aviation news Archives - Page 15 of 78

New Delhi, India: Thousands of aviation employees at SpiceJet, including a significant number of pilots, continue to face salary delays stretching back several months as the financially troubled airline seeks emergency government-backed funding to stabilize operations and restore cash flow. According to internal communications reviewed by Reuters, many SpiceJet pilots have not received full salary payments since March 2026, highlighting the severity of the airline's ongoing liquidity challenges. The issue has sparked growing concerns among employees, some of whom reportedly struggle to meet daily expenses and financial commitments. SpiceJet employed approximately 375 pilots as of March 2026, and internal discussions reviewed by Reuters indicate that salary payments have remained pending for several months for many of them. Communications from a pilots' WhatsApp group involving more than 180 members revealed growing frustration over delayed wages. In one message dated May 26, SpiceJet's Senior Vice President of Flight Operations, Virendra Malhotra, acknowledged the difficulties faced by employees due to delayed salary disbursements and indicated that the remaining portion of February salaries would be released shortly. Pilots subsequently sought clarity regarding payments for March, April, and May salaries, which remained outstanding at the time. Several employees reportedly stated that delayed payments had created financial hardship, forcing some to seek assistance from family members and friends to manage essential expenses. SpiceJet acknowledged that salary disbursements had been delayed but stated that employee payments were being released in phases. According to the airline, a majority of employees had already received March salaries, while efforts continued to clear outstanding dues. The carrier maintained that employee payments remained a priority and that all obligations would be honored. As it attempts to navigate the crisis, SpiceJet is actively pursuing funding under India's Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS). The government-backed program allows eligible airlines to access seven-year guaranteed loans of up to ₹1,500 crore ($157.2 million USD). Reports also indicate that SpiceJet has sought additional funding of approximately ₹2,000 crore ($210 million USD) under the scheme as it attempts to strengthen liquidity and support day-to-day operations. The airline said it expects business conditions to normalize over the coming months and described the funding effort as part of broader measures aimed at restoring operational stability. SpiceJet's current financial stress stems from a combination of long-term and recent challenges. The airline was India's second-largest domestic carrier in 2019, commanding roughly 15% of the market. However, its market share has since declined dramatically to approximately 3.4%, placing it fourth among Indian airlines.. The airline has reported annual losses almost every year since 2019, with the exception of FY2024-25, when it posted a small profit largely driven by one-time gains from settlements with aircraft lessors. SpiceJet currently operates an active fleet of approximately 21 aircraft. The carrier declined scheduled flights from 4,494 flights in January 2026 to 3,053 flights in May 2026, according to aviation analytics firm OAG. The airline's financial struggles have also weighed heavily on investor confidence, with its share price reportedly falling around 60% during 2026. At least two aircraft lessors have reportedly issued payment default notices to the airline this year, reflecting continuing concerns about its financial position. Despite the challenges, SpiceJet has taken steps to expand available capacity. The airline recently returned a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to commercial service and finalized lease arrangements for three Airbus A320 aircraft scheduled to join the fleet in July. Management says the additional aircraft are intended to help meet passenger demand and support operational recovery.

SpiceJet Employees Face Months Of Salary Delays As Airline Seeks Emergency Funding

Aviation Today News Desk / June 12, 2026

New Delhi, India: Thousands of aviation employees at SpiceJet, including a significant number of pilots, continue to face salary delays […]

Marília, Brazil: Two pilots were killed and a third occupant was seriously injured after a twin-engine aircraft crashed onto a football field shortly after takeoff from Marília Airport in the Brazilian state of São Paulo on Wednesday, June 10, authorities said. The accident involved a Beechcraft Baron 58, registration PT-MDB, which departed Frank Miloye Milenkovich Airport in Marília at approximately 11:13 a.m. local time. According to local authorities and airport operator Rede Voa, the aircraft was conducting a test flight and was expected to return to the airport after departure. Moments after takeoff, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into the football field of the Associação Atlética Banco do Brasil (AABB), located adjacent to the airport perimeter. Witnesses reported a post-impact fire, and emergency crews from the Fire Department, Civil Defense and the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) responded to the scene. Two occupants were found dead in the wreckage. Brazilian media identified the victims as pilots Henrique Guariente and Gabriel Maloni. A third occupant, identified in local reports as 28-year-old pilot Pablo, survived the crash and was transported to the Hospital das Clínicas in Marília with serious injuries. Authorities said no injuries were reported on the ground despite the aircraft crashing into a sports facility. Images from the scene showed the aircraft heavily damaged and engulfed in flames following the impact. According to data from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), the Beechcraft Baron 58 was manufactured in 1985 and was in normal airworthy condition at the time of the accident. The aircraft carried registration PT-MDB and was listed in the Brazilian Aeronautical Registry as authorized for private operations. Preliminary flight-tracking information indicated that the aircraft remained in the vicinity of the airport after departure and reportedly performed several turns before the crash. However, investigators have not determined whether those maneuvers were related to the accident sequence. The cause of the crash has not yet been established. Brazilian aviation authorities are expected to examine the aircraft wreckage, maintenance records, operational history and witness accounts as part of the investigation. Officials emphasized that any conclusions regarding mechanical failure, pilot actions, weather conditions or other contributing factors would be premature until investigators complete their analysis.

Aircraft Crashes

2 Killed, 1 Injured After Beechcraft Crashes Near Marília Airport During Test Flight

Aviation Today News Desk / June 11, 2026

Marília, Brazil: Two pilots were killed and a third occupant was seriously injured after a twin-engine aircraft crashed onto a

lymouth, United States: Two people were injured after a small amphibious aircraft crashed at Plymouth Municipal Airport in New Hampshire on Monday afternoon, prompting an emergency response and the launch of an investigation into the accident. According to local broadcaster WMUR, emergency crews were dispatched to the airport shortly before 4 p.m. local time following reports of an aircraft crash on airport property. The two occupants aboard the aircraft survived the accident and were transported for medical treatment. Authorities have not released details regarding the extent of their injuries. The aircraft involved was a CubCrafters CC19-215 NXCub, registration N69NX. The aircraft was equipped with floats, allowing it to operate from both conventional runways and water surfaces.The aircraft is owned by Sonoma Valley LLC. Officials have not disclosed the identities of the occupants, the purpose of the flight, or whether the aircraft was arriving at or departing from Plymouth Municipal Airport at the time of the accident. The flight's origin and intended destination also remain unknown. The circumstances surrounding the crash have not been released, and investigators have yet to determine what caused the aircraft to go down. No information has been provided regarding possible weather-related, mechanical, operational or other contributing factors. The accident remains under investigation, with additional details expected to be released as authorities gather evidence and examine the aircraft. Federal aviation investigators are expected to review the wreckage, flight information and other available evidence as part of the inquiry. The CubCrafters NXCub is a modern utility aircraft designed for backcountry and recreational flying. When fitted with floats, the aircraft can operate from both land and water, making it popular among private owners and adventure pilots. No fatalities were reported in the accident.

Aircraft Crashes

2 Injured After Small Aircraft Crashes At Plymouth Municipal Airport In New Hampshire

Aviation Today News Desk / June 10, 2026

Plymouth, United States: Two people were injured after a small amphibious aircraft crashed at Plymouth Municipal Airport in New Hampshire

New Delhi, India: Air India has referred a passenger to its internal committee for possible inclusion on the airline's no-fly list after he allegedly damaged an aircraft window during a domestic flight from Chandigarh to Delhi. The incident occurred onboard Air India flight AI1879 on June 7 while the aircraft was preparing to land in Delhi. According to airline and airport officials, the passenger broke the inner pane of a cabin window despite repeated warnings from the crew during the flight. Officials familiar with the matter said cabin crew members issued multiple verbal and written warnings after noticing the passenger's behaviour. However, the passenger allegedly ignored the instructions and continued the actions that ultimately resulted in damage to the inner window pane. Following the incident, the cockpit crew implemented standard operating procedures and informed security personnel at Delhi airport before arrival. After the aircraft landed safely, the passenger was handed over to airport security and other concerned authorities for further action. Confirming the occurrence, Air India said flight AI1879 landed safely in Delhi and that the airline's established procedures for handling disruptive passengers were followed throughout the event. The airline stated that the cockpit crew reported the matter to the security team after issuing warnings to the passenger and emphasized that the safety of passengers, crew members and the aircraft was never compromised at any stage of the flight. Air India further said the passenger was transferred to security agencies upon arrival and that the incident had been reported to the aviation regulator. Reiterating its policy on onboard misconduct, the airline stated that it maintains zero tolerance toward behaviour that could affect the safety and security of passengers, crew or aircraft operations. According to airport officials, the passenger initially displayed an aggressive attitude and remained dismissive of repeated instructions from cabin crew members. However, officials said he began repeatedly apologising after being handed over to security personnel following the flight's arrival in Delhi. The passenger has been identified only as a resident of Patna, with authorities withholding further personal details. The case has now been referred to Air India's internal committee, which will determine whether the individual should be officially classified as an unruly passenger under India's Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). The committee will also decide whether a flying ban should be imposed. Under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's 2017 regulations governing unruly passenger behaviour, airlines must refer such incidents to an internal committee that is required to reach a decision within 30 days. Pending the committee's findings, an airline may impose a temporary flying ban of up to 30 days. Depending on the severity of the offence, passengers found guilty of disruptive conduct may face longer restrictions under the DGCA's no-fly framework. Authorities have not disclosed the reason behind the passenger's actions, and no evidence has emerged suggesting any broader security threat to the flight. The matter remains under review and further action will depend on the findings of Air India's internal committee.

Incidents

Air India Flyer May Face No-Fly Ban After Damaging Window On Chandigarh-Delhi Flight

Aviation Today News Desk / June 10, 2026

New Delhi, India: Air India has referred a passenger to its internal committee for possible inclusion on the airline’s no-fly

Belgrade, Serbia: Low-cost carrier Wizz Air has launched an unprecedented public attack on Serbian authorities, alleging that newly adopted aviation regulations are designed to force the airline to shut down its Belgrade base from November 2026, a move it says would violate European aviation agreements, reduce competition, and threaten jobs. In a strongly worded statement released on June 3, Wizz Air claimed that Serbian authorities are attempting to introduce measures that would effectively prevent foreign airlines from maintaining base operations in the country unless they are Serbian operators. The airline argues that the changes amount to a protectionist policy intended to shield state-backed national carrier Air Serbia from competition. According to Wizz Air, the proposed measures would make it impossible for the airline to continue operating its Belgrade base under its current business model despite having maintained a presence in Serbia for more than 15 years. The airline said it has invested hundreds of millions of euros in Serbia since launching operations in 2010 and has carried more than 14 million passengers to and from the country. Wizz Air currently operates 29 routes linking Belgrade with 26 destinations across 10 countries and maintains one of the largest low-cost carrier networks in the Serbian market. Wizz Air warned that the closure of its Belgrade base would result in the loss of more than 150 direct jobs while also impacting thousands of positions indirectly supported through tourism, hospitality, airport services, and related sectors. The carrier further argued that Serbian travelers would face fewer direct flight options, reduced connectivity, diminished consumer choice, and potentially higher airfares if the measures are implemented. "The measures they plan to use against Wizz Air are illegal," the airline's Chief Corporate Officer, Owain Jones, said in comments accompanying the statement. He accused Serbian authorities of engaging in discriminatory practices and called for the preservation of fair and transparent market conditions for all airlines operating in the country. Central to Wizz Air's argument is the European Common Aviation Area (ECAA) Agreement, often referred to as the "Open Skies" framework, which provides participating countries and airlines with market access rights and seeks to ensure fair competition across European aviation markets. The airline contends that the Serbian government's actions represent a direct breach of the country's obligations under the ECAA Agreement and undermine principles designed to foster competition and connectivity within Europe. Wizz Air has urged Serbian authorities to withdraw the measures and has called on European institutions to intervene. The carrier said it expects Serbia, as an EU candidate country and signatory to international aviation agreements, to uphold its commitments and ensure equal treatment for all operators. The dispute comes at a time of intensifying competition between Wizz Air and Air Serbia at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport. Over the past year, both airlines have expanded their networks and increasingly launched competing services on several routes from the Serbian capital. Serbian authorities, however, have rejected Wizz Air's allegations. The Civil Aviation Directorate of the Republic of Serbia has stated that the newly adopted rulebook does not revoke any airline's traffic rights and applies equally to all carriers operating in the country. Officials maintain that the changes are regulatory in nature and do not prevent foreign airlines from serving Serbia or opening new routes in accordance with existing international agreements. Despite those assurances, questions remain over whether foreign carriers will be able to continue maintaining aircraft bases in Serbia under the revised framework. For now, Wizz Air says it remains committed to its Serbian operations and passengers but warns that unless the measures are reversed, its Belgrade base could face closure later this year, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape at one of the Balkans' fastest-growing aviation hubs.

Airlines

Wizz Air Threatens Belgrade Base Exit, Accuses Serbia Of Protecting Air Serbia

Aviation Today News Desk / June 9, 2026

Belgrade, Serbia: Low-cost carrier Wizz Air has launched an unprecedented public attack on Serbian authorities, alleging that newly adopted aviation

Austin, United States: A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 operating a scheduled flight from Austin, Texas, to Phoenix, Arizona, returned to its departure airport shortly after takeoff after the flight crew reported a problem with one of the aircraft's engines. The incident occurred on June 4, 2026, involving Southwest Flight WN375. According to available flight information, the 21-year-old Boeing 737 departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at approximately 11:53 a.m. local time and initially climbed to about 13,000 feet while en route to Phoenix. During the climb, the pilots reported issues with the aircraft's right-hand engine and requested a return to Austin. The crew did not immediately land because weather conditions in the Austin area required the aircraft to remain airborne while awaiting a suitable opportunity to return. The aircraft descended to a lower altitude and remained in the vicinity of the airport before being cleared for approach. The Boeing 737 landed safely back at Austin approximately 40 minutes after departure. Following the landing, emergency personnel conducted an inspection of the aircraft on the runway as a precautionary measure. No fire was detected and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. After receiving clearance from airport emergency responders, the aircraft taxied back to the terminal under its own power, where passengers disembarked normally. A subsequent inspection identified damage to the right engine. The U.S. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later confirmed that investigators found "metal debris and damage to the right engine." Authorities have not disclosed the source of the debris, and the cause of the engine malfunction remains under investigation. Reports indicate that the flight crew did not receive an engine fire warning during the event, suggesting the problem may have been detected through abnormal engine indications, vibrations, performance parameters, or physical evidence rather than an onboard fire alert. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-700, one of the older variants in Southwest Airlines' fleet. The jet is reported to be approximately 21 years old. The FAA has opened an investigation into the occurrence. As of the latest available information, the aircraft remained out of service pending further inspection and maintenance actions. No injuries were reported

Incidents

Southwest Returns To Austin After Engine Problem; FAA Finds Metal Debris In Right Engine

Aviation Today News Desk / June 6, 2026

Austin, United States: A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 operating a scheduled flight from Austin, Texas, to Phoenix, Arizona, returned to

Aircraft Crashes

2 Taiwanese Air Force Pilots Killed In Trainer Aircraft Crash During Training Exercise

Aviation Today News Desk / June 2, 2026

Kaohsiung, Taiwan: Two veteran Taiwanese Air Force pilots were killed after a Beechcraft T-34C Turbo Mentor training aircraft crashed during

Hyderabad, India: A disruption occurred on May 31 when an IndiGo flight scheduled to operate from Hyderabad to Nagpur was cancelled before departure after a technical fault was detected. The cancellation also affected the corresponding return service from Nagpur to Hyderabad. The airline has not released details regarding the specific technical issue involved in the cancellation, nor has it disclosed the number of passengers affected. The affected travelers were offered assistance and accommodated on alternate flight arrangements. In a separate incident an IndiGo aircraft en route from Bengaluru to Nagpur made a precautionary landing at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport after the flight crew reported a technical snag while the aircraft was airborne. The incident occurred on May 29 when an IndiGo flight operating from Bengaluru to Nagpur was forced to divert to Hyderabad after pilots detected a suspected technical malfunction during the flight. The aircraft, carrying 126 passengers, landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, where emergency services were placed on standby as a precaution. According to officials, the crew followed standard operating procedures and elected to divert the aircraft to Hyderabad after identifying the issue. All passengers and crew members remained safe, and no injuries were reported. While the exact nature of the technical problem has not been disclosed, local reports indicated that the fault was rectified the same day. However, the aircraft reportedly remained in Hyderabad for further inspection and operational checks. IndiGo had not issued a detailed public statement identifying the causes of technical fault. The incidents did not result in any injuries, and both were handled in accordance with established aviation safety procedures.

Incidents

Two IndiGo Flights Hit By Technical Issues In 3 Days, One Cancelled And One Diverted

Aviation Today News Desk / June 1, 2026

Hyderabad, India: A disruption occurred on May 31 when an IndiGo flight scheduled to operate from Hyderabad to Nagpur was

Georgia, United States: A newlywed groom and a helicopter pilot were killed when a helicopter carrying three people crashed in a remote wooded area of North Georgia shortly after departing a wedding venue late Friday night, while the bride survived with injuries, according to family members, company officials and authorities. The couple were Indian-origin Malayalis from families with roots in Kerala. The crash occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on May 29 near Mt. Vernon Drive in Dawson County, southwest of Dawsonville. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Robinson R66 helicopter carrying three occupants. Family members identified one of the victims as 25-year-old groom Dave Fiji, who had celebrated his wedding only hours before the accident. The surviving passenger has been identified by relatives and local reports as his bride, Jesni Sam. The identity of the pilot has not yet been officially released by authorities. According to investigators, the helicopter had departed from a North Georgia wedding venue and was returning from a late-night flight when it went down in heavily wooded terrain. The aircraft was owned and operated by Prestige Helicopters, an Atlanta-area helicopter company. Emergency crews from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Fire and EMS responded after receiving reports of a possible downed aircraft. The rugged location of the wreckage significantly complicated rescue efforts. Residents near the crash site said first responders were forced to cut through dense forest to access the area. One local resident told television reporters that crews used off-road vehicles and chainsaws to reach the wreckage, while the survivor was not recovered for several hours due to the challenging terrain. Officials confirmed that two occupants died at the scene while the female survivor was transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities have not publicly disclosed details regarding the extent of her injuries. Prestige Helicopters Director of Operations Andy Whitaker confirmed that the crashed helicopter belonged to the company. Whitaker described the accident as unprecedented in the company's history, stating that Prestige Helicopters had maintained a clean safety record for approximately four decades before the fatal crash. Whitaker also said the pilot was familiar with the route and had flown it numerous times previously. While investigators have not determined the cause of the accident, weather conditions are emerging as one area of focus in the early stages of the investigation. Radar data from local weather coverage indicated rain and thunderstorms moving across portions of Dawson County between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday. Witnesses also reported fog in the area around the time of the crash. Prestige Helicopters' operating guidelines state that flights require at least six miles of visibility and a cloud ceiling above 600 feet, and the company does not operate flights during electrical storms or significant wind conditions. At this stage, neither the FAA nor the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has identified weather as the cause of the accident. Investigators have emphasized that no conclusions have been reached and that the crash remains under investigation. The NTSB is expected to examine weather data, flight tracks, aircraft maintenance records, pilot qualifications, operational procedures and wreckage evidence. The helicopter will be moved to a secure facility for further examination. Federal investigators are also reviewing radar information, air traffic communications and witness accounts as they work to establish the sequence of events leading up to the crash. A preliminary NTSB report is expected within a few weeks, though a final determination of the probable cause could take months or longer.

Helicopter Crash

Newlywed Groom And Pilot Killed In Georgia Helicopter Crash; Bride Survives

Aviation Today News Desk / June 1, 2026

Georgia, United States: A newlywed groom and a helicopter pilot were killed when a helicopter carrying three people crashed in

IndiGo

IndiGo Posts ₹2,537Cr Quarter 4 Loss Amid Forex Hit, Higher Fuel Costs & Disruptions

Aviation Today News Desk / May 31, 2026

New Delhi, India: InterGlobe Aviation, the parent company of India’s largest airline, IndiGo, reported a consolidated net loss of ₹2,536.9

aviation news

SpiceJet Employees Face Months Of Salary Delays As Airline Seeks Emergency Funding

2 Killed, 1 Injured After Beechcraft Crashes Near Marília Airport During Test Flight

2 Injured After Small Aircraft Crashes At Plymouth Municipal Airport In New Hampshire

Air India Flyer May Face No-Fly Ban After Damaging Window On Chandigarh-Delhi Flight

Wizz Air Threatens Belgrade Base Exit, Accuses Serbia Of Protecting Air Serbia

Southwest Returns To Austin After Engine Problem; FAA Finds Metal Debris In Right Engine

2 Taiwanese Air Force Pilots Killed In Trainer Aircraft Crash During Training Exercise

Two IndiGo Flights Hit By Technical Issues In 3 Days, One Cancelled And One Diverted

Newlywed Groom And Pilot Killed In Georgia Helicopter Crash; Bride Survives

IndiGo Posts ₹2,537Cr Quarter 4 Loss Amid Forex Hit, Higher Fuel Costs & Disruptions

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