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New Delhi, India: Akasa Air has backed the Centre's reported proposal to allow airport operators to own airlines, with Founder and Chief Executive Officer Vinay Dube expressing confidence that the government will introduce appropriate safeguards while framing the policy. At the same time, the airline is preparing for its next phase of expansion, with plans to explore an initial public offering (IPO) within the next two to five years as it continues to strengthen its financial position. Speaking in an interview with PTI, Dube said India requires greater competition in the aviation sector and that consumers would ultimately benefit from having more airline choices. His remarks come amid reports that the government is considering changes to existing norms that would permit airport operators to establish or own airlines. According to Dube, any framework allowing airport operators to own airlines would naturally involve regulatory and competitive considerations, particularly when a private entity controls both airport infrastructure and an airline. However, he expressed confidence that policymakers are fully aware of these issues and will incorporate the necessary safeguards while drafting the legislation. "I am very confident that the government will take into account the considerations involved when a private enterprise owns both an airport and an airline. Therefore, I am happy and supportive of this move," Dube told PTI. Emphasising the need for a more competitive aviation market, he said India can and should support multiple airlines to meet growing passenger demand. While acknowledging potential concerns surrounding ownership structures, he stressed that the larger objective should remain expanding consumer choice and encouraging healthy market competition. The comments come shortly after IndiGo Co-Founder and Managing Director Rahul Bhatia publicly warned that permitting airport operators to own airlines could create a "massive conflict of interest." A day later, the Adani Group, which currently operates eight airports across India, denied media reports suggesting it planned to enter the airline business. The policy discussion is unfolding as India continues to rank among the world's fastest-growing domestic aviation markets, with the government pursuing measures aimed at expanding connectivity, increasing airline capacity and encouraging new entrants. Akasa Air, which commenced commercial operations on August 7, 2022, will complete four years of operations this week. The airline currently operates a fleet of 40 Boeing 737 aircraft and has steadily expanded its domestic and international network since launch. The government's commitment to promoting competition was reiterated earlier this week when Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on August 3, said the Centre remains committed to creating a conducive environment that supports the growth of existing airlines while facilitating the entry of new operators. In a separate interview in the past, Dube also outlined Akasa Air's long-term financial roadmap, revealing that the carrier intends to evaluate an initial public offering within the next two to five years. He said the airline remains financially healthy, describing Akasa Air as cash-positive and noting that its financial performance is progressing in line with management expectations. While confirming IPO plans are under consideration, Dube stressed that the airline will continue to prioritise sustainable expansion rather than pursuing aggressive fleet or network growth simply to increase its size."We will not chase growth for the sake of growth," Dube said. Akasa Air strengthened its financial position last year by raising fresh capital from investors, including Premji Invest and Claypond Capital, with the funds earmarked primarily for network and operational expansion. The airline has also outlined ambitious fleet expansion plans. Earlier, Chief Financial Officer Ankur Goel said Akasa Air aims to induct enough aircraft to build a fleet of 226 airplanes by the end of 2032, while continuing to improve financial performance and increase capacity. Official aviation data showed Akasa Air held a 5.4% domestic market share during the latest reporting period cited in the PTI report, underscoring its steady growth since entering India's highly competitive airline sector. With supportive financial fundamentals, an expanding fleet, and a long-term IPO strategy, Akasa Air is positioning itself for sustained growth while advocating for policy reforms that it believes could further strengthen competition in India's rapidly evolving aviation industry.

Akasa Air Supports Airport-Airline Ownership Plan, Says India Needs More Competition

Aviation Today News Desk / August 6, 2026

New Delhi, India: Akasa Air has backed the Centre’s reported proposal to allow airport operators to own airlines, with Founder […]

Airlines

Air India Appoints Former Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam As CEO & MD

Aviation Today News Desk / August 6, 2026

New Delhi, India: Air India has appointed former Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Tewolde Gebremariam as its new Chief

Sydney, Australia: The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into a serious runway incursion involving two Qantas-operated aircraft at Sydney Airport after an air traffic control clearance resulted in one aircraft being instructed to cross an active runway while another was still landing. The incident occurred on 27 July 2026 at approximately 08:14 local time, and although no collision occurred, the safety watchdog has classified it as a breakdown in coordination and opened a formal investigation. According to the ATSB, the occurrence involved Qantas Flight QF124, a Boeing 737-800 registered VH-XZG, which had arrived from Queenstown, New Zealand, and QantasLink Flight QLK424D, a De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 registered VH-QOC, arriving from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Preliminary information released by the ATSB states that after landing on Runway 25, the Boeing 737 was instructed by air traffic control to taxi and cross Runway 34L. At the same time, the Dash 8 Q400 had been cleared to land on Runway 34L and was still completing its landing roll along the active runway. As the Boeing approached the runway crossing point, air traffic controllers recognised the developing conflict. The ATSB said the 737 crew stopped the aircraft before entering Runway 34L, while the Dash 8 continued its landing roll on the runway. Because the Boeing halted short of the runway, the two aircraft remained separated and no collision occurred. No injuries or aircraft damage were reported, and both aircraft subsequently continued normal ground operations. The ATSB has not released the number of passengers or crew on board either flight. The safety bureau has opened investigation AO-2026-086 to determine the factors that led to the runway incursion. Investigators will examine the sequence of air traffic control clearances, coordination between controllers, recorded radio communications, surveillance data, aircraft movements, human factors and operational procedures. The investigation will also assess whether any broader systemic issues contributed to the occurrence. In its initial investigation notice, the ATSB described the event as involving a breakdown of coordination between aircraft movements on intersecting runways. The agency noted that evidence collection is underway, including interviews with relevant personnel and analysis of operational data. A final report is expected before the end of 2026, although the timeline may change depending on investigative findings. The incident has renewed attention on staffing pressures within Australia's air traffic control system. Recent media reports have highlighted controller shortages and increased workload at Sydney Airport, with industry representatives raising concerns over staffing levels. Airservices Australia has acknowledged workforce challenges and said it is recruiting and training additional controllers, while noting that qualification training takes several years before recruits can work independently in complex airspace. Airservices Australia confirmed it is cooperating fully with the ATSB investigation and said safety remains its highest priority. The organisation has not provided further comment while the independent investigation is ongoing. Qantas also confirmed it is assisting the ATSB and stated that both flight crews were operating in accordance with air traffic control instructions issued during the event.

Incidents

ATSB Investigates Runway Incursion Involving Two Qantas Aircraft At Sydney Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / August 5, 2026

Sydney, Australia: The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into a serious runway incursion involving two Qantas-operated

Airlines

SAS Cabin Crew In Norway To Strike On August 8 After Rejecting Proposed Wage Deal

Aviation Today News Desk / August 5, 2026

Oslo, Norway: Scandinavian airline SAS is facing the prospect of another cabin crew strike in Norway after union members overwhelmingly

collided in mid-air near Chilliwack Airport in British Columbia on August 3, 2026, prompting a multi-agency investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), Transport Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). According to an RCMP statement issued on August 4 by Staff Sgt. Kris Clark, senior media relations officer with RCMP E Division, Chilliwack RCMP responded to reports of a mid-air collision at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Monday, August 3. "Members of the Chilliwack RCMP responded to a report of a mid-air collision between two planes that occurred in the Chilliwack area at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Monday, August 3," Clark said. Clark said Chilliwack RCMP, the Lower Mainland District Police Dog Services (LMD IPDS), Chilliwack Fire Department, and Chilliwack Search and Rescue (SAR) searched for the downed aircraft after receiving the report. "A small plane was located in a pond near Industrial Access Road in Chilliwack. The second plane was able to make it back safely to the airport. The occupants did not sustain injuries," Clark stated. The RCMP said its Underwater Recovery Team (URT) recovered the submerged aircraft and located the pilot. "The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) attended the scene and located one male deceased victim and the plane. Recovery efforts are currently underway," Clark said. The statement added that the Chilliwack RCMP General Investigation Services Team (GIST) is assisting federal investigators. "Chilliwack RCMP General Investigation Services Team (GIST) is currently supporting Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) with their ongoing investigation. This multi-agency investigation is working to understand the circumstances that led to the collision," Clark said. The RCMP has not identified the deceased pilot, nor has it released a suspected cause of the collision. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada confirmed it has deployed an investigation team to Chilliwack following the occurrence. The agency said investigators would collect evidence and assess the accident involving two Cessna 172 aircraft. The TSB reiterated that its role is to advance transportation safety and that it does not assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability. Before the RCMP confirmed the fatality, Garry Atkins, manager of Chilliwack Airport, told The Canadian Press that the aircraft involved were operated by two local flight schools. He said one aircraft, carrying two occupants, landed safely at Chilliwack Airport, while the second aircraft, with one person on board, came to rest in a quarry lagoon after the collision. RCMP and Transport Canada have not publicly identified or confirmed the involvement of any specific flight schools at the time of reporting. As of August 5, investigators have not publicly determined what caused the two aircraft to collide. The identities of the pilots and the sequence of events leading to the collision remain under investigation.

Aircraft Crashes

Pilot Dead After Two Cessna 172 Aircraft Collide Mid-Air Near Chilliwack Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / August 5, 2026

Chilliwack, Canada: A pilot was killed after two Cessna 172 aircraft collided in mid-air near Chilliwack Airport in British Columbia

New Delhi, India: An Air India Airbus A320 operating flight AI2379 from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi encountered severe turbulence on Tuesday, August 4, leaving several passengers and cabin crew with minor injuries before the aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). The incident occurred during the flight's final phase, although reports differ on the exact timing. While early media reports said the turbulence struck during the aircraft's descent into Delhi, Air India later clarified that the aircraft encountered turbulence while in cruise, resulting in a brief change in altitude. The Airbus A320, carrying 134 passengers, landed safely shortly after 11:00 a.m. IST. All passengers and crew disembarked normally after arrival, with Air India's airport and medical teams meeting the aircraft at the gate. According to PTI, 12 people, including passengers and cabin crew, sustained minor injuries during the turbulence event. Other reports indicated that around 10 passengers and two cabin crew members were taken to the Medanta medical facility at Delhi Airport for precautionary medical assessment. Seven passengers were later moved to Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj for further evaluation, scans, and observation. Air India said there were no serious injuries. Some early reports stated the aircraft experienced a sudden altitude drop of approximately 300 feet during the turbulence, causing unrestrained occupants to be thrown against the cabin interior and resulting in minor injuries. Air India, however, described the event as a "momentary change in altitude" without confirming the reported altitude deviation. Speaking to news agency ANI, a passenger on board the flight claimed the aircraft experienced a sudden jolt about an hour and a half into the journey while most passengers were asleep. According to the passenger, the aircraft abruptly dropped and swayed violently for nearly two to three minutes, leaving several people injured. In an official statement, Air India said, "The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain Air India's highest priority." The airline added that a small number of passengers and crew members requiring medical assessment were taken to the airport medical facility as a precaution and confirmed that it is providing all necessary assistance while cooperating with the relevant authorities reviewing the incident.

Incidents

Air India AI2379 Hits Severe Turbulence; 12 Injured Before Safe Landing In Delhi

Aviation Today News Desk / August 4, 2026

Update 05 August, 2026: Air India has since confirmed that flight AI2379 experienced a sudden loss of altitude during cruise

Tokyo, Japan: An All Nippon Airways (ANA) flight arriving from Shanghai carried out a precautionary go-around during its approach to Tokyo Haneda Airport on Tuesday morning after the aircraft's onboard Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) issued a Resolution Advisory, prompting the flight crew to discontinue the landing and climb away. Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) confirmed that one of the ministry's Civil Aviation Bureau flight inspection aircraft had departed from Haneda's Runway D and was operating in the vicinity when the TCAS alert occurred. The ministry said it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the event. The incident involved ANA Flight NH968, operating from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Tokyo Haneda Airport, at approximately 6 a.m. local time on August 4. According to ANA, the pilots followed the TCAS instruction as designed, executing an immediate climb before later returning to land safely. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and the aircraft landed without further incident. Flight-tracking data published by Flightradar24 indicated that NH968 was on final approach to Haneda's Runway C while the Civil Aviation Bureau aircraft had departed from the intersecting Runway D shortly beforehand. The available tracking data showed the two aircraft operating in close proximity, although authorities have not released the minimum separation distance or determined whether air traffic separation standards were breached. Japanese media reported that the inspection aircraft departed as the ANA flight was established on approach, resulting in the collision avoidance system issuing its warning. However, aviation authorities have not yet published a preliminary investigation report detailing the sequence of events or identifying any operational errors. The incident did not result in damage to either aircraft, and airport operations continued after the go-around. Authorities have not announced whether the occurrence will be classified as a serious incident or whether a formal safety investigation will be conducted by the Japan Transport Safety Board. At the time of publication, Japanese authorities had not released further findings, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Incidents

ANA Flight Performs Go-Around At Haneda After TCAS Alert Near Government Aircraft

Aviation Today News Desk / August 4, 2026

Tokyo, Japan: An All Nippon Airways (ANA) flight arriving from Shanghai carried out a precautionary go-around during its approach to

Chicago, United States: Southwest Airlines Flight 1243 experienced a landing incident at Chicago Midway International Airport on the morning of August 3 after both nose landing gear tires lost air pressure during touchdown, prompting an emergency response from airport and city fire crews. The aircraft was safely brought to a stop on the runway, and no injuries were reported. According to Southwest Airlines, Flight 1243 was operating from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, Florida, to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) when the incident occurred during landing. The airline said both nose landing gear tires lost air pressure while the aircraft was landing in Chicago. Chicago Fire Department crews responded to the aircraft shortly after it came to a stop on the runway. Video from the scene showed emergency vehicles surrounding the aircraft as first responders assessed the situation. The aircraft remained on the runway while emergency personnel and airline maintenance teams carried out initial inspections. Passengers described smelling burnt rubber and seeing light smoke after the aircraft stopped. Passenger Mya Castro told ABC7 Chicago, "I realized we stopped and we weren't close to getting off the plane, and then I could smell the burnt rubber." Another passenger, Brian Rigsby, said, "Once we did come to a stop, we could see smoke coming. Not excessive, but we knew something was wrong." Southwest Airlines confirmed that maintenance personnel replaced the damaged nose gear tires before the aircraft was towed from the runway to the terminal gate. The airline said passengers were able to deplane normally after the aircraft reached the gate. In a statement, Southwest Airlines said: "Both nose gear tires lost air pressure while landing in Chicago." The carrier added that mechanics replaced the tires and the aircraft was subsequently towed to the gate. The airline did not disclose what caused the loss of tire pressure, and no indication has been given that a mechanical failure beyond the tires was involved. The response was precautionary, and no evacuation was reported. Emergency crews completed their assessment without incident, and no injuries among passengers or crew were reported. Chicago Midway International Airport continued normal operations following the response, while Southwest worked to return the aircraft to service after replacing the affected tires. The incident remains under review, with Southwest yet to provide further details on what led to the loss of air pressure in both nose landing gear tires during landing.

Incidents

Southwest Flight 1243 Lands Safely At Chicago After Nose Gear Tires Lose Pressure

Aviation Today News Desk / August 4, 2026

Chicago, United States: Southwest Airlines Flight 1243 experienced a landing incident at Chicago Midway International Airport on the morning of

Bimini, The Bahamas: A Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane carrying eight American passengers and two crew members crashed into the water while preparing for departure from North Bimini, Bahamas, on August 1, with all 10 occupants rescued safely in an incident that is now under investigation by Bahamian authorities. According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan seaplane was departing from North Bimini for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when the accident occurred shortly before takeoff. Police said the aircraft was taxiing on the water and attempting to line up for departure when it reportedly veered uncontrollably to the left. The pilot is said to have taken evasive action to avoid heavy boat traffic in the area, but the aircraft struck a dock before overturning and sinking in waters estimated to be about 100 feet (30 metres) deep. The aircraft was operated by Tropic Ocean Airways, a Florida-based seaplane carrier that provides scheduled and charter flights between South Florida, the Bahamas and other Caribbean destinations. The airline confirmed the aircraft was involved in an accident and said it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. All eight passengers, identified only as American tourists, along with the two crew members, escaped the aircraft and were rescued safely. Nick Pavlakis, general manager of Marine Max in Jupiter and a rescue boat operator, witnessed the crash and quickly took action to help the eight passengers and two crew members on board. Authorities have not released the identities of the passengers or crew, and no injuries have been officially reported. The rescue began almost immediately as nearby boaters, marina personnel and bystanders rushed to assist those aboard. Witnesses helped evacuate the occupants from the overturned aircraft before emergency responders arrived at the scene. The Royal Bahamas Police Force later confirmed that everyone on board had been accounted for and rescued. Passenger Jeanne O'Brien, who was among those on board, told ABC News that the aircraft "went down pretty fast" after striking the dock. She said the passengers worked together to exit the cabin after the impact. Video recorded following the accident showed occupants in the water wearing life jackets as nearby vessels converged to assist. ABC News reported that the rescue was completed within minutes. Authorities have not determined the cause of the accident. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, pilot actions, operating conditions and other factors to establish why the seaplane lost directional control while taxiing for departure. No mechanical failure has been confirmed, and officials have not indicated whether weather or water conditions contributed to the accident. The Royal Bahamas Police Force is leading the initial investigation, while additional aviation authorities are expected to review the occurrence in accordance with international accident investigation procedures. Tropic Ocean Airways said it is providing full assistance to investigators and remains focused on supporting those affected. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, which came to rest submerged after overturning. Recovery operations are expected to support the investigation into the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Further updates are expected once Bahamian investigators release additional findings or a preliminary accident report.

Aircraft Crashes

10 Rescued After Tropic Ocean Seaplane Crashes During Takeoff Near Bimini

Aviation Today News Desk / August 4, 2026

Bimini, The Bahamas: A Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane carrying eight American passengers and two crew members crashed into the water

Airlines

Internal Probe Reviews Boeing 737 Seat Failures In Jeju Air Crash That Killed 179 Onboard

Aviation Today News Desk / August 3, 2026

Muan, South Korea: South Korea’s investigation into the deadly Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash has entered a new phase after

aviation news

Akasa Air Supports Airport-Airline Ownership Plan, Says India Needs More Competition

Air India Appoints Former Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde Gebremariam As CEO & MD

ATSB Investigates Runway Incursion Involving Two Qantas Aircraft At Sydney Airport

SAS Cabin Crew In Norway To Strike On August 8 After Rejecting Proposed Wage Deal

Pilot Dead After Two Cessna 172 Aircraft Collide Mid-Air Near Chilliwack Airport

Air India AI2379 Hits Severe Turbulence; 12 Injured Before Safe Landing In Delhi

ANA Flight Performs Go-Around At Haneda After TCAS Alert Near Government Aircraft

Southwest Flight 1243 Lands Safely At Chicago After Nose Gear Tires Lose Pressure

10 Rescued After Tropic Ocean Seaplane Crashes During Takeoff Near Bimini

Internal Probe Reviews Boeing 737 Seat Failures In Jeju Air Crash That Killed 179 Onboard

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