aviation regulation Archives - Page 7 of 8

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.

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 […]

Washington, D.C, United States: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency order mandating a temporary 10 percent reduction in flight operations at 40 of the nation’s busiest airports. The move, announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, is aimed at maintaining safety across the national airspace system as the government shutdown enters its second month. FAA Cites Safety Strain, Staffing Pressures Since the shutdown began, thousands of air traffic controllers have worked without pay, triggering severe staffing shortages and operational stress across major hubs. The FAA said it recorded 2,740 delays over the past weekend alone, reflecting growing pressure on the system. “My department has many responsibilities, but our number one job is safety. This isn’t about politics – it’s about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue to work without pay,” Secretary Duffy said. “It’s safe to fly today, and it will continue to be safe to fly next week because of the proactive actions we are taking.” Administrator Bedford added, “We are seeing signs of stress in the system, so we are proactively reducing the number of flights to make sure the American people continue to fly safely. The FAA will continue to closely monitor operations and will not hesitate to take further action to make sure air travel remains safe.” Summary of the FAA Emergency Order According to the directive: A 4% reduction in domestic operations takes effect Friday, Nov 7, ramping up to 6% by Nov 11, 8% by Nov 13, and 10% by Nov 14. International flights are exempt, allowing airlines discretion to decide which routes to reduce. Airlines must issue full refunds for canceled flights, though they are not required to cover secondary costs, consistent with federal policy for government-related disruptions. The FAA also temporarily: Prohibits visual flight rule (VFR) approaches at affected facilities with staffing triggers. Limits commercial space launches and reentries to the hours of 10 p.m.–6 a.m. local time. Suspends parachute operations and aerial photography missions near impacted facilities. The agency said the measures were guided by safety data and voluntary reports from pilots and controllers showing mounting fatigue and system stress. Impact on Travelers Officials emphasized that the airspace remains safe but acknowledged the steps are preventive and temporary. Airlines are adjusting schedules to comply with the phased reductions, focusing cancellations during peak domestic hours. The FAA said any expansion or rollback of the cuts will be driven by real-time safety data. Official List of Affected Airports ANC – Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport ATL – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport BOS – Boston Logan International Airport BWI – Baltimore/Washington International Airport CLT – Charlotte Douglas International Airport CVG – Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport DAL – Dallas Love Field DCA – Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport DEN – Denver International Airport DFW – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport DTW – Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport EWR – Newark Liberty International Airport FLL – Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport HNL – Honolulu International Airport HOU – William P. Hobby Airport IAD – Washington Dulles International Airport IAH – George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport IND – Indianapolis International Airport JFK – New York John F. Kennedy International Airport LAS – Las Vegas McCarran International Airport LAX – Los Angeles International Airport LGA – New York LaGuardia Airport MCO – Orlando International Airport MDW – Chicago Midway International Airport MEM – Memphis International Airport MIA – Miami International Airport MSP – Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport OAK – Oakland International Airport ONT – Ontario International Airport ORD – Chicago O’Hare International Airport PDX – Portland International Airport PHL – Philadelphia International Airport PHX – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport SAN – San Diego International Airport SDF – Louisville International Airport SEA – Seattle–Tacoma International Airport SFO – San Francisco International Airport SLC – Salt Lake City International Airport TEB – Teterboro Airport TPA – Tampa International Airport Looking Ahead The FAA said it will continue to review safety metrics daily to determine whether further cuts or operational adjustments are needed. “Safety reporting is showing us where the stress points are,” the agency said. “This order will remain in effect only as long as necessary to maintain system stability.” Passengers traveling through the affected airports are urged to monitor airline communications for updated flight schedules and potential waivers.

Airlines

FAA Imposes 10% Flight Reduction at Major 40 U.S. Airports as Shutdown Deepens

Aviation Today News Desk / November 7, 2025

Washington, D.C, United States: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency order mandating a temporary 10 percent reduction

Louisville, United States: A UPS wide-body cargo aircraft burst into flames and crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing seven people including all three crew members and injuring 11 others on the ground, officials confirmed. The tragedy unfolded around 5:15 p.m. local time (Nov. 4) when UPS Flight 2976, an MD-11 freighter bound for Honolulu, went down shortly after departure. Video captured by local CBS affiliate WLKY showed one of the aircraft’s wings ablaze moments before it plunged to the ground, erupting into a massive fireball. The impact ignited several fires in nearby industrial buildings, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the evening sky. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said four people on the ground were killed and 11 others hospitalized, while Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear warned the toll could rise, noting that some survivors sustained “very significant” injuries. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for residents within a five-mile radius of the airport as crews battled fires late into the night. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff and confirmed debris scattered across two runways. Preliminary findings indicate one of the plane’s three engines may have separated midair before impacting a detail that will be central to the investigation. “That airplane should have flown on two engines,” said aviation safety expert John Cox, calling the blaze “too big for a normal engine fire.” The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation and has dispatched a team to the crash site. The board typically takes 12 to 24 months to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations. FAA records show the 34-year-old MD-11, built by McDonnell Douglas before its merger with Boeing, joined the UPS fleet in 2006. Boeing, which no longer manufactures the model, expressed condolences and said it would provide technical assistance. Flight data from Flightradar24 indicated the jet climbed to 175 feet and reached 184 knots before entering a sharp descent. The aircraft had earlier completed a round trip from Louisville to Baltimore before preparing for its scheduled 8½-hour flight to Honolulu. UPS confirmed all three crew members aboard were killed but said it was still working to verify the extent of ground casualties. In a service alert, UPS said delivery schedules “may be affected” by the closure of the airport, home to the company’s Worldport hub, the largest package-handling facility in the world. “Contingency plans are in place to help ensure shipments reach their destinations as quickly as conditions permit,” the company said. Louisville’s identity is deeply tied to UPS, which employs 26,000 people in the region. “This is a UPS town,” said Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe, whose district includes the airport. “My heart goes out to everybody at UPS. Everyone here knows someone who works there and tonight, some of those texts checking in on loved ones will go unanswered.”

Aircraft Crashes

Probe Underway After UPS Cargo Jet Crashes in Louisville, Killing At Least Seven

Aviation Today News Desk / November 5, 2025

Louisville, United States: A UPS wide-body cargo aircraft burst into flames and crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali

Boston, United States: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a close-call incident at Boston Logan International Airport on Thursday afternoon, when a Delta Air Lines widebody jet and a Cape Air commuter aircraft came dangerously close to each other on intersecting runways. According to FAA officials, Delta Flight 263 an Airbus A330-900neo operating from Paris Charles de Gaulle to New York-JFK had been diverted to Boston due to weather in the New York area. The aircraft, carrying 284 passengers and 11 crew, was on approach to Logan around 4:15 p.m. ET when air traffic control ordered the pilots to perform a go-around to maintain safe separation from Cape Air Flight 548, which had been cleared for takeoff on an intersecting runway. Audio recordings from LiveATC.net, cited by multiple outlets, captured the tense exchange between the flight crews. As the Delta A330 climbed away from the runway, one of its pilots radioed, “That was close.” Moments later, a Cape Air pilot could be heard responding, “Yeah, man, not cool.” While no collision occurred and both flights landed safely, aviation experts said the proximity of the two aircraft estimated at less than half a mile at one point warranted investigation. “Even when vertical and horizontal separation remains within limits, intersecting-runway operations always carry elevated risk,” one aviation analyst told WCVB Boston. The FAA confirmed that controllers instructed the Delta crew to abort landing to “ensure safe separation” after the Cape Air flight was cleared for departure. The agency has since opened a formal investigation into the event to determine whether procedural, human, or environmental factors contributed. Both airlines confirmed that their pilots followed ATC instructions. “Delta Air Lines is cooperating fully with the FAA’s review,” the company said in a statement, adding that safety remains its top priority. Cape Air also noted that its pilots “acted in accordance with clearance and protocol.” The incident comes amid rising operational pressure on U.S. air traffic controllers, who have faced long shifts and reduced staffing levels exacerbated by the ongoing federal government shutdown. Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers working without pay and prompting hundreds to take on second jobs to cover essential expenses. The situation, aviation unions warn, is beginning to pose serious risks to both air safety and system reliability.

Incidents

FAA Probes Close Call Between Delta A330 And Cape Air Plane At Boston Logan Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / November 3, 2025

Boston, United States: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a close-call incident at Boston Logan International Airport on Thursday

Florida, United States: A JetBlue Airways flight traveling from Cancún, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, was forced to make an emergency landing in Tampa after a reported flight control malfunction caused a sudden loss of altitude on Thursday afternoon, hospitalizing at least 15 passengers. Flight 1230, operated by an Airbus A320, was en route to Newark Liberty International Airport when it abruptly lost more than 14,500 feet in five minutes, followed by another rapid descent of over 12,200 feet within the next five minutes, according to flight-tracking data cited by Business Insider. The aircraft diverted safely to Tampa International Airport, landing at approximately 2:19 p.m. ET. Emergency medical teams met the plane on arrival and transported injured passengers to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials said the injuries were primarily non-life-threatening. “JetBlue Flight 1230 experienced a flight control issue en route from Cancún to Newark and was diverted to Tampa for a safe landing,” the airline said in a statement. “Customers and crewmembers requiring medical attention were transported to local hospitals. The aircraft has been taken out of service for inspection.” Local authorities confirmed that at least 15 to 20 individuals were evaluated at the scene. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue reported that three passengers suffered head injuries during the event. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it has opened an investigation into the incident, focusing on the reported flight control malfunction that triggered the rapid descent. Weather conditions along the route were reportedly stable, and turbulence has not been cited as a contributing factor. The airline has arranged alternate transportation for the remaining passengers to continue to Newark. The aircraft remains grounded at Tampa International for maintenance checks and data retrieval. While mechanical malfunctions are rare, aviation safety experts note that the sharp altitude loss and subsequent safe landing highlight the importance of pilot training and quick decision-making in emergency scenarios. The FAA and JetBlue’s internal safety team are continuing to investigate the cause of the incident. Preliminary findings are expected within the next several days.

Incidents

JetBlue A320 Plunges 26,000 Feet Midair, Lands Safely in Tampa; 15 Hospitalized

Aviation Today News Desk / November 1, 2025

Florida, United States: A JetBlue Airways flight traveling from Cancún, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, was forced to make an

Air Traffic Controller

13,000 Air Traffic Controllers Unpaid as U.S. Shutdown Deepens, Safety Concerns Rise

Aviation Today News Desk / October 30, 2025

Washington, United States: The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has entered its fourth week, leaving nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers working

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is set to convene a comprehensive review meeting with India’s flying training organisations (FTOs) after the DGCA had announced on July 9 the launch of a bi-annual ranking system for flying training organisations nationwide, effective by 1 October 2025 and then the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released its first-ever ranking report, revealing that none of the country’s training academies met the top performance standards. According to the DGCA’s assessment, covering the period from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, none of the 35 evaluated flying schools achieved an “A+” or “A” grade. The rankings placed 13 FTOs in the ‘B’ category and 22 in ‘C’, indicating widespread gaps in operational efficiency, safety practices, and training quality. The grading framework classified institutions based on their overall performance: A+ (85% and above) A (70–84.99%) B (50–69.99%) C (below 50%) A senior ministry official said the upcoming review will focus on identifying systemic shortcomings and developing corrective measures. “The objective is to improve training quality and ensure that India’s flying schools meet international standards in safety, efficiency, and student outcomes,” the official stated. FTOs placed in the “C” category have been directed to undertake self-assessment exercises and submit improvement plans to the DGCA within a stipulated timeframe. The aviation regulator is expected to monitor compliance closely and provide targeted support to address performance deficiencies. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu has emphasised that the ranking initiative aims to promote transparency and accountability within the pilot training ecosystem. The DGCA will now publish rankings every six months, with the next report scheduled for April 1, 2026. The government’s move comes at a time when India is witnessing a growing demand for pilots to support the expanding civil aviation sector. Strengthening training infrastructure and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards are seen as key priorities to meet this demand sustainably.

Pilot Training

MoCA Calls Review Meet After DGCA Report Finds No A+ Or A Rated Flying School In India

Aviation Today News Desk / October 27, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is set to convene a comprehensive review meeting with India’s flying

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Air India to carry out a comprehensive inspection of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) systems across its entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This action comes after an incident in which the RAT deployed automatically on one of the airline’s aircraft during landing in Birmingham, UK. Boeing has also requested that other 787 operators report any similar occurrences worldwide. The DGCA has specifically instructed Air India to verify the stowage integrity of the RAT in all aircraft where the Power Conditioning Module (PCM) was recently replaced. The Ram Air Turbine serves as an emergency backup system, providing hydraulic and electrical power if the aircraft’s main engines fail. It operates by using the aircraft’s forward motion to spin a small turbine that extends from the fuselage underside. This ensures critical flight control systems and avionics remain operational during emergencies, such as dual-engine failures or complete electrical system loss. Notably, the RAT deployed during the June 2025 crash of Air India flight AI171 after a dual-engine flameout at Ahmedabad, resulting in the loss of 260 lives. The recent directive stems from an October 4, 2025, incident involving Air India flight AI117, flying from Amritsar (ATQ) to Birmingham (BHX), where the RAT deployed automatically at around 500 feet during descent. The aircraft landed safely, with all electrical and hydraulic systems reportedly functioning normally. According to the DGCA advisory, “Air India has been advised to review the work package of ‘D’ Check for the actions required in view of the change of PCM module, for any discrepancies.” The regulator noted that the RAT is rarely activated during routine operations and is typically reserved for critical failures, making any uncommanded deployment a serious concern. Air India confirmed that despite the unexpected RAT deployment, all onboard systems were stable throughout the flight. Following the incident, the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) requested the DGCA to inspect the electrical systems on all Boeing 787s operating in India. In a letter, FIP President GS Randhawa highlighted that the Aircraft Health Monitoring (AHM) system had detected a fault in the Bus Power Control Unit (BPCU), which could have triggered the RAT deployment. The BPCU is essential for managing electrical power distribution, and any malfunction may activate backup systems. FIP emphasized that this incident points to potential systemic electrical vulnerabilities in the Boeing 787 and called for thorough inspections of all aircraft in the country. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated, “The DGCA is already on the job. Once we have more details, we will coordinate with the relevant stakeholders to ensure preventive measures are implemented and such incidents are avoided in the future.” The DGCA has extended its review beyond Air India, requesting Boeing to provide a detailed report on preventive measures and to share information on similar uncommanded RAT deployments globally in recent years. This aims to identify any recurring patterns and enhance the safety protocols of the 787 fleet.

Airlines

DGCA Orders Air India To Reinspect RAT Systems On All 787s After Uncommanded Deploy

Aviation Today News Desk / October 17, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Air India to carry out a comprehensive inspection

New Delhi, India: On Friday, October 10, 2025, Akasa Air flight QP 1607, operating a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from Pune to Delhi, encountered a bird strike mid-flight. The aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi shortly after 10:00 AM, with all passengers and crew deplaning without incident. Following standard operating procedures, the aircraft is undergoing a thorough inspection by Akasa Air's engineering team to assess any potential damage from the bird strike. The airline has assured that the aircraft will only return to service after completing this check. The bird strike led to a brief delay in the aircraft's subsequent scheduled flight from Delhi to Goa. As a precaution, another aircraft was deployed to operate the Goa-bound service, minimizing disruption to passengers. Akasa Air has emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and operational reliability, confirming that all safety protocols were followed during the incident. The airline continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.

Incidents

Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 Suffers Bird Strike En Route to Delhi, Lands Safely

Aviation Today News Desk / October 11, 2025

New Delhi, India: On Friday, October 10, 2025, Akasa Air flight QP 1607, operating a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft

Farrukhabad, India: A private jet operated by Jetserve Aviation Pvt Ltd skidded off the runway during takeoff at Mohammadabad airstrip in Uttar Pradesh’s Farrukhabad district on Thursday. All six people onboard, including two pilots and four passengers, escaped unhurt. The aircraft, registered as VT-DEZ, reportedly veered off the runway and came to rest in nearby grass after skidding for nearly 400 metres. The incident occurred around noon when the jet was preparing to depart from the unregulated airstrip. According to reports, those onboard included Ajay Arora, Deputy Managing Director of Woodpecker Greenagri Nutrients Pvt Ltd; Sumit Sharma of the State Bank of India; Rakesh Tikku, Vice President (Operations); and Manish Kumar Pandey, the company’s Uttar Pradesh project head. The flight was being piloted by Nasib Baman and Prateek Fernandes. While no injuries were reported, the aircraft sustained minor structural damage, particularly in the nose section, which appeared to have tilted into the soil following the runway excursion. Officials said that low tyre pressure may have contributed to the incident. According to NDTV, local authorities stated that the pilot was aware of reduced tyre pressure prior to takeoff but proceeded nonetheless. Officials from the district administration and the local police reached the scene shortly after the incident to inspect the site. The fire brigade was not informed in advance about the scheduled flight, and there were claims that the required treasury fees for airstrip use had not been deposited. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the runway excursion and assess whether standard safety procedures were followed. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review technical and operational aspects once the aircraft is recovered.

Aircraft Crashes

Private Jet Skids 400 Metres Off Runway At Mohammadabad Airstrip, 6 Escape Unhurt

Aviation Today News Desk / October 10, 2025

Farrukhabad, India: A private jet operated by Jetserve Aviation Pvt Ltd skidded off the runway during takeoff at Mohammadabad airstrip

aviation regulation

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

FAA Imposes 10% Flight Reduction at Major 40 U.S. Airports as Shutdown Deepens

Probe Underway After UPS Cargo Jet Crashes in Louisville, Killing At Least Seven

FAA Probes Close Call Between Delta A330 And Cape Air Plane At Boston Logan Airport

JetBlue A320 Plunges 26,000 Feet Midair, Lands Safely in Tampa; 15 Hospitalized

13,000 Air Traffic Controllers Unpaid as U.S. Shutdown Deepens, Safety Concerns Rise

MoCA Calls Review Meet After DGCA Report Finds No A+ Or A Rated Flying School In India

DGCA Orders Air India To Reinspect RAT Systems On All 787s After Uncommanded Deploy

Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 Suffers Bird Strike En Route to Delhi, Lands Safely

Private Jet Skids 400 Metres Off Runway At Mohammadabad Airstrip, 6 Escape Unhurt

Follow Us

Quick Links

Navigate

General Support

News Desk Support

Follow Us