aviation news Archives - Page 16 of 46

Qatar Airways Group Appoints Hamad Ali Al-Khater As New Group Chief Executive Officer

Aviation Today News Desk / December 10, 2025

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways Group has announced the appointment of Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, […]

Ivanovo, Russia: A Russian military transport aircraft of the An-22 type crashed on Tuesday, 9 December during a test flight, killing all personnel onboard, according to official sources. The aircraft went down near the village of Ivankovo, in the central Ivanovo Region, northeast of Moscow. The crash occurred during what the Russian Ministry of Defence described as a “post-repair test flight”. The An-22, a heavy-lift turboprop transport aircraft in service with the Russian Armed Forces was reportedly undergoing maintenance before the flight. According to preliminary statements from emergency services and the ministry, there were seven people onboard at the time of the crash. Rescue crews and a commission from the Russian Aerospace Forces have been dispatched to the site. Investigators have already launched a probe, reportedly focused on possible violations of flight-preparation or maintenance protocols. Within hours of the accident, the Russian Investigative Committee confirmed that all 7 members onboard were killed. Witnesses and some media reports claim the An-22 “began to disintegrate mid-air,” with wreckage falling into or near the nearby waterbody, identified as the Uvod Reservoir. Officials earlier emphasised that the crash occurred in an “uninhabited area,” reducing the risk of casualties on the ground. The An-22 is a heavy-lift military transport aircraft developed in the 1960s and used by the Soviet Union, later by Russia, for moving large equipment, oversized cargo or personnel. Over the decades, many An-22s have been retired and as of 2025, the particular aircraft that crashed was reportedly among the last of its kind still in active service. Given its role and significance, the loss of this aircraft is not just a tragic accident but a blow to Russia’s heavy-lift transport capacity. Russia’s older military fleet, especially transport aircraft, has come under increasing strain, a situation exacerbated by increased operational demands. The An-22 crash is the latest in a series of accidents involving Russian military transport aircraft. In 2024, another transport aircraft the Ilyushin Il-76 crashed in the same Ivanovo Region, killing all 15 on board. Some analysts attribute this rise in accidents to a combination of factors: aging aircraft, maintenance challenges under international sanctions, and increased tempo of military flights.

Aircraft Crashes

Russian An-22 Military Transport Plane Crashes In Test Flight, All 7 Onboard Killed

Aviation Today News Desk / December 10, 2025

Ivanovo, Russia: A Russian military transport aircraft of the An-22 type crashed on Tuesday, 9 December during a test flight,

Washington, United States: The U.S. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has officially waived the final US$ 11 million payment of a civil penalty previously imposed on Southwest Airlines in connection with its mass-flight cancellations during the 2022 holiday travel period. In December 2022, during a severe winter storm, Southwest cancelled nearly 17,000 flights, leaving over 2 million passengers stranded across the United States. The airline’s crew-rescheduling and operations control systems collapsed under pressure. In December 2023, after a formal investigation, DOT imposed a record-breaking US$ 140 million civil penalty on the airline, the largest fine ever issued by the agency to a U.S. carrier for consumer-protection violations. The settlement included US$ 35 million payable to the U.S. Treasury, with the balance to be covered through credits and compensation to affected customers. Southwest had already made two payments of US$ 12 million each in early 2024 and early 2025. The remaining US$ 11 million was scheduled for payment by January 31, 2026. In its updated consent order, DOT cited “significantly improved on-time performance and completion factor” demonstrated by Southwest, attributing this turnaround to the airline’s substantial investments in modernizing its operations. According to DOT, these improvements justified crediting the remaining US$ 11 million rather than demanding payment. Southwest reportedly invested more than US$ 1 billion since the 2022 crisis to upgrade its internal systems, enhance crew scheduling and tracking capabilities, and overhaul its network operations. DOT said the waiver is in the “public interest,” arguing that incentivising airlines to improve reliability and resilience ultimately benefits consumers more than simply collecting a monetary penalty. In a statement, Southwest expressed gratitude, noting that the last two years saw an “operational turnaround” that delivered better on-time performance and lower cancellation rates, directly benefiting passengers.

Airlines

DOT Waives Southwest’s Final US$11M Penalty After 2022 Mass-Flight Cancellations

Aviation Today News Desk / December 9, 2025

Washington, United States: The U.S. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has officially waived the final US$ 11 million payment of

Edinburg, United Kingdom: A British Airways flight from Edinburgh to London Heathrow was forced to declare an emergency shortly after takeoff, after pilots discovered a landing‑gear fault on 8 December. The incident disrupted operations at Edinburgh Airport and triggered the temporary suspension of all flights. Flight BA1443, operating an Airbus A320 (registration G‑EUUI), took off from Edinburgh’s Runway 24 at approximately 11:13 GMT on Monday morning. According to tracking data and air‑traffic sources, the flight crew soon identified that the aircraft’s landing gear could not be fully retracted. They issued a “7700” squawk the general‑emergency code then held at altitude around 6,500 feet while troubleshooting. The aircraft circled near the Stirling area for roughly 30–40 minutes before returning to Edinburgh. It landed safely at around 12:20 GMT. Upon landing, the aircraft came to a stop on Edinburgh’s only operational runway and remained immobilised due to the landing‑gear problem. As a result, the airport suspended all arrivals and departures until the aircraft could be towed off and the runway inspected and cleared. During the shutdown, flights from other carriers including easyJet, Ryanair and Lufthansa were delayed or diverted, creating a ripple effect of disruption across the airport’s schedule. Passengers aboard BA1443 were safely evacuated, they were transported back to the terminal via coaches. In a statement, British Airways confirmed the flight’s safe return, “The aircraft returned to Edinburgh Airport safely after our pilots identified a technical issue after take‑off.” The airline added it is working to minimise disruption for affected customers. Edinburgh Airport said that safety remained its top priority. After the aircraft was towed off the runway and hydraulic fluid cleared, normal operations resumed. The airport thanked passengers for their patience and the response teams for their swift action.

Incidents

British Airways A320 Declares Emergency After Gear Fault; Edinburgh Airport Stops Flights

Aviation Today News Desk / December 9, 2025

Edinburg, United Kingdom: A British Airways flight from Edinburgh to London Heathrow was forced to declare an emergency shortly after

Seoni, India: A training aircraft belonging to Redbird Flight Training Academy crashed on Monday evening after its wing struck a 33 kV high-voltage power line near Sukatra village, in the Kurai police-station area of Seoni district. According to police, the incident occurred around 6:25–6:30 pm, roughly 2 km from the Suktara airstrip, as the aircraft was preparing to land. Eyewitness accounts describe sparks and a loud explosion as the plane’s wing contacted the line, after which the aircraft plunged into a nearby field. Authorities identified those on board as the instructor pilot Ajit Anthony and trainee pilot Ashok Chawda. Both sustained injuries and were taken to a private hospital in Barapathar. Officials say they are “out of danger.” Local police and power-company staff, aided by villagers, rescued the two pilots from the wreckage soon after the crash. A preliminary probe indicates that the aircraft may have suffered a “technical snag,” possibly an engine malfunction, causing it to lose power as it descended. The wing then struck the overhead power line of the Badalpar Substation, triggering the crash. The impact caused the 33 kV line to snap, immediately tripping the electricity supply. Roughly 80–90 villages around the substations reportedly experienced a blackout, and repair crews have been deployed to restore power to the affected areas. The district police have launched an official investigation to ascertain the precise cause of the crash. It remains uncertain whether pilot error, mechanical failure, or a combination of factors led to the collision. Final determination will await the outcome of the inquiry. So far, there have been no fatalities. Residents near the Suktara airstrip, however, expressed deep concern, noting that this was not the first incident involving a training aircraft in the area. Earlier in May 2025, a training aircraft operated by Redbird Aviation Pvt. Ltd. overturned during landing at the Suktara airstrip in Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh. The flight was being conducted solo by a trainee pilot. Initial reports attribute the incident to a faulty landing. Fortunately, the trainee escaped without injury and there was no fire. Months later on August 9, 2025 again a trainer aircraft of Redbird Flight Training Centre crash-landed near Baramati Airport in Pune district. During a routine training sortie at around 8 a.m., the trainee pilot realised one of the aircraft’s tyres was damaged. Upon touchdown, the front wheel detached and the aircraft veered off the taxiway, crossing to the far side of the airfield. Despite the abrupt landing and loss of the wheel, the pilot escaped unhurt.

Aircraft Crashes

Redbird Training Aircraft Crashes Near Seoni After Hitting High-Voltage Line; 2 Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / December 9, 2025

Seoni, India: A training aircraft belonging to Redbird Flight Training Academy crashed on Monday evening after its wing struck a

New Delhi, India: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is gearing up for a record-scale pilot recruitment drive to meet the February 10 DGCA deadline under revised flight duty regulations, following a surge in flight cancellations due to operational strain. Pilot Availability and Recruitment Plan For its Airbus fleet, IndiGo reported 2,357 captains and 2,194 first officers as of December. The airline plans to bolster its crew numbers in the coming months as follows: By end-December 2025: 25 captains and 35 first officers January 2026: 28 captains and 35 first officers By February 10, 2026: 15 captains and 20 first officers This recruitment would raise the total to 2,425 captains and 2,284 first officers by the February compliance date. As per its FY25 annual report, IndiGo had 5,456 pilots in total, including captains and first officers. India’s civil-aviation regulator, DGCA, has granted a one-time relaxation of certain night-duty and crew-rest provisions under the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms to help stabilize operations after hundreds of flight cancellations last week by IndiGo. The relaxation, valid until 10 February 2026, covers night-flying limits and allows leave to count as part of weekly rest periods. The disruption began after the second phase of FDTL norms took effect on 1 November 2025, introducing stricter duty-hour caps, night-flying restrictions, and extended weekly rest measures to reduce pilot fatigue and improve safety. Airlines struggled with roster planning and crew availability under the new rules, leading to widespread cancellations. Thousands of passengers at major airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad faced delays, long queues, and frustration. Airlines warned disruptions would continue for a few more days and began scaling down operations from 8 December to restore normal service. To manage crew shortages, IndiGo announced it would cancel 300–400 flights daily between 5 and 8 December to reset its roster, followed by a revised schedule from 10 to 31 December. Analysts have flagged that the scale and speed of recruitment may be difficult to achieve. Elara Securities estimates IndiGo may need to hire at least 900 pilots to comply fully by February. “Meeting this target could be challenging, as poaching talent is difficult due to long notice periods, six months for co-pilots and 12 months for captains,” said Gagan Dixit, Senior Vice President at Elara Securities. Mark D Martin, CEO of Martin Consulting, added that immediate availability remains a key constraint, noting that foreign pilot hiring requires a minimum of three months for regulatory clearances. IndiGo operates 417 aircraft, including A320s, ATRs, a Boeing jet on wet lease, and freighters. Nearly 40 A320 aircraft remain grounded due to engine issues with Pratt & Whitney, reducing the effective A320 fleet to about 325 aircraft. These aircraft are flown for about 14 hours daily, significantly higher than the industry norm of 8.5 hours. At this utilisation, IndiGo requires 17 pilot-and-copilot sets per aircraft, versus the usual 14. Martin Consulting estimates the crew requirement at 5,525, while DGCA filings show 4,551 crew available in December, a shortfall of 974 pilots. IndiGo operates with 2.5 pilots per departure, compared to 5.4 pilots for Air India and Akasa Air. This reflects both IndiGo’s fleet concentration on narrow-body A320s and higher aircraft utilisation. The airline’s heavy reliance on high-utilisation A320 operations means that each additional flying hour amplifies its pilot requirement. With nearly 40 aircraft grounded, IndiGo is attempting to maintain schedules with fewer pilots, compounding the challenge just as night-operation curbs tighten. Analysts warn that bridging the gap will require aggressive recruitment, expedited training, and regulatory approvals, all while maintaining operational safety.

Airlines

IndiGo To Hire 900 Pilots In Record Drive Ahead Of DGCA Night-Flight Deadline

Aviation Today News Desk / December 8, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is gearing up for a record-scale pilot recruitment drive to meet the February

Toronto, Canada: Air Transat is facing potential major flight disruptions after the union representing its pilots issued a 72‑hour strike notice, signaling a possible work stoppage starting Wednesday, December 10. The development comes amid ongoing negotiations over a new collective agreement and raises concerns for travelers ahead of the busy holiday season. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents Air Transat pilots, said negotiations have stalled despite nearly a year of bargaining. Union representatives cite unresolved issues surrounding pay, job security, working conditions, and quality-of-life improvements as the core reasons for the planned strike. Bradley Small, chair of ALPA’s Air Transat contingent, said: “It’s when we start hammering out the compensation side of it that’s where things have become very, very difficult. Unless significant progress is made at the bargaining table, we will strike if that’s what it takes to achieve a modern contract.” In response, Air Transat called the strike notice “premature” and said it remains committed to reaching a resolution. The airline has offered pilots a 59 % salary increase over five years, along with proposed improvements to working conditions. Despite this, Air Transat announced it would begin gradually suspending flights starting Monday, December 8, to prevent a sudden disruption for passengers and crew should the strike proceed. The timing of the notice has raised alarm across the travel industry, as Air Transat typically operates more than 500 weekly flights using nearly 40 aircraft during the holiday season. The airline said it will keep passengers informed of cancellations and alternative arrangements, while urging travelers to check flight statuses regularly. The current collective agreement, signed in 2015, governs pilot compensation and working conditions. ALPA has argued that the contract has become outdated and fails to reflect the current realities of airline operations, including longer duty hours and evolving safety standards. Industry analysts say the strike notice could have significant ripple effects, especially at Toronto Pearson International Airport and other major Canadian hubs, which often see peak travel volumes during December. Travelers are advised to monitor airline communications and plan for potential delays or cancellations. As negotiations continue, both sides have expressed a desire to reach a resolution. However, with the strike window now officially open, the likelihood of flight disruptions in the coming days appears high.

Airlines

Air Transat Faces 72-Hour Pilot Strike Notice, Threatening Major Flight Disruptions

Aviation Today News Desk / December 8, 2025

Toronto, Canada: Air Transat is facing potential major flight disruptions after the union representing its pilots issued a 72‑hour strike

Istanbul, Turkey: A scheduled flight from Pristina to Istanbul ended in a runway excursion late on December 7 as a Anadolujet (AJet) Boeing 737-800 veered off the newly-opened runway at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). The incident has forced closure of runway 06R/24L and triggered widespread flight delays and cancellations across one of Turkey’s busiest air hubs. Flight VF102 registration TC-JZN touched down on runway 24L just before 18:00 local time. According to Initial reports, the aircraft slowed but, while attempting a high-speed turnoff via taxiway A6 roughly 1,850 metres down the runway, failed to make the turn. The plane skidded off the paved surface onto soft ground adjacent to the runway, coming to a halt within the runway protected area. Despite the dramatic nature of the event, all passengers and crew on board were evacuated safely using external stairs and emergency slides were not deployed. There have been no reports of injuries. According to the airline and official statements from the embassy of Kosovo in Turkey, the aircraft’s deviation was not due to a mechanical failure or pilot error, but was triggered by wet and soft terrain following heavy rainfall in the area. Investigators have reportedly launched a probe to verify whether runway surface conditions played a decisive role. The incident forced an immediate closure of runway 06R/24L to allow for safe removal of the aircraft and inspection of the runway and taxiway infrastructure. Aviation authorities recorded flight delays. Flights operated by several major carriers including Turkish Airlines, as well as regional and international airlines were among those severely disrupted. For many passengers, plans for onward travel or hotel reservations in Istanbul and other destinations have been upended. Airport management crews have commenced full inspection of runway and taxiway surfaces, drainage systems, and runway safety features before reopening. Meanwhile, regulatory bodies have signaled that a broader review of weather-related landing protocols and runway maintenance procedures may follow.

Incidents

AJet 737 Skids Off Istanbul SAW Runway; Temporary Closure Disrupts Hundreds Of Flights

Aviation Today News Desk / December 8, 2025

Istanbul, Turkey: A scheduled flight from Pristina to Istanbul ended in a runway excursion late on December 7 as a

Civil Aviation

International Civil Aviation Day 2025 Highlights Safe, Sustainable, Inclusive Skies

Aviation Today News Desk / December 6, 2025

On December 7, 2025, the global aviation community will once again mark International Civil Aviation Day, a day that carries

New Delhi, India: In a decisive move to tackle widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced on 5th December, 2025 that certain Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) enforced by the DGCA have been placed in abeyance with immediate effect. The temporary suspension aims to restore airline operations, relieve passenger distress, and maintain safety standards. IndiGo, India’s largest domestic carrier, cancelled over 1,000 flights across its network over the past five days, affecting major airports including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad. On Friday, 5 December, nearly 400 flights were cancelled in a single day, disrupting travel for thousands of passengers. Previously, media reports estimated that cumulative cancellations during the multi-day disruption crossed the 550 flight mark nationwide. The airline’s on-time performance (OTP) fell sharply to 8.5%, 19.7% on Wednesday, 35% of the IndiGo flights operated on time on Tuesday, down from 67.7% in November 2025 before FDTL enforcement. The disruption was triggered by DGCA’s revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, aimed at reducing pilot fatigue and enhancing safety. The stricter Phase 2, effective from 1 November 2025, mandates 48 hours of weekly rest, limits consecutive night duties, and caps night landings and duty extensions The official PIB statement highlighted that the abeyance of FDTL rules is “urgent and proactive” and undertaken “solely in the interest of passengers,” particularly seniors, students, patients, and travellers dependent on timely air services. The government has mandated: Immediate restoration of flight schedules, with normal operations expected within three days. Airlines provide real-time updates, automatic refunds for cancellations, hotel accommodation for stranded passengers, and special assistance for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. A 24×7 control room to monitor airline operations and coordinate corrective measures. A high-level inquiry to examine the causes of the disruption, determine accountability, and recommend preventive measures. While safety-driven, these rules exposed gaps in crew availability, particularly for an airline of IndiGo’s scale. The airline had notified regulators about challenges in roster planning and pilot availability, prompting the government’s intervention. What the Abeyance Means The abeyance is temporary and does not repeal FDTL rules; safety remains a priority. Airlines are expected to take operational measures, including flexible crew rostering, to restore service reliability without compromising pilot rest and safety standards. DGCA will conduct ongoing reviews to ensure compliance and implement corrective actions. Passengers affected between 3–6 December 2025 are eligible for full refunds or rescheduling. The government has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to prioritise passenger safety, care, and convenience during the temporary relaxation.

DGCA

DGCA Eases FDTL Rules Temporarily After IndiGo Cancels Over 1,000 Flights In Five Days

Aviation Today News Desk / December 6, 2025

New Delhi, India: In a decisive move to tackle widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced

aviation news

Qatar Airways Group Appoints Hamad Ali Al-Khater As New Group Chief Executive Officer

Russian An-22 Military Transport Plane Crashes In Test Flight, All 7 Onboard Killed

British Airways A320 Declares Emergency After Gear Fault; Edinburgh Airport Stops Flights

Redbird Training Aircraft Crashes Near Seoni After Hitting High-Voltage Line; 2 Injured

Air Transat Faces 72-Hour Pilot Strike Notice, Threatening Major Flight Disruptions

AJet 737 Skids Off Istanbul SAW Runway; Temporary Closure Disrupts Hundreds Of Flights

International Civil Aviation Day 2025 Highlights Safe, Sustainable, Inclusive Skies

DGCA Eases FDTL Rules Temporarily After IndiGo Cancels Over 1,000 Flights In Five Days

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