Aviation Compliance Archives - Page 2 of 7

Mexico City, Mexico: In a landmark ruling that reshapes the narrative of one of Cuba’s deadliest aviation disasters, a Mexican court has held charter airline Aerolíneas Damojh (Global Air) responsible for the 2018 crash of a Boeing 737 in Havana, concluding that the aircraft suffered from severe maintenance failures and “should never have flown.” The decision, based on court documents dated March 31 and reviewed by multiple international outlets, marks a significant legal departure from earlier findings that attributed the accident primarily to pilot error. An independent expert assessment presented during proceedings determined that the crash of Cubana de Aviación Flight 0972 was an “institutional accident” caused by systemic maintenance negligence. The report emphasized that the pilots were merely the “final line of defense” and were unable to prevent the catastrophe once critical failures had already developed. The judge accepted these findings and ruled that the aircraft’s operator, Global Air, bore responsibility for placing an unfit aircraft into service. The court ordered Global Air to pay USD 1.5 million in compensation to each of the families of the four Mexican crew members who initiated the lawsuit. Notably, the airline failed to appear in court and was tried in absentia, while the aircraft’s insurer also named in the case was ultimately cleared of financial liability. Legal representatives for the plaintiffs described the ruling as “groundbreaking”, arguing that it validates long-standing concerns about the airline’s maintenance practices and operational standards. The accident occurred on May 18, 2018, when a Boeing 737-200 (registration XA-UHZ) crashed shortly after takeoff from José Martí International Airport in Havana while operating a domestic flight to Holguín. Of the 113 people onboard, 112 were killed, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Cuba in decades. Only one passenger survived. The aircraft was owned and operated by Global Air, a Mexican charter airline, and was leased to Cuba’s state carrier Cubana de Aviación under a wet lease agreement. The Mexican ruling directly contradicts Cuba’s 2019 official investigation, which attributed the crash primarily to pilot error and weight miscalculation, citing deficiencies in crew performance and operational procedures. In contrast, the Mexican court concluded that chronic maintenance deficiencies and systemic oversight failures were the root cause, reframing the accident as a broader organizational failure rather than an isolated human error. Global Air had faced prior operational scrutiny in Mexico, including temporary suspension following the crash as authorities examined its compliance with safety regulations. Reports cited during the case highlighted a history of technical issues and complaints, raising questions about the aircraft’s airworthiness long before the accident occurred. Beyond the initial lawsuit, broader legal proceedings are underway. Lawyers representing victims confirmed that: A class-action civil lawsuit covering all victims is in progress A criminal complaint for homicide has been filed against the airline and responsible parties However, the criminal investigation in Mexico has reportedly stalled due to limited cooperation from Cuban authorities. Samuel González, counsel for the victims’ families, described the judgment as a hard-fought and “groundbreaking” decision for Mexico. He said the ruling reinforces early admissions made in Havana by the airline’s own head of maintenance, who acknowledged to relatives that the aircraft should not have been cleared for operation. “That aircraft operated for nearly a decade without proper maintenance,” González said. “The crash occurred in Cuba, but the risk was universal.” Efforts to reach representatives of the airline for comment were unsuccessful. González also indicated that the carrier may be moving toward bankruptcy proceedings, warning that any attempt to misuse the process would be legally challenged.

Mexican Court Rejects Pilot Error, Blames Maintenance In 2018 Cuba Crash That Killed 112

Aviation Today News Desk / April 13, 2026

Mexico City, Mexico: In a landmark ruling that reshapes the narrative of one of Cuba’s deadliest aviation disasters, a Mexican […]

Airlines

FAA Proposes $304K Penalty Against Southwest Over Drug And Alcohol Testing Lapses

Aviation Today News Desk / April 7, 2026

Washington, United States: The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a civil penalty of $304,272 against Southwest Airlines over alleged violations

Philadelphia, United States: An American Eagle regional flight operated by PSA Airlines made an emergency diversion to Philadelphia International Airport on Wednesday morning after the crew reported a technical malfunction involving the aircraft’s nose landing gear steering system, prompting a precautionary landing. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ200/CRJ700 regional jet, was operating a scheduled service from Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Portland International Jetport, Maine (PWM) when the issue occurred shortly after departure. According to aviation tracking data and official statements, the flight diverted to Philadelphia approximately 30 minutes into the journey after the crew detected abnormal hydraulic and steering behavior affecting the landing gear system. The aircraft landed safely at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) around 10:20 a.m. local time, where emergency services were placed on standby as a precaution. No injuries were reported among the approximately 65 passengers and four crew members onboard. Passengers were later accommodated on a replacement aircraft to continue their journey to Maine, reaching their destination later the same day after several hours of delay. American Airlines confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft was removed from service for a full technical inspection following the safe landing. The airline also said that all standard safety procedures were followed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated a review into the incident to determine the cause of the hydraulic and steering malfunction. Initial reports suggest a nose gear steering system fault, a critical component used for directional control during taxiing and landing rollout. The aircraft involved is part of the Bombardier CRJ family, widely used in regional operations across North America. These aircraft rely heavily on hydraulic systems to control landing gear steering and braking systems, making any malfunction a serious safety concern requiring immediate diversion. Preliminary reports indicate there was no fire, smoke, or loss of control during the flight. The aircraft reportedly circled briefly before lining up for a controlled landing in Philadelphia under normal emergency protocols. The aircraft remains grounded for maintenance inspection, and investigators are expected to examine hydraulic systems, nose gear assemblies, and flight control computers as part of the FAA-led inquiry.

Incidents

American Eagle Diverts To Philadelphia After Mid-Air Steering Issue; FAA Investigates

Aviation Today News Desk / April 3, 2026

Philadelphia, United States: An American Eagle regional flight operated by PSA Airlines made an emergency diversion to Philadelphia International Airport

India

DGCA Appoints Vir Vikram Yadav As The New Director General Replacing Faiz Ahmed Kidwai

Aviation Today News Desk / April 1, 2026

New Delhi, India: The Government of India has appointed senior IAS officer Vir Vikram Yadav as the new Director General

Incidents

Frontier Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Bomb Threat, Triggers Major ATL Response

Aviation Today News Desk / March 30, 2026

Atlanta, United States: A Frontier Airlines flight arriving from Columbus, Ohio, triggered a major security response at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International

India

Govt Removes Fare Caps As Airlines Oppose 60% Seats Free Of Selection Charges

Aviation Today News Desk / March 24, 2026

New Delhi, India: A policy push by the government to strengthen passenger rights and enforce fare transparency has triggered sharp

Safety

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

Investigation

NTSB: Bird Strike Caused Engine Failure, Smoke Alert On Alaska Cargo A330 In Cincinnati

Aviation Today News Desk / March 2, 2026

Kentucky, United States: According to an official preliminary release from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a cargo aircraft operated

India

DGCA Issues Safety Warning To Charter Operators After Decade-Long Accident Data Review

Aviation Today News Desk / February 28, 2026

New Delhi, India: India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a sweeping safety warning

India

India Revises Airline Refund Rules, Introduces 48-Hour Free Cancellation Window

Aviation Today News Desk / February 27, 2026

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formally amended India’s Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) governing airline

Aviation Compliance

Mexican Court Rejects Pilot Error, Blames Maintenance In 2018 Cuba Crash That Killed 112

FAA Proposes $304K Penalty Against Southwest Over Drug And Alcohol Testing Lapses

American Eagle Diverts To Philadelphia After Mid-Air Steering Issue; FAA Investigates

DGCA Appoints Vir Vikram Yadav As The New Director General Replacing Faiz Ahmed Kidwai

Frontier Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Bomb Threat, Triggers Major ATL Response

Govt Removes Fare Caps As Airlines Oppose 60% Seats Free Of Selection Charges

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

NTSB: Bird Strike Caused Engine Failure, Smoke Alert On Alaska Cargo A330 In Cincinnati

DGCA Issues Safety Warning To Charter Operators After Decade-Long Accident Data Review

India Revises Airline Refund Rules, Introduces 48-Hour Free Cancellation Window

Quick Links

Navigate

General Support

News Desk Support