News

Civil Aviation

Pilot Training

Flight School Analysis

Aviation Jobs

Training

Services

About Us

Contact Us

aviation regulator India

New Delhi, India: The Government of India has appointed senior IAS officer Vir Vikram Yadav as the new Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), replacing Faiz Ahmed Kidwai in a significant bureaucratic reshuffle affecting multiple senior administrative positions across ministries. According to an official order cited by PTI and reported across multiple outlets, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the transfer as part of a broader restructuring of top government posts. Yadav, a 1996-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, was serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change before his appointment to the aviation regulator. He will now head the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India’s apex civil aviation safety and regulatory authority. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, who assumed charge as DGCA chief in January 2025, has been transferred to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) as Additional Secretary. The reshuffle comes amid heightened attention on India’s civil aviation sector, which has faced operational disruptions, safety scrutiny, and regulatory challenges over the past year. Recent reports indicate that the DGCA has been engaged in oversight of airline safety compliance, pilot duty-time regulations, and operational disruptions involving major carriers like IndiGo. The regulator has also been under pressure following incidents that triggered large-scale cancellations and intensified scrutiny of airline preparedness and safety systems. Both IndiGo and Air India, which together dominate India’s domestic aviation market, have been at the centre of regulatory attention over the past year due to operational and safety-related issues. Last Year In December, IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, faced heightened regulatory scrutiny after operational disruptions led to widespread flight delays and cancellations. Airline reports indicated that the disruption resulted in hundreds of cancellations over a short period, affecting passenger movement during peak travel schedules and triggering passenger inconvenience across key airports including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. While the government has not officially linked the leadership change to sector developments, reports indicate that the reshuffle is part of a wider administrative exercise involving 12 secretary-level and 27 additional secretary-level postings across ministries. The DGCA, functioning under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is responsible for regulating air safety, licensing, airworthiness standards, and enforcement of civil aviation regulations in India.

DGCA Appoints Vir Vikram Yadav As The New Director General Replacing Faiz Ahmed Kidwai

Aviation Today News Desk / April 1, 2026

New Delhi, India: The Government of India has appointed senior IAS officer Vir Vikram Yadav as the new Director General […]

Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX Suffers Nose Gear Damage After Hard Landing In Phuket SEO DES: India’s aviation regulator said the aircraft made a suspected hard landing with a bounce on runway 9, damaging the nose landing gear during touchdown SOCIAL: An Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating flight IX938 from Hyderabad, India to Phuket, Thailand suffered nose landing gear damage after a suspected hard landing at Phuket International Airport on March 11. The aircraft, carrying 133 passengers, stopped on the runway, forcing a temporary suspension of airport operations. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated with no injuries reported. Airport teams later towed the aircraft for technical inspections and runway clearance. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the hard landing and landing gear damage. Image: upuknews (X) Video: Saturnworldnews (X) | India Today Phuket, Thailand: An Air India Express flight operating from Hyderabad to Phuket suffered damage to its nose landing gear after a hard landing at Phuket International Airport in Thailand on Wednesday, forcing airport authorities to temporarily suspend runway operations while emergency teams cleared the aircraft. The aircraft involved in the incident carried 133 passengers, all of whom were reported safe after the evacuation The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating flight IX938 from Hyderabad. According to officials, the aircraft experienced a nose-wheel issue during landing, leaving the plane immobilised on the runway and prompting the airport to halt flight movements as a safety precaution. Flight-tracking data indicated that the aircraft departed Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad at 6:42 a.m., slightly later than its scheduled departure of 6:20 a.m., and landed at Phuket at about 11:40 a.m. local time. Shortly after touchdown, the nose landing gear was found to be damaged following what authorities described as a suspected hard landing. Officials from India’s aviation regulator said the aircraft “made a suspected hard landing with a bounce on runway 9,” which led to damage to the forward landing gear. In aviation terms, a hard landing occurs when an aircraft touches down with excessive vertical speed or force. Photographs and videos from the airport showed the damaged nose-wheel section of the aircraft on the runway after landing. Emergency response teams and airport personnel rushed to secure the aircraft and assess the situation. Passengers and crew on board the aircraft were safely evacuated and taken to the terminal building, with no injuries reported, according to airline and airport authorities. The disabled aircraft remained on the runway for several hours while airport teams worked to tow it away and conduct safety inspections. The temporary runway closure caused disruptions to scheduled flight operations at Phuket, one of Thailand’s busiest international tourism gateways. In a statement, Air India Express confirmed the incident, saying the Hyderabad–Phuket flight experienced an issue with the nose wheel after landing and that the crew followed all standard safety procedures. “We confirm that our Hyderabad-Phuket flight on March 11 experienced an issue with the nose wheel at Phuket Airport. The crew followed all standard protocols, and guests were safely deplaned,” the airline said. Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the landing and the damage to the aircraft’s landing gear, in coordination with relevant aviation regulators. https://x.com/i/status/2031674853678620901

Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX Suffers Nose Gear Damage After Hard Landing In Phuket

Aviation Today News Desk / March 11, 2026

Phuket, Thailand: An Air India Express flight operating from Hyderabad to Phuket suffered damage to its nose landing gear after

Preliminary Report Links Engine Oil Pressure Loss To Fatal India One Air Accident SEO DES: The crash killed one passenger and seriously injured three others, while the 48-year-old captain and 41-year-old first officer were also badly hurt SOCIAL: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary report on the January 10, 2026 crash of a Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX operated by India One Air near Rourkela, Odisha. The aircraft experienced a drop in engine oil pressure about 30 nautical miles from destination, leading to engine shutdown and a Mayday call. While attempting a forced landing in an open field after abandoning a riverbed option, the aircraft struck a treetop and a high-tension power line before impact. One passenger died and three others were seriously injured, along with both pilots. Investigators found signs of oil leakage, and CVR/FDR data along with engine components are under detailed examination. The findings remain preliminary. Rourkela, India: India’s aviation accident regulator has released its preliminary findings into the crash of an India One Air Cessna Caravan aircraft near Rourkela last month, confirming that low engine oil pressure led to an emergency landing attempt that ended in a fatal accident. According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the accident occurred on January 10, 2026, at 0747 UTC when a Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX, registration VT-KSS, operating a scheduled Bhubaneswar–Rourkela service, was forced to land in an open field near Jalda village in Odisha. The aircraft, operated by India One Air, had departed from Biju Patnaik International Airport and was approaching Rourkela Airport when the crew observed a drop in engine oil pressure approximately 30 nautical miles from destination. The report states that the oil pressure showed a downward trend accompanied by reduced engine power. Following standard non-normal checklist procedures, the pilots shut down the engine and declared a Mayday with Rourkela Air Traffic Control, indicating their intention to attempt an emergency landing at the nearest suitable site. Investigators said the crew initially considered landing on a dry riverbed but abandoned the attempt due to insufficient altitude. They then selected an alternate open field that appeared free of major obstacles. However, during final approach, the aircraft struck a treetop and a high-tension power cable before impacting the ground. The impact caused substantial structural damage. The nose landing gear separated, the main landing gear deformed, and the forward fuselage suffered fragmentation. Investigators found oil stains along the fuselage belly extending toward the tail. No post-crash fire or smoke was observed. The accident resulted in the death of one passenger. Three other passengers sustained serious injuries. Both the pilot-in-command, aged 48, and the first officer, aged 41, also suffered serious injuries. The crew held valid commercial pilot licences, medical certificates, and were cleared by pre-flight breath analyser tests. Weather conditions at Rourkela at the time were reported as wind 060 degrees at 2 knots, visibility 7 km, no significant cloud, and QNH 1017 hPa. The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) data have been downloaded and are under analysis. The engine has been secured for detailed examination. The AAIB has appointed accredited representatives from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada to assist in the investigation. The bureau reiterated that the purpose of the investigation is the prevention of future accidents and not to apportion blame or liability. The findings remain preliminary and subject to change pending further technical analysis.

Preliminary Report Links Engine Oil Pressure Loss To Fatal India One Air Accident

Aviation Today News Desk / February 19, 2026

Rourkela, India: India’s aviation accident regulator has released its preliminary findings into the crash of an India One Air Cessna

Ranchi, India: An IndiGo aircraft operating the Bhubaneswar–Ranchi sector experienced a tail strike while landing at Birsa Munda Airport on the evening of 12 December, officials confirmed. The incident caused a sudden jolt inside the cabin, but all passengers and crew were safe, with no reported injuries. Flight 6E‑7361, an ATR‑72 turboprop carrying about 70 passengers, made contact with the runway with its tail section during touchdown, according to airport authorities. Vinod Kumar, Ranchi Airport Director, confirmed that the impact was jolting but did not endanger passenger safety. “All passengers were safe. The aircraft sustained minor damage and has been grounded pending technical inspection,” Kumar stated. Following the incident, the aircraft was withdrawn from service after preliminary checks indicated it was unfit for further operations. The airline also cancelled the return flight from Ranchi to Bhubaneswar, offering passengers alternative arrangements or rescheduling options. Some passengers were transported by road to nearby destinations. Airport operations remained normal despite the incident. Aviation authorities and IndiGo’s technical team have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the tail strike, including factors such as aircraft configuration, weather conditions, or operational technique. Tail strikes occur when the rear portion of an aircraft contacts the runway during take-off or landing. While typically survivable, such incidents require detailed inspection to ensure structural and system integrity. In recent years, IndiGo has faced increased regulatory scrutiny over operational performance and safety standards, particularly amid widespread flight disruptions across its network. Earlier in March 2025, an IndiGo Airbus A321 operating Flight 6E‑5325 from Mumbai to Chennai also suffered a tail strike during landing at Chennai International Airport, when the aircraft’s empennage made contact with the runway surface. The aircraft was then grounded for technical inspection and necessary repairs, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a formal investigation into the incident to determine contributing factors, including flight operations and aircraft handling.

IndiGo Flight Suffers Tail Strike During Landing At Ranchi Airport With No Injuries

Aviation Today News Desk / December 15, 2025

Ranchi, India: An IndiGo aircraft operating the Bhubaneswar–Ranchi sector experienced a tail strike while landing at Birsa Munda Airport on

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

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

Aviation Today News Desk / November 10, 2025

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

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.

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

Mumbai, India: A major aviation scare unfolded on Friday afternoon when a SpiceJet Bombardier Q400 aircraft operating flight SG 2906 from Kandla to Mumbai lost one of its main landing gear wheels shortly after take-off. The aircraft, carrying 75 passengers and crew, landed safely at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) under full emergency protocol, averting a potential disaster. According to airport authorities at Kandla, air traffic controllers spotted an object falling off the aircraft during take-off around 2:38 pm. Upon closer inspection, officials confirmed that it was the outer wheel of the right rear landing gear, along with metal rings that rolled off the runway. The parts were later recovered for investigation. Despite the wheel loss, the pilots continued to Mumbai after coordinating with air traffic control. A full emergency was declared at Mumbai airport, where firefighting and rescue teams were positioned near the runway. The aircraft landed at 3:51 pm on Runway 27, taxied under its own power, and parked safely. All passengers disembarked without incident. A SpiceJet spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating that the airline is cooperating with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for a detailed probe. “The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority. The affected aircraft has been grounded pending thorough inspection,” the airline said in a statement. Aviation experts suggest several possible causes for such a wheel detachment, including failure of the locking mechanism, loose axle nuts, bearing issues, or material fatigue. The Q400’s landing gear has dual wheels on each side, which allowed the pilots to land with reduced but adequate braking capability. Operations at Mumbai airport resumed shortly after the aircraft was cleared from the runway. No further delays were reported. The DGCA has initiated an inquiry to determine whether the incident was due to a maintenance lapse, manufacturing defect, or operational issue. Preliminary findings are expected in the coming days.

SpiceJet Flight Lands Safely in Mumbai After Wheel Loss Mid-Flight, DGCA Investigates

Aviation Today News Desk / September 13, 2025

Mumbai, India: A major aviation scare unfolded on Friday afternoon when a SpiceJet Bombardier Q400 aircraft operating flight SG 2906

Follow Us

AVIATION TODAY brings the latest in aviation and aims to cater information to professionals and Aviation Enthusiasts about the Industry.

Quick Links

Navigate

General Support

News Desk Support

Follow Us

© Copyright 2026 Aviation Today. All rights reserved.