Aviation Sector Archives - Page 3 of 6

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has placed on hold its directive requiring airlines to offer at least 60 per cent of seats on every flight without additional seat selection charges, effectively pausing a key passenger-rights reform introduced last month. According to official communication cited by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the provision has been kept “in abeyance till further orders” pending a comprehensive review of its operational and commercial implications. The directive, announced on March 18, 2026, had proposed that airlines make a majority of seats available for free selection at the time of booking. It also aimed to address long-standing passenger concerns over paid seating preferences and family members being separated during allocation. However, the ministry has now paused implementation after receiving representations from airline operators and industry bodies, including the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), which represents major carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet. Airlines had strongly opposed the move, arguing that seat-selection fees form a significant portion of their ancillary revenue. Industry stakeholders warned that limiting this income stream could force carriers to increase base fares across the board, potentially impacting overall affordability for passengers. According to the ministry’s communication to DGCA, the decision to pause the directive was taken after reviewing concerns related to “operational and commercial implications,” as well as consistency with India’s deregulated airfare framework. Under the current system, airlines are permitted to independently price services such as preferred seating, baggage, and meals, with regulators intervening only in cases of unfair or non-transparent practices. The suspended directive was originally introduced as part of a broader effort to improve transparency in airline pricing and address complaints regarding “dark patterns” in seat allocation, where passengers often end up paying extra to avoid random seating. At present, airlines typically offer only 20% share of seats free of charge, with the rest subject to selection fees that vary depending on seat location and demand. The ministry has not indicated a timeline for a revised framework, stating that the matter remains under examination. With the directive now on hold, airlines will continue operating under the existing seat selection policy until further notice. The government is expected to reassess the balance between consumer protection and airline financial sustainability before issuing a revised order.

Govt Puts 60% No-Fee Seat Selection Rule On Hold Amid Airline Revenue Concerns

Aviation Today News Desk / April 3, 2026

New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has placed on hold its directive requiring airlines to offer at least […]

Glasgow, United Kingdom: An easyJet flight bound for Jersey was forced to return to Glasgow shortly after departure on March 29, 2026, after encountering turbulence that left a cabin crew member injured, prompting a precautionary emergency landing. Flight EZY439, operated by an Airbus A319, departed Glasgow Airport at approximately 12:00 PM local time and experienced sudden turbulence during the initial climb phase. The incident occurred within minutes of takeoff, at a time when cabin crew are typically engaged in onboard duties, increasing their exposure to in-flight disturbances. Following the incident, the flight crew made the decision to discontinue the journey and return to Glasgow as the injured crew member required medical attention. The aircraft landed safely at around 12:37 PM, roughly 37 minutes after departure, where it was met by emergency medical services on arrival. Airline officials confirmed that one cabin crew member sustained injuries, while no passengers were reported hurt. The nature and severity of the injury have not been disclosed. The airline described the situation as an “extraordinary circumstance” and reiterated that the return to base was carried out purely as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those onboard. The flight had originally been scheduled to arrive in Jersey at approximately 1:25 PM. However, due to the diversion, passengers experienced a delay of around five hours. The service was later rescheduled to depart Glasgow at about 5:15 PM and subsequently arrived in Jersey at approximately 6:33 PM. easyJet arranged assistance for passengers in line with its standard policies for delays and disruptions. In a statement, an easyJet spokesperson said the flight returned to Glasgow due to a cabin crew member requiring medical assistance and confirmed that it landed normally and was met by medical personnel. The airline emphasized that safety remains its highest priority. No official figures regarding the total number of passengers and crew onboard have been released. Additionally, there have been no reports of any damage to the aircraft, and no further updates have been provided on the condition of the injured crew member.

Incidents

easyJet Flight Bound For Jersey Returns To Glasgow After Turbulence Injures Crew Member

Aviation Today News Desk / April 1, 2026

Glasgow, United Kingdom: An easyJet flight bound for Jersey was forced to return to Glasgow shortly after departure on March

IndiGo

IndiGo Appoints IATA Chief Willie Walsh As CEO Following Crisis & Pieter Elbers’ Exit

Aviation Today News Desk / April 1, 2026

Gurugram, India: India’s largest airline, IndiGo, announced on March 31, 2026, the appointment of Willie Walsh as its new Chief

Incidents

United Nigeria Grounds Two Aircraft After Jet Blast Damage & Bird Strike Incident

Aviation Today News Desk / March 30, 2026

Lagos, Nigeria: United Nigeria Airlines faced significant operational disruption after two separate incidents, a jet blast-induced ground accident and a

United Kingdom

UK Aviation Records 302 Million Passengers In 2025, Marking Busiest Year On Record

Aviation Today News Desk / March 29, 2026

London, United Kingdom: The United Kingdom’s aviation sector recorded its highest-ever annual passenger traffic in 2025, with 302 million passengers

Incidents

Air India Flight Makes Precautionary Diversion To Jeddah After Technical Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / March 25, 2026

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating flight AI133 from Bengaluru to London Heathrow was forced to

India

Govt Removes Fare Caps As Airlines Oppose 60% Seats Free Of Selection Charges

Aviation Today News Desk / March 24, 2026

New Delhi, India: A policy push by the government to strengthen passenger rights and enforce fare transparency has triggered sharp

Incidents

Alaska Airline, FedEx Jet Nearly Collide During Landing At Newark, Probe Underway

Aviation Today News Desk / March 22, 2026

Newark, United States: A serious aviation safety incident is under investigation in the United States after an Alaska Airlines passenger

Airlines

Qatar Airways Named World’s Best Airline For 2026 As Asia, Middle East Dominate

Aviation Today News Desk / March 19, 2026

Global aviation benchmarking platform AirlineRatings.com has released its “World’s Best Airlines for 2026” report, naming Qatar Airways as the world’s

Small Training Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing In Hudson River, 2 Onboard Survive SEO DES: The aircraft, registered To American Airman Inc. was heavily damaged Both occupants were rescued by Coast Guard, Air Guard & police; FAA investigates SOCIAL: A small Cessna 172 training aircraft made a forced emergency landing on the icy Hudson River near the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge on the evening of March 2, 2026. The plane, which departed from Long Island MacArthur Airport, experienced in-flight difficulties and descended into the river around 7:55 p.m.. Both pilot and passenger survived with minor injuries. The aircraft, registered to American Airman Inc., sustained significant damage. A coordinated rescue involved the U.S. Coast Guard, Air National Guard, police, and fire departments. Authorities, including the FAA, are investigating the cause of the emergency landing. Officials praised first responders and likened the rescue to the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson.” The flight had been following the Hudson River corridor, a common route for small aircraft, near Stewart International Airport, about 60 miles north of New York City. New York, United States: A small single-engine aircraft made a forced emergency landing on the icy waters of the Hudson River near the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge on the evening of Monday, March 2, 2026, authorities confirmed. The aircraft, a Cessna 172 Skyhawk, departed Long Island MacArthur Airport shortly before 7 p.m. local time and was later observed experiencing difficulties in flight, according to flight tracking and public reports. The pilot declared an emergency as the plane approached Stewart International Airport before descending into the Hudson River south of the bridge at around 7:55 p.m.. The aircraft bore the registration N1560E and is listed to American Airman Inc., a flight training organisation headquartered on Long Island, New York. The Cessna 172 is widely used in training and general aviation. Local officials and law enforcement confirmed that both people on board the pilot and a passenger survived the landing. They were recovered from the river and taken to nearby medical facilities. Early assessments indicate only minor injuries, and both individuals are expected to make a full recovery. The incident triggered a rapid and coordinated response from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Air National Guard, state and local police, and fire departments. Emergency teams worked in freezing conditions amid floating river ice to locate and assist the occupants. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus praised the efforts of first responders. Neuhaus referenced the historic 2009 emergency landing on the Hudson of US Airways Flight 1549 dubbed the “Miracle on the Hudson” in commending the successful rescue of the smaller aircraft’s occupants. Initial reports suggest the Cessna sustained significant damage and may not be salvageable, with the wreckage expected to remain submerged and potentially serve as an artificial reef. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed it is investigating the circumstances leading to the emergency landing. Official details on the cause whether mechanical failure, power loss, or another contributing factor have not yet been released. Final determination of the sequence of events will be part of the ongoing FAA inquiry. The flight had been transiting northward along the Hudson River corridor, a common route for small aircraft under visual flight rules prior to the emergency. The Hudson River under the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge lies roughly 60 miles north of New York City and is adjacent to general aviation traffic lanes near Stewart International Airport.

Airlines

SAS Airlines To Cancel 1,000 Flights In April Following Sharp Rise In Fuel Prices

Aviation Today News Desk / March 18, 2026

Stockholm, Sweden: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) will cancel approximately 1,000 flights in April 2026, marking a significant escalation in operational disruptions

Aviation Sector

Govt Puts 60% No-Fee Seat Selection Rule On Hold Amid Airline Revenue Concerns

easyJet Flight Bound For Jersey Returns To Glasgow After Turbulence Injures Crew Member

United Nigeria Grounds Two Aircraft After Jet Blast Damage & Bird Strike Incident

UK Aviation Records 302 Million Passengers In 2025, Marking Busiest Year On Record

Air India Flight Makes Precautionary Diversion To Jeddah After Technical Issue

Govt Removes Fare Caps As Airlines Oppose 60% Seats Free Of Selection Charges

Alaska Airline, FedEx Jet Nearly Collide During Landing At Newark, Probe Underway

Qatar Airways Named World’s Best Airline For 2026 As Asia, Middle East Dominate

SAS Airlines To Cancel 1,000 Flights In April Following Sharp Rise In Fuel Prices

Follow Us

Quick Links

Navigate

General Support

News Desk Support

Follow Us