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Virginia, United States: A North Carolina mother has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Qatar Airways, alleging that the airline’s negligence caused her 3-year-old daughter to suffer a life-threatening allergic reaction during a transcontinental flight earlier this year. According to court filings the incident occurred on April 9 aboard Qatar Airways Flight QR710 from Washington Dulles International Airport to Doha, Qatar. The child and her mother, Swetha Neerukonda, were en route to India when the episode unfolded mid-air. Neerukonda, who stated that her daughter has severe allergies to both dairy and nuts, informed the airline crew about the medical condition multiple times prior to and during boarding. Despite these warnings, the lawsuit alleges that a flight attendant handed the child a Kit Kat bar, a chocolate snack containing both allergens, while Neerukonda was briefly away in the lavatory. When she returned and realized what had happened, Neerukonda claims she confronted the crew but was “mocked and dismissed” instead of receiving assistance. Within minutes, her daughter began experiencing symptoms of severe anaphylaxis, including difficulty breathing and facial swelling. Neerukonda administered an EpiPen on board as the crew reportedly failed to respond adequately to the emergency. Upon arrival in India, the child was hospitalized in intensive care and remained under medical supervision for two days. Doctors later confirmed she had suffered a “biphasic reaction,” a secondary wave of anaphylaxis that can occur hours after the initial episode. The federal lawsuit, filed on October 31 in the Eastern District of Virginia, seeks $5 million in damages for negligence, emotional distress, and violation of basic duty of care. Neerukonda’s legal team argues that Qatar Airways failed to provide reasonable accommodation for a known medical condition and did not follow proper emergency medical protocols during the incident. “Airlines have an obligation to ensure the safety of passengers with food allergies, particularly when they have been clearly notified in advance,” the complaint states, adding that the flight attendant’s alleged mockery compounded the distress of an already critical medical situation. Qatar Airways has not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations.

Mother Sues Qatar Airways For $5M Over Alleged Negligence In Child’s Allergy Case

Aviation Today News Desk / November 13, 2025

Virginia, United States: A North Carolina mother has filed a $5 million lawsuit against Qatar Airways, alleging that the airline’s […]

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is preparing to roll out a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) framework for cabin crew, marking a significant shift in India’s approach to aviation training and safety. The initiative aims to move beyond traditional checklist-driven instruction and instead focus on developing measurable, scenario-based competencies that improve crew performance in real-life situations. DGCA Chief Flight Operations Inspector Shweta Singh said that draft regulations for the new training model are expected to be released within a month, and the adoption will be voluntary for airlines at the initial stage. The framework is expected to eventually become an integral part of airline training programs across India. The CBTA model, already implemented for pilot training since 2022, emphasizes skill proficiency, decision-making, and communication under operational pressures rather than rote procedural knowledge. Singh explained, “For example, if there is a fire in the cabin, how will they deal with it, how will they communicate, how will they coordinate? All these performance indicators will be embedded in the CBTA framework to help cabin crew train better.” Industry leaders have welcomed the move as a progressive step that aligns Indian aviation standards with global practices recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The ICAO’s competency-based approach ensures that crew members are not only trained to complete tasks but also assessed on how effectively they handle unexpected challenges during flight operations. At a recent industry conference, Captain Ashim Mittra, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations at IndiGo, said that competency, rather than crew numbers, determines operational safety and efficiency. “The number of people onboard matters less than how competent they are to handle different situations,” Mittra stated, emphasizing the importance of advanced training models as India’s airlines continue to expand their fleets and international operations. India’s aviation sector is among the fastest-growing in the world, with airlines adding hundreds of new aircraft over the next decade. This growth has created a parallel demand for highly skilled flight and cabin crew, and the DGCA’s move to adopt CBTA reflects the regulator’s effort to strengthen operational safety standards amid rapid expansion. The regulator’s shift toward competency-based models also aligns with its broader vision of improving human performance, safety culture, and regulatory oversight within the Indian aviation ecosystem. Aviation experts believe that implementing CBTA will not only elevate the quality of training but also make Indian crew members more adaptable and globally competitive.

Cabin Crew

DGCA To Introduce Competency-Based Training Framework For Cabin Crew Across Airlines

Aviation Today News Desk / November 12, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is preparing to roll out a Competency-Based Training and Assessment

Tbilisi, Georgia: A Turkish Air Force C-130 Hercules military cargo aircraft crashed in eastern Georgia on Tuesday, killing all 20 military personnel onboard, according to Turkish and Georgian authorities. The aircraft was en route from Ganja, Azerbaijan, to Turkey when it went down in the Kakheti region near the Azerbaijan–Georgia border. The Lockheed C-130, a four-engine turboprop transport aircraft, reportedly lost contact with air traffic control shortly after entering Georgian airspace. Witnesses in the Sighnaghi Municipality described seeing the plane on fire before it crashed into hilly terrain. Rescue teams from Georgia’s Emergency Management Service and Turkish military units launched a joint search and recovery operation, later confirming that no survivors were found among the 20 people onboard. Georgia’s Interior Ministry said debris was scattered across a wide area, indicating the aircraft may have broken apart mid-air before impact. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with both countries cooperating on a joint technical inquiry. Preliminary assessments suggest the aircraft might have experienced an in-flight fire or catastrophic mechanical failure, though officials have not yet confirmed this. The Turkish Defence Ministry confirmed the tragedy, stating,“We have lost 20 of our heroic personnel aboard a military transport plane during duty. Search and rescue efforts have been completed in coordination with Georgian authorities.” Turkey has dispatched a high-level investigation team to Georgia, including defence and aviation safety experts, to coordinate recovery and analysis efforts. The governments of Azerbaijan and Georgia both expressed solidarity with Turkey. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev conveyed condolences to Erdoğan, stating,“We share the sorrow of our Turkish brothers and stand by them in this difficult time.” Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze also confirmed his country’s full cooperation with Turkish officials in the investigation, adding that emergency response units “arrived at the site within minutes of reports of the crash.” The downed C-130 was reportedly an older model that had served in the Turkish Air Force for decades. The aircraft type, known for its durability and versatility, is used globally for military transport and humanitarian aid missions.

Aircraft Crashes

All 20 Onboard Killed As Turkish Military C-130 Cargo Plane Crashes In Eastern Georgia

Aviation Today News Desk / November 12, 2025

Tbilisi, Georgia: A Turkish Air Force C-130 Hercules military cargo aircraft crashed in eastern Georgia on Tuesday, killing all 20

Kolkata, India: A SpiceJet flight operating from Mumbai to Kolkata made an emergency landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport late Sunday night after reporting an engine malfunction during descent, officials confirmed. The aircraft, operating as SpiceJet flight SG 670, took off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) and was nearing Kolkata when the flight crew reported a technical issue involving one of its engines. Air traffic control promptly declared a full emergency, and rescue and fire services were placed on standby. According to airport officials, the aircraft landed safely at 11:38 p.m. (IST) and taxied to the parking bay without further incident. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported. The airline did not disclose specific details about the nature of the engine failure. Technical engineers have begun an inspection of the aircraft to determine the cause of the malfunction. No smoke or fire was detected upon landing, according to airport emergency services. Authorities withdrew the full emergency status shortly after touchdown, confirming that the situation was under control. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review the incident as part of its routine safety oversight, officials familiar with the matter said. Industry experts note that while modern twin-engine aircraft are designed to fly safely on one engine, in-flight engine shutdowns trigger mandatory reporting and inspection protocols under DGCA norms.

Incidents

SpiceJet Mumbai–Kolkata Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing After Engine Failure

Aviation Today News Desk / November 11, 2025

Kolkata, India: A SpiceJet flight operating from Mumbai to Kolkata made an emergency landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International

Singapore: Passengers flying out of Changi Airport and Seletar Airport will soon pay a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) levy starting in 2026, as part of Singapore’s drive to reduce the aviation sector’s carbon emissions and support global decarbonisation goals. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the levy will apply to tickets issued from April 1, 2026, for flights departing on or after October 1, 2026. The collected funds will be channelled into purchasing sustainable aviation fuel, helping airlines transition away from fossil-based jet fuel. Under the new system, passengers will pay different levy rates depending on destination zones and cabin classes: Band 1 – Southeast Asia: Economy S$1 | Premium S$4 Band 2 – Northeast Asia, South Asia, Australia & Papua New Guinea: Economy S$2.80 | Premium S$11.20 Band 3 – Africa, Europe, Middle East, Pacific Islands, Central & West Asia: Economy S$6.40 | Premium S$25.60 Band 4 – The Americas: Economy S$10.40 | Premium S$41.60 Transit passengers passing through Singapore will be exempt from the levy. The scheme will also cover cargo operators, business aviation, and general aviation flights, which will pay a SAF contribution based on aircraft weight or cargo load. CAAS stated that the initiative is a market-based mechanism designed to accelerate the uptake of SAF in a cost-effective and transparent manner. The authority said the levy would make the cost of cleaner fuel predictable for airlines and travellers while ensuring funds are ring-fenced for SAF purchases. “The SAF levy is a key part of Singapore’s decarbonisation framework for aviation. It enables us to make steady progress towards our targets while maintaining competitiveness as a global air hub,” CAAS said in a statement. Singapore’s aviation decarbonisation roadmap targets at least 1 % SAF usage by 2026, increasing to 3 %–5 % by 2030, depending on supply availability and cost developments. The levy rates could be adjusted in future as the SAF blend ratio rises. Globally, sustainable aviation fuel remains more expensive than conventional jet fuel typically costing two to five times more but is widely regarded as the most immediate tool to cut aviation’s carbon footprint. Singapore’s move follows similar measures adopted in the European Union and Japan, and could set a precedent for other Asian hubs exploring SAF mandates or incentives. The initiative complements broader efforts under the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) CORSIA framework, which aims for net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050. By creating a structured and transparent levy system, Singapore aims to send a clear demand signal to fuel producers and investors, potentially attracting SAF production and supply-chain projects to the region.

Airlines

Singapore To Roll Out Sustainable Aviation Fuel Levy On Flights From 2026

Aviation Today News Desk / November 11, 2025

Singapore: Passengers flying out of Changi Airport and Seletar Airport will soon pay a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) levy

Florida, United States: A twin-engine Beechcraft King Air aircraft en route to Jamaica on a humanitarian relief mission crashed into a residential neighborhood in Coral Springs, Florida, shortly after take-off from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport on Monday morning. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft departed at around 10:14 a.m. local time and went down just minutes later, striking several trees and a fence before plunging into a retention pond behind homes near the 4700 block of Northwest 19th Street. Local authorities confirmed that two people onboard were killed in the crash. No injuries were reported on the ground. Residents described hearing a loud explosion followed by a plume of smoke and debris splashing into the pond. “I thought a bomb had gone off,” said Coral Springs resident Luis Hernandez, whose backyard fence was destroyed by falling wreckage. “When I ran out, I saw parts of the plane floating and fuel spreading across the water.” The Beechcraft King Air, a popular turboprop used for charter and relief missions, was reportedly carrying emergency supplies bound for Jamaica, which is recovering from widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The storm left hundreds displaced across the island after flooding and landslides over the weekend. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Early reports indicate that the aircraft experienced mechanical trouble shortly after departure. Divers from the Coral Springs Fire Department were deployed to recover debris and search for possible additional victims, but none were found. Authorities said no homes suffered major structural damage, though several properties sustained minor impact from debris and jet-fuel contamination. Environmental teams have been deployed to contain spillage from the wreckage site. FAA records show that the aircraft was registered to a private relief organization based in South Florida. Officials have yet to release the identities of the two victims pending notification of their families. As of Tuesday morning, investigators remained on scene, cordoning off the area while recovery crews removed fragmented fuselage sections from the pond. The NTSB is expected to release its preliminary findings within two weeks.

Aircraft Crashes

2 Killed as Relief Plane Carrying Hurricane Aid Crashes In Florida Neighborhood

Aviation Today News Desk / November 11, 2025

Florida, United States: A twin-engine Beechcraft King Air aircraft en route to Jamaica on a humanitarian relief mission crashed into

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has proposed new passenger-centric rules aimed at increasing transparency and flexibility in air travel. The draft policy includes a 48-hour free cancellation and amendment window and a stricter 21-day refund timeline for all flight bookings. According to the draft released by the DGCA, passengers will be allowed to cancel or modify their tickets within 48 hours of booking without paying any cancellation or change fee, provided that the scheduled departure is at least five days away for domestic flights and fifteen days for international flights. The proposed rules, currently open for stakeholder feedback, are designed to address frequent passenger complaints over steep cancellation fees, refund delays, and lack of transparency in ticket pricing. “This proposal aims to ensure greater transparency and passenger convenience by streamlining refund and cancellation processes,” DGCA Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai told The Times of India. Key Highlights of the Proposed Policy 48-Hour Free Cancellation: Passengers can cancel or modify flight bookings within two days of purchase without incurring airline-imposed penalties. Only fare differences, if applicable, will be charged. 21-Day Refund Deadline: Airlines will be required to process refunds within 21 working days, including tickets booked through travel agents or third-party portals. Transparency in Charges: Airlines must clearly disclose cancellation and rescheduling fees before ticket purchase and will not be allowed to impose additional “processing” or “administrative” fees. Refund of Taxes and Fees: Passengers cancelling unused or partially used tickets will be eligible for refunds on all applicable taxes, including user development and airport service charges. Medical and Emergency Cancellations: In the event of medical emergencies or death of a passenger, airlines will be encouraged to provide full refunds or offer credit shells without penalty. Applicability to Foreign Airlines: The DGCA clarified that these rules will also apply to foreign carriers operating flights to and from India, ensuring uniformity across operators. The move comes after growing dissatisfaction among travellers over high cancellation costs and delayed refunds, issues that surged during the pandemic period. Passenger-rights advocates have hailed the proposal as a progressive step toward improving consumer protection and restoring confidence in air travel. A senior airline executive, quoted by The Economic Times, said that while the policy may require operational adjustments, it will “ultimately help build passenger trust and promote advance bookings.” The DGCA has invited feedback from airlines, consumer bodies, and the public before finalising the rules. Once approved, the new provisions will be incorporated into the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3, Series M, Part IV, which governs refund and cancellation regulations in India. Industry experts believe the initiative could bring India’s aviation consumer policies closer to global standards followed in the United States and Europe, where passengers are entitled to flexible cancellations and prompt refunds.

Airlines

DGCA Proposes 48-Hour Free Cancellation Window And Faster Refunds For Air Travellers

Aviation Today News Desk / November 10, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has proposed new passenger-centric rules aimed at

Dagestan, Russia: A Russian Ka-226 light utility helicopter operated by Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant (KEMZ) crashed in the Republic of Dagestan on Friday, after catching fire mid-air, killing at least five people, including senior officials of the defense manufacturer. The helicopter, registered RA-19307, was flying from Kizlyar to Izberbash on November 7 when it reportedly caught fire while airborne near the village of Achi-Su, close to the Caspian Sea. videos circulating on Russian and international media show the aircraft’s tail section detaching as it spun uncontrollably before slamming into the ground and erupting into flames. According to a statement by the plant, the dead included KEMZ’s deputy general director, chief engineer, and chief designer. Two other employees who were initially reported injured also succumbed to their injuries, KEMZ, part of the Rostec defense conglomerate, manufactures the Ka-226 multipurpose helicopter used by Russian armed forces and civilian operators. Video evidence reviewed by multiple outlets shows the pilot struggling to stabilize the aircraft after its tail rotor failed mid-air. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter hover momentarily before the fuselage ignited and fell to the ground. The aircraft crashed into an unoccupied private house, causing no ground casualties, regional authorities confirmed. Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) classified the event as a “disaster” and opened an inquiry into possible violations of flight-safety regulations. The Investigative Committee of Russia has launched a separate criminal probe into potential breaches of airworthiness and maintenance procedures. Preliminary assessments suggest a mechanical or structural failure in the tail section may have triggered the inflight breakup. Experts also noted that ongoing sanctions have limited access to certain aviation components, raising maintenance and reliability concerns across several Russian aircraft fleets. The pilot appeared to have continued flight despite visible structural damage before attempting an emergency landing. Aviation analysts have called the decision “questionable,” given the apparent loss of tail-rotor control, which is critical for helicopter stability. The Kamov Ka-226 is a twin-engine, light utility helicopter designed for reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and transport missions. Known for its coaxial rotor configuration, the type has been in service since the late 1990s and is produced by KEMZ under license. The same model was previously involved in several non-fatal incidents linked to gearbox and rotor-system issues. Authorities have not yet released the flight data or cockpit voice recorders, and the investigation is expected to continue in coordination with Russia’s Interstate Aviation Committee.

Helicopter Crash

Five Dead As Russian Ka-226 Helicopter Breaks Apart And Crashes In Dagestan

Aviation Today News Desk / November 10, 2025

Dagestan, Russia: A Russian Ka-226 light utility helicopter operated by Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant (KEMZ) crashed in the Republic of Dagestan

Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Airways is losing millions of dollars every year because of bird strikes, which are happening more often and causing serious aircraft damage. The government is now taking new steps to reduce the problem around airports. Deputy Prime Minister and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka told Parliament that the airline reported 41 bird strike cases in 2024, compared with 33 in 2023 and 24 in 2022. Four Boeing 737 aircraft were grounded last year after bird strikes, costing the airline about US $19.2 million, while another engine incident this year caused an extra US $4.8 million loss. A major incident took place on October 9, 2025, when Fiji Airways flight FJ450 from Christchurch to Nadi hit a flock of pigeons during take-off. The impact damaged the aircraft’s nose, wings, and both engines. The pilots safely returned to Christchurch Airport. Industry data shows that bird strikes have already cost Fiji Airways more than US $8.4 million in 2024 alone. These costs include repairs, grounded aircraft, and flight delays. Fiji Airports has started a Wildlife Hazard Management Program to stop birds from gathering near runways. This includes mapping bird habitats within five kilometres of airports, using bird deterrent systems, and training airport staff to handle wildlife safely. A new National Wildlife Hazard Management Committee has also been set up to bring together airport operators, environment officials, and local governments. The committee will coordinate actions to reduce bird strike risks across the country. Minister Gavoka said poor waste management, open drains, and fruit trees near airports attract birds. He urged local councils to improve waste control and restrict land use that encourages bird activity. “Safety is our top priority,” Gavoka told Parliament. “We must protect our people and our aircraft from unnecessary danger.” Experts say Fiji’s geography makes bird strikes harder to prevent, as many airports are close to the coast and farmland. Open garbage areas and food waste around Nadi and Nausori airports also draw more birds. Bird strikes usually happen during take-off or landing, when planes are flying low. Even small birds can cause major damage if they hit engines or wings. Authorities are now looking at advanced tools such as bird-detection radar, sound-based deterrents, and public education programs to reduce the risk. Communities living near airports will be asked to help by keeping waste areas clean and avoiding bird feeding near flight paths. Despite the losses, Fiji Airways says safety standards remain high and no passengers or crew have been injured in recent incidents. However, officials agree the issue needs urgent attention to protect both passengers and aircraft.

Airlines

Fiji Airways Hit By Surge In Bird Strikes, $19M In Damages And Aircraft Grounded

Aviation Today News Desk / November 10, 2025

Nadi, Fiji: Fiji Airways is losing millions of dollars every year because of bird strikes, which are happening more often

Kuwait City, Kuwait: A Kuwait Airways flight bound for Manila was delayed early Friday morning after the aircraft encountered a minor technical malfunction while taxiing for departure at Kuwait International Airport (KWI), authorities confirmed. The incident involved Kuwait Airways Flight KU417, a scheduled service from Kuwait City to Manila. The aircraft suffered a braking system malfunction shortly before takeoff. The fault reportedly caused a brief halt in aircraft movement on the taxiway but did not lead to any injuries or fire onboard. “The situation was brought under control quickly, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew,” Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) said in an official statement. “The technical teams carried out immediate safety checks, and the aircraft was secured in accordance with international aviation protocols.” Airport ground crews, fire services, and airline maintenance teams responded promptly to the alert. The aircraft, which had 284 passengers onboard, was towed back to the gate area for inspection. Passengers were deboarded safely and provided refreshments while Kuwait Airways arranged an alternate aircraft to operate the route. A replacement aircraft later departed Kuwait for Manila around 12:20 p.m. local time, several hours after the initial schedule. The airline confirmed that no flight operations or other services at the airport were affected by the incident. The Public Authority for Civil Aviation – Kuwait (PACA) has initiated a standard investigation to determine the cause of the malfunction. Preliminary findings suggest a mechanical issue in the braking system, but officials emphasized that it posed no threat to flight safety. PACA reaffirmed that all safety procedures were executed without delay, adding that the aircraft’s crew followed prescribed emergency checklists effectively. “Passenger safety is our foremost priority. Incidents of this nature are handled in accordance with international standards and in coordination with Kuwait Airways’ engineering division,” the authority said. Kuwait Airways stated that its engineering and safety teams are carrying out detailed inspections on the affected aircraft before returning it to service. The airline added that passengers who missed connecting flights were rebooked and assisted at Kuwait International Airport’s customer service desk. Operations across Kuwait Airways’ regional network reportedly continued without disruption. Aviation tracking services showed regular departures from KWI through the day. The aircraft involved remains grounded pending engineering clearance and PACA certification. No further issues or related incidents have been reported.

Incidents

Kuwait Airways Flight To Manila Delayed After A Technical Incident At Kuwait Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / November 8, 2025

Kuwait City, Kuwait: A Kuwait Airways flight bound for Manila was delayed early Friday morning after the aircraft encountered a

aviation news

Mother Sues Qatar Airways For $5M Over Alleged Negligence In Child’s Allergy Case

DGCA To Introduce Competency-Based Training Framework For Cabin Crew Across Airlines

All 20 Onboard Killed As Turkish Military C-130 Cargo Plane Crashes In Eastern Georgia

SpiceJet Mumbai–Kolkata Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing After Engine Failure

Singapore To Roll Out Sustainable Aviation Fuel Levy On Flights From 2026

2 Killed as Relief Plane Carrying Hurricane Aid Crashes In Florida Neighborhood

DGCA Proposes 48-Hour Free Cancellation Window And Faster Refunds For Air Travellers

Five Dead As Russian Ka-226 Helicopter Breaks Apart And Crashes In Dagestan

Fiji Airways Hit By Surge In Bird Strikes, $19M In Damages And Aircraft Grounded

Kuwait Airways Flight To Manila Delayed After A Technical Incident At Kuwait Airport

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