Today News Desk / May 11, 2026

Kathmandu, Nepal: A Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 operating flight TK726 from Istanbul to Kathmandu suffered a tyre fire during landing

Chennai, India: A passenger onboard an Air Arabia flight arriving from Sharjah caused a major security disruption at Chennai International Airport after allegedly opening an emergency exit door while the aircraft was taxiing after landing on Sunday morning. The incident involved Air Arabia flight G9 471 (Airbus A320) which landed in Chennai carrying approximately 231 passengers. According to airport and security officials, the aircraft had safely touched down and was moving along the taxiway towards the terminal when the disruption occurred. As the aircraft proceeded along the taxiway, a 34-year-old male passenger from Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, reportedly opened one of the emergency exit doors without authorization. In some reports, it is also stated that the passenger exited the aircraft after opening the door, triggering immediate alarm among crew and ground authorities. The pilot responded instantly by bringing the aircraft to a halt and alerting Air Traffic Control and airport security agencies. The action resulted in a temporary suspension of operations on the taxiway and main runway. Personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), along with airport security and police teams, rushed to the aircraft. The passenger was quickly restrained and taken into custody for questioning. Officials confirmed that he was later handed over to local police for further investigation. Authorities are also assessing the passenger’s mental condition and behaviour prior to the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting he may have been unwell during the flight. The passenger had complained of discomfort onboard and had experienced vomiting during the journey, though this is part of ongoing verification. Following the incident, Chennai Airport authorities temporarily shut the main runway and taxi operations for security checks and inspection of the aircraft, especially due to the emergency exit deployment. The affected aircraft was later towed to a parking bay after inspection. Authorities confirmed that no passengers or crew members were injured, no structural damage to the aircraft was reported and the situation was contained quickly by security teams. The pilot has filed a formal complaint, and aviation security officials are investigating. Airport authorities have stated that normal operations resumed shortly after the incident and security protocols remain under review.

Incidents

Passenger Opens Emergency Exit On Air Arabia Flight After Landing, Detained By CISF

Aviation Today News Desk / May 5, 2026

Chennai, India: A passenger onboard an Air Arabia flight arriving from Sharjah caused a major security disruption at Chennai International

Manchester, United Kingdom: A Jet2 passenger aircraft bound for the Greek island of Crete was forced to carry out an emergency landing at Manchester Airport after it was struck by a flock of geese shortly after take-off, leading to a precautionary diversion and a rapid response from the flight crew. The incident occurred during the initial climb phase of the flight, when the aircraft encountered a bird strike involving geese. Due to the size and potential impact of such birds, the crew immediately assessed the situation for any possible engine or structural damage before deciding to return to the departure airport as a safety precaution. Following standard aviation procedures, the pilots declared an emergency and coordinated with air traffic control to prioritise an immediate return. The aircraft safely landed without further incident, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew on board. Emergency services were placed on standby as a precautionary measure in line with airport emergency response protocols. However, their intervention was not required after the aircraft came to a safe stop on the runway. Passengers were safely disembarked after landing, and airline staff arranged assistance for onward travel. Jet2 later confirmed that the decision to return was taken strictly in the interest of safety, emphasising that precautionary diversions are standard practice following suspected bird strikes. Bird strikes involving geese are considered more serious than smaller bird impacts due to their size and weight, particularly during take-off and landing when aircraft are operating at lower altitudes and higher thrust settings. In such scenarios, even a single impact can require a full technical inspection before the aircraft is cleared to fly again. The aircraft involved is expected to undergo a detailed engineering inspection to assess any potential damage to engines or external components before being returned to service. Jet2 has maintained that safety remains its highest priority, and that its flight crews are trained to respond immediately to any abnormal situation in accordance with strict operational procedures. Authorities have not released further technical details regarding the extent of any damage, and routine investigations are expected to follow standard aviation safety protocols.

Incidents

Jet2 Flight Made Emergency Landing At Manchester Airport After Geese Strike Mid-Air

Aviation Today News Desk / April 30, 2026

Manchester, United Kingdom: A Jet2 passenger aircraft bound for the Greek island of Crete was forced to carry out an

Nashville, United States: A serious aviation incident involving two Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft near Nashville International Airport has prompted a federal investigation after the jets came within close proximity following an air traffic control error that placed them on conflicting flight paths. The incident occurred as Southwest Flight 507, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 arriving from Myrtle Beach, initiated a go-around during its approach, while Southwest Flight 1152, a Boeing 737-700, was departing for Knoxville from a separate runway. According to preliminary findings and air traffic control audio reviewed by investigators, a controller issued a turn instruction to the arriving aircraft that inadvertently directed it into the departure path of the other jet, creating an immediate loss of safe separation. Air traffic control communications captured during the event indicate a rapidly escalating situation, with multiple instructions issued in quick succession, including climb directives that were later revised. In the cockpit, one of the pilots indicated the aircraft had already passed the point of conflict, reflecting how little time remained to resolve the situation through conventional means. Both aircraft subsequently received alerts from the onboard Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), which generated coordinated Resolution Advisories. The system instructed one aircraft to climb while directing the other to descend, allowing the crews to take immediate corrective action. Flight data suggests the jets of Southwest Airlines came within approximately 500 feet of each other, a distance considered a near midair collision under aviation safety standards. Despite the severity of the encounter, both flights continued safely with no reported injuries. Early assessments point to air traffic control error as the primary factor, compounded by the complexity of simultaneous runway operations during a go-around. Weather conditions, including reported gusty winds in the Nashville area, may also have contributed to the challenging operating environment at the time. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched a formal investigation and is expected to review controller actions, radar data, flight recordings, and adherence to separation protocols. Southwest Airlines stated that its flight crews responded in accordance with safety procedures and are cooperating fully with authorities. On April 15, 2026, a near-collision occurred at Charlotte Douglas International Airport when an American Airlines aircraft was forced to abruptly brake on the taxiway after a truck crossed directly in front of it, narrowly avoiding impact. The cockpit radio transmissions captured the crew reporting the close call to air traffic control. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft was able to continue and depart after a brief delay. The incident occurred on the airport tarmac and has drawn attention to ground movement safety, coming shortly after a fatal aircraft-vehicle collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, emphasising ongoing concerns over coordination between aircraft and ground vehicles.

Incidents

Southwest Jets In Near Midair Collision Over Nashville After ATC Error, FAA Probes

Aviation Today News Desk / April 21, 2026

Nashville, United States: A serious aviation incident involving two Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft near Nashville International Airport has prompted

Manila, Philippines: A Philippine Airlines (PAL) domestic flight en route from Dumaguete to Manila was forced to make an emergency landing at Iloilo International Airport on Sunday afternoon after experiencing a reported oxygen supply issue while at cruising altitude. Flight PR 2544, operated by an Airbus A320, diverted and landed safely in Iloilo at approximately 4:30 p.m., according to airline and airport advisories. Initial reports indicate that the issue arose after the aircraft reached its cruising altitude of around 32,000 feet, when the cabin reportedly experienced insufficient oxygen supply. The incident is likely a pressurization-related malfunction, which can affect oxygen availability inside the cabin. Aviation protocols require immediate descent or diversion in such cases, as reduced cabin oxygen at high altitude can pose serious risks to passengers and crew. Despite the mid-air emergency, the aircraft landed safely without structural damage or fatalities. However, several passengers required medical attention upon arrival, primarily due to breathing discomfort and distress experienced during the flight. Passenger accounts cited in regional reports described a deteriorating cabin environment, including heat, poor ventilation, and difficulty breathing as the situation unfolded mid-flight. Flight PR 2544 is a routine domestic service connecting Dumaguete (Sibulan Airport) to Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), typically operating with an Airbus A320 aircraft and a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Following the emergency landing, affected passengers were assisted by ground personnel, with arrangements made for onward travel. Authorities and the airline have initiated standard technical inspections and incident review procedures to determine the exact cause of the malfunction. No official statement detailing the root cause had been released at the time of reporting, but investigations are expected to focus on the aircraft’s environmental control and pressurization systems.

Incidents

Manila-Bound Philippine Airlines Flight Diverts To Iloilo After Mid-Air Oxygen Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / April 21, 2026

Manila, Philippines: A Philippine Airlines (PAL) domestic flight en route from Dumaguete to Manila was forced to make an emergency

Pune, India: Flight operations at Pune Airport were temporarily suspended late Friday night after an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft was involved in a hard landing incident that rendered the runway unusable for several hours, before authorities restored operations early Saturday morning following emergency repair work. The disruption began at approximately 10:25-11:00 PM on April 17, when an IAF fighter aircraft experienced a “hard landing” during arrival. A senior IAF officer said the exact cause of the incident would be established only after a formal court of inquiry. Given Pune Airport operates a single runway under a dual civil-military use model, the incident resulted in an immediate and complete suspension of both arrivals and departures. As per the Airport Director, IndiGo cancelled 31 arrivals and 34 departures, while Air India cancelled three arrivals and three departures. SpiceJet called off two arrivals and three departures, and Akasa Air cancelled two arrivals and three departures. Air India Express also reported five arrivals and five departures being cancelled. Authorities have not officially disclosed the exact aircraft type involved in the incident. However, it has been consistently identified as an IAF fighter aircraft across reports. The aircrew onboard were confirmed safe, with no injuries reported. Officials also confirmed that there was no damage to civilian property or airport infrastructure beyond the runway obstruction. The runway was declared temporarily unavailable late Friday night. All take-offs and landings were halted, affecting numerous scheduled night flights. Airlines were alerted, and multiple flights were cancelled, delayed, or diverted due to the closure. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed the disruption and estimated that runway restoration would take around five hours. The Indian Air Force, in its official communication, stated, “Pune runway is temporarily unavailable due to an incident involving an IAF aircraft. The aircrew are safe and there is no damage to civil property. Efforts are underway to operationalise the runway and resume normal operations at the earliest.” Minister Mohol added, “Thankfully, the aircrew are safe and there has been no damage to civil property… it may take approximately 5 hours to restore normal runway operations.” Following the incident, airport authorities and the IAF initiated rapid recovery and inspection work “on a war footing” to clear the runway and ensure safety compliance. Authorities confirmed that all necessary safety checks were completed before reopening the airport to commercial traffic. Officials have not released a confirmed cause, and a detailed investigation is underway.

Incidents

IAF Aircraft Hard Landing Shuts Pune Airport; Operations Resume After Disruption

Aviation Today News Desk / April 18, 2026

Pune, India: Flight operations at Pune Airport were temporarily suspended late Friday night after an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft

Melbourne, Australia: A China Airlines Airbus A350-900 has been grounded in Melbourne following a rare ground-handling incident that resulted in significant structural damage to the aircraft’s forward passenger door during post-arrival operations. The aircraft, registered B-18902 and operating flight CI57 from Taipei, had completed its journey and arrived in Melbourne on April 14 when the incident occurred at the gate. The aircraft unexpectedly rolled backward while still connected to the jet bridge, causing the forward left (L1) door to be partially torn from its hinges and inflicting substantial damage to the aerobridge. All passengers and crew had already disembarked at the time, and no injuries were reported. Initial findings indicate that the aircraft’s unintended movement while docked led to stress on the door assembly and surrounding fuselage structure. The force of the movement caused the jet bridge to remain fixed while the aircraft shifted, resulting in the door being pulled out of alignment and damaged at the hinge points. Such damage is considered serious, as passenger doors form part of the aircraft’s pressurized structure and require extensive inspection and certified repairs before returning to service. Australia’s aviation safety authority has launched an investigation into the occurrence, focusing on ground-handling procedures, equipment usage, and potential human factors that may have contributed to the aircraft’s movement. The cause of the accident is yet to be confirmed, although initial reports suggest that the chocks had not been placed correctly in front of and behind the tires of the massive widebody aircraft. It’s believed the aircraft started to roll back with the forward left-hand door still open, causing the door to come into contact with the jetbridge and badly damaging it. The affected aircraft remains out of service in Melbourne pending repairs and safety clearance. The temporary loss of the widebody jet is expected to have a limited but notable impact on China Airlines’ long-haul scheduling, particularly on routes connecting Asia with Australia and beyond. The Airbus A350-900 forms a key part of the airline’s long-haul fleet, supporting premium international routes across Europe, North America, and Oceania.

Incidents

China Airlines A350 Grounded In Melbourne After Jet Bridge Incident Damages Cabin Door

Aviation Today News Desk / April 15, 2026

Melbourne, Australia: A China Airlines Airbus A350-900 has been grounded in Melbourne following a rare ground-handling incident that resulted in

AirportOperations

Delhi Slashes ATF VAT From 25% To 7% For Six Months Amid Rising Fuel Costs

Malaysia Airlines Flight Aborts Takeoff At Hong Kong After Technical Issue, Tyre Burst

Air Europa Boeing 737-800 Loses Wheel During Landing Following Bird Strike

Turkish Airlines Suffers Tyre Fire During Landing In Kathmandu; No Injuries Reported

Passenger Opens Emergency Exit On Air Arabia Flight After Landing, Detained By CISF

Jet2 Flight Made Emergency Landing At Manchester Airport After Geese Strike Mid-Air

Southwest Jets In Near Midair Collision Over Nashville After ATC Error, FAA Probes

Manila-Bound Philippine Airlines Flight Diverts To Iloilo After Mid-Air Oxygen Issue

IAF Aircraft Hard Landing Shuts Pune Airport; Operations Resume After Disruption

China Airlines A350 Grounded In Melbourne After Jet Bridge Incident Damages Cabin Door

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