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Varanasi, India: A Bengaluru–Varanasi Air India Express flight sparked a major security scare on Monday after a passenger allegedly attempted to access the cockpit mid-air, prompting the crew and security agencies to take swift action. The incident occurred on Flight IX-1086, which departed Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru at around 8:00 am and landed safely at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport shortly after 10:25 am. According to initial reports, a male passenger approached the cockpit door while apparently searching for the lavatory. Eyewitnesses told investigators that he tried operating the cockpit entry mechanism, which is controlled by a keypad and passcode system. Although early reports suggested the individual may have entered the correct code, sources told The Indian Express that the attempt was unsuccessful and the cockpit door remained secure. The captain, alerted to the unusual activity, immediately blocked access and reinforced cockpit security measures. Cabin crew quickly escorted the passenger away from the cockpit area, following standard aviation safety procedures. On landing in Varanasi, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) detained not only the passenger but also eight individuals traveling with him. The group of nine was handed over to Phulpur police for further questioning to determine intent and establish whether the act was accidental or deliberate. Air India Express confirmed the incident but stressed that flight safety and security protocols were never compromised. “Our crew acted promptly in line with standard operating procedures, and the cockpit remained secure throughout,” the airline said in a statement. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified, and officials are assessing whether the incident qualifies as “Level-3 unruly behaviour,” the highest category under India’s Civil Aviation Requirements. Such classification could result in strict penalties, including the possibility of the passenger being placed on a no-fly list.

Air India Express Passenger Attempts Cockpit Access on Flight, CISF Detains Nine

Aviation Today News Desk / September 23, 2025

Varanasi, India: A Bengaluru–Varanasi Air India Express flight sparked a major security scare on Monday after a passenger allegedly attempted […]

New Delhi, India: Air India Express has officially joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA), marking a major milestone in its growth and global expansion strategy. IATA represents over 350 airlines across more than 120 countries, accounting for more than 80% of global air traffic. Membership requires airlines to complete the rigorous IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), ensuring compliance with over 900 safety and operational standards. Air India Express has maintained its IOSA registration since 2017, highlighting its commitment to operational excellence. Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific, IATA, welcomed the airline, stating, “Air India Express has been on the IOSA registry since 2017, and we are glad that they have taken the next step to become an IATA member. Having Air India Express as a member broadens the perspectives we bring to global issues affecting our industry.” Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, said, “Becoming a part of the IATA family is a proud moment. It highlights our commitment to enhance our global standing, assures our guests of world-class standards, and facilitates access to global partnerships. This membership ensures that every journey meets the highest standards of reliability, safety, and convenience.” The IATA membership allows Air India Express to participate in global financial settlement systems, including the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP), streamlining payments and enabling wider distribution through accredited travel agents. This step also empowers the airline to contribute actively to shaping global aviation policies and standards. Currently, Air India Express operates a fleet of 115 aircraft, offering over 500 daily flights to 41 domestic and 17 international destinations, including key markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. The airline has recently launched daily direct flights between Bengaluru and Bangkok starting October 18, 2025, enhancing connectivity during the festive season. This strategic development positions Air India Express as one of India’s fastest-growing carriers, combining international operational standards with expanding global reach to provide passengers with safer, more reliable, and globally connected travel experiences.

Airlines

Air India Express Joins IATA, Connecting 41 Domestic & 17 Global Destinations

Aviation Today News Desk / September 22, 2025

New Delhi, India: Air India Express has officially joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA), marking a major milestone in

Chennai, India: An IndiGo flight traveling from Mumbai to Phuket was forced to make an emergency landing in Chennai on Thursday following a bomb scare, authorities confirmed. The Airbus A320 aircraft, operating flight 6E 1089, was carrying 176 passengers and six crew members when the threat was identified mid-air. The flight departed Mumbai at 3:33 PM and was over the Bay of Bengal when the crew was alerted to a possible explosive device in the aircraft's lavatory. The pilot promptly diverted the aircraft to Chennai, ensuring a safe landing at 7:20 PM local time. Passengers were safely deboarded and moved to the airport lounge as security procedures were initiated. Following the landing, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) deployed its bomb disposal unit along with sniffer dogs to thoroughly inspect the aircraft. The investigation revealed that the threat was a hoax. Officials continue to investigate the origin of the threatening email and are working to identify the individual responsible. Due to a night curfew at Phuket airport, the flight’s onward journey was postponed until later in the evening. IndiGo assured passengers that efforts were being made to minimize inconvenience, including providing refreshments and continuous updates throughout the delay. Months ago, on April 8 2025 an IndiGo flight operating from Jaipur to Mumbai was forced to make an emergency landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Monday evening after a bomb threat note was discovered onboard. The aircraft, flight 6E 5324, was carrying 225 passengers and landed safely at approximately 8:50 p.m. Once the plane landed, it was promptly guided to a remote bay for a comprehensive security sweep. Passengers were then safely disembarked under the careful supervision of security personnel.

Incidents

Bomb Scare Forces IndiGo Flight from Mumbai to Phuket to Divert to Chennai

Aviation Today News Desk / September 21, 2025

Chennai, India: An IndiGo flight traveling from Mumbai to Phuket was forced to make an emergency landing in Chennai on

New Delhi, India: SpiceJet, one of India’s leading low-cost carriers, has once again delayed salary payments for a significant portion of its workforce, According to the report by PTI senior employees who are earning above ₹55,000 per month are affected. While junior staff reportedly received their August salaries on time, senior employees, including Assistant Managers and above, are facing delays of up to 15 days, according to company sources. The airline has cited a “phased disbursement schedule” as the reason for the delay, stating that payments for higher-earning employees are staggered during lean periods. The delays affect a substantial number of employees, with the airline employing 6,484 staff, of whom 4,894 are permanent employees. Reports suggest that the salary delays predominantly impact employees in managerial and senior technical roles. These delays come at a time when the airline is navigating financial pressures, including a net loss of ₹238 crore reported in the June quarter of 2025. During 2024-25, SpiceJet provided an interest-free advance to Ajay Singh, who is the Chairman and Managing Director, an amount of Rs 32 crore for a five-year period in accordance with the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and board-approved policy of the company, as per the annual report. "The company has adjusted the advance from the salary of subsequent months (April and May 2025), as per the company's policy. Further, this advance is not prejudicial to the interest of the company," the report said. The Airline said that losses are mainly due to costs linked to several grounded aircrafts and expenses for bringing them back into service. It has only 21 aircraft operational out of 56 and 35 grounded. Employees impacted by the delayed payments have expressed concerns over financial planning, especially as the delayed salaries coincide with ongoing personal and household obligations. While junior employees received their payments on schedule, the staggered payments for senior staff have raised questions about employee morale and retention. Last September, the airline raised ₹3,000 crore through a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP), with plans to use the funds to operationalize grounded aircraft, purchase new planes, invest in technology, and enter new markets. Despite these intentions, progress has been slow, and a substantial number of aircraft remain grounded.

Airlines

SpiceJet Delays Senior Staff Salaries Amid Financial Strain and Operational Challenges

Aviation Today News Desk / September 16, 2025

New Delhi, India: SpiceJet, one of India’s leading low-cost carriers, has once again delayed salary payments for a significant portion

New Delhi, India: The 56th GST Council has approved major reforms to India’s indirect tax regime, introducing a uniform 5% GST rate on all drones and granting a full GST exemption on flight simulators and motion simulators. The Civil Aviation Ministry called the decision a strategic, principled and citizen-centric evolution of India’s landmark tax framework, aimed at supporting the country’s rapidly growing drone ecosystem and strengthening the aviation training sector. Under the previous structure, drones with integrated cameras attracted 18% GST, while drones classified for personal use were taxed at 28%. The newly rationalized regime applies a flat 5% GST to all drones, irrespective of whether a camera is integrated or separate, and regardless of commercial or personal use. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu hailed the decision, saying, “The GST rate rationalization with a simplified two-slab structure of 5% and 18% is the biggest reform in India’s indirect taxation ever. Under the strong leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are charting the path towards our goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 with Atmanirbhar Bharat as its foundation. The sweeping rate reductions across sectors will strengthen ease of living, ease of compliance and ease of doing business in the country. It is going to be a big boon for the consumers and at the same time a big boost for the Indian manufacturers. This significant measure will also enable India to emerge as a leader in transformative technologies like drones. A uniform 5% GST will now apply on all drones, providing significant policy certainty and eliminating classification disputes. Furthermore, flight simulators and motion simulators which are critical for pilot training have also been exempted from GST. I believe it will encourage the training ecosystem in the country, helping airlines and academies reduce expenditure on training equipment.” According to the ministry, the reforms will provide greater clarity for manufacturers and lower costs for users, boosting drone adoption in agriculture, petroleum, mining, infrastructure, logistics, and defense. Affordable drones and reduced training costs are also expected to advance Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals, while creating employment opportunities in manufacturing, assembly, software development, data analytics, and field operations. Officials said the revised rates will make GST more growth-oriented for aviation and emerging technologies like UAVs, recognizing drones as both an economic opportunity and a strategic necessity for India.

Pilot Training

Pilot Training May Get Cheaper as Flight and Motion Simulators Gain Tax Exemption

Aviation Today News Desk / September 10, 2025

New Delhi, India: The 56th GST Council has approved major reforms to India’s indirect tax regime, introducing a uniform 5%

Investigation

AAIB Preliminary Report Notes Adverse Weather in Air India Mumbai Runway Excursion

Aviation Today News Desk / September 9, 2025

Mumbai, India: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued its preliminary report on July 21, 2025 runway excursion involving

Srinagar, India: A SpiceJet aircraft on a Delhi–Srinagar route executed a safe emergency landing at Srinagar International Airport on the afternoon of August 29, 2025, following a sudden cabin pressure alert that required immediate action. The flight, designated SG 385, was carrying 205 passengers, including four infants, along with seven crew members. Despite a rapid descent caused by a cabin altitude warning, the pilot handled the situation effectively and made multiple landing attempts before safely touching down at 3:27 pm. Upon receiving the emergency request, airport authorities declared emergency arrangements as a precaution. Fortunately, the aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers disembarked normally, with no medical assistance needed for anyone on board. A spokesperson for SpiceJet confirmed the sequence of events in a statement: the cabin altitude warning triggered a rapid descent during approach, prompting crew members to follow standard operating procedures. The captain then requested a priority landing as a precaution, and the plane landed safely with no injuries or medical issues reported. This incident adds to a string of technical irregularities faced by Indian carriers in recent months. A Dubai-bound IndiGo flight from Surat was forced into an emergency landing at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday morning after the aircraft developed a technical snag. Similarly, an IndiGo Delhi–Goa flight, 6E 6271, was diverted to Mumbai under full emergency protocol after one of its engines failed mid-air.

Incidents

SpiceJet Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Srinagar After Mid-Air Cabin Pressure Alert

Aviation Today News Desk / August 30, 2025

Srinagar, India: A SpiceJet aircraft on a Delhi–Srinagar route executed a safe emergency landing at Srinagar International Airport on the

Hyderabad, India: An Alliance Air flight bound from Hyderabad to Tirupati was cancelled on Sunday following two successive technical faults, according to official statements from the airline and corroborating media sources. The aircraft departed from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad, heading toward Tirupati. Shortly after takeoff, it encountered a technical anomaly and was immediately redirected back to the bay for mandatory engineering checks halting its journey before it even got underway. After the initial fault was addressed and the aircraft deemed safe to proceed, the plane developed a second technical issue. This recurrence proved more complex, delaying repairs and ultimately rendering continued operation of this sector impractical. Alliance Air opted to cancel the flight in the interest of maintaining operational integrity and minimizing downstream disruptions. “The aircraft again developed another snag for which rectification took a little longer than expected. Due to this, and in order to avoid further disruption of flights, this sector had to be cancelled,” the airline stated. The decision aligns with standard industry protocol during technical setbacks placing passenger safety above schedule adherence. Alliance Air’s fleet includes 18 ATR 72-600s, 2 ATR 42-600s, and a HAL Do-228 aircraft, which serve regional routes such as Hyderabad–Tirupati. This incident follows a similar episode earlier in the week. On August 20, another Alliance Air flight from Guwahati to Kolkata made an unscheduled emergency landing due to a technical fault, though all passengers were safely deboarded.

Airlines

Alliance Air Hyderabad-Tirupati Flight Cancelled After Back-To-Back Technical Issues

Aviation Today News Desk / August 26, 2025

Hyderabad, India: An Alliance Air flight bound from Hyderabad to Tirupati was cancelled on Sunday following two successive technical faults,

Mumbai, India: An Air India flight from Mumbai to Jodhpur was forced to abort its take-off on Friday after the cockpit crew detected an operational issue during the departure roll. The aircraft, operating as Flight AI645, was returned safely to the bay, according to the airline. Air India said in a statement that the pilots acted in line with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and discontinued the take-off as a precautionary measure. Passengers were deplaned and provided with alternative travel arrangements to reach their destination. Ground staff assisted passengers during the delay to minimize inconvenience. A passenger told PTI, cited by Hindustan Times, that the aircraft came to a halt suddenly after rolling for take-off, which created concern among those onboard. The passenger suggested that an engine-related problem might have caused the stoppage, though the airline has described it more broadly as an “operational issue.” The incident follows another disruption earlier in the week when Air India’s Zurich–Delhi flight (AI152) was cancelled on August 17 after a technical snag. Zurich Airport’s strict night curfew compounded the cancellation, forcing the airline to arrange hotel accommodation and offer either rescheduling or refunds for stranded passengers. Since its privatization in January 2022, Air India has stepped up inspections of its aircraft fleet. While these checks have not revealed systemic faults, they have occasionally led to flight delays and cancellations. The airline maintains that these measures are aimed at strengthening operational reliability and ensuring passenger safety, even if they result in temporary disruptions.

Airlines

Air India Flight to Jodhpur Aborts Take-Off at Mumbai Airport Over Operational Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / August 23, 2025

Mumbai, India: An Air India flight from Mumbai to Jodhpur was forced to abort its take-off on Friday after the

Aviation News India

Air India Express Passenger Attempts Cockpit Access on Flight, CISF Detains Nine

Air India Express Joins IATA, Connecting 41 Domestic & 17 Global Destinations

Bomb Scare Forces IndiGo Flight from Mumbai to Phuket to Divert to Chennai

SpiceJet Delays Senior Staff Salaries Amid Financial Strain and Operational Challenges

Pilot Training May Get Cheaper as Flight and Motion Simulators Gain Tax Exemption

AAIB Preliminary Report Notes Adverse Weather in Air India Mumbai Runway Excursion

SpiceJet Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Srinagar After Mid-Air Cabin Pressure Alert

Alliance Air Hyderabad-Tirupati Flight Cancelled After Back-To-Back Technical Issues

Air India Flight to Jodhpur Aborts Take-Off at Mumbai Airport Over Operational Issue

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