Aviation Today Archives - Page 23 of 64

New Delhi, India: ICRA has revised its domestic air passenger growth projection for FY26 to 4–6%, down from the previous estimate of 7–10%. This adjustment follows a modest 0.3% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic to 13.17 million in August 2025. The revised forecast anticipates a total of 172–176 million domestic passengers for the fiscal year, compared to 165.4 million in FY25. International air traffic growth estimates have also been reduced to 13–15% for FY26, from the earlier projection of 15–20%. Factors contributing to this downgrade include geopolitical tensions affecting flight operations, decreased travel confidence following a recent aircraft accident, and global trade challenges such as the impact of U.S. tariffs. Consequently, ICRA projects the aviation sector's net losses to widen to ₹9,500–10,500 crore in FY26, up from ₹5,500 crore in FY25. This increase is attributed to slower passenger growth amid rising aircraft deliveries and operational hurdles. Industry capacity also declined, with capacity deployment in August 2025 dropping 5.8% compared to the same month last year. Supply chain disruptions and engine issues, particularly involving Pratt & Whitney engines, have led to approximately 133 aircraft being grounded as of March 31, 2025, accounting for 15–17% of the total industry fleet. Despite a decrease in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, cost pressures persist due to the dollar-denominated nature of key operating expenses, including fuel, aircraft leases, and maintenance. These factors continue to impact airlines' profitability. ICRA notes that while some carriers benefit from strong parental support and adequate liquidity, others may face challenges in maintaining credit metrics and liquidity profiles in the near term.

ICRA Slashes India’s FY26 Air Passenger Growth Forecast to 4–6%, Warns of Losses

Aviation Today News Desk / October 4, 2025

New Delhi, India: ICRA has revised its domestic air passenger growth projection for FY26 to 4–6%, down from the previous […]

Helicopter Crash

Man Dead & 19-Year Old Critically Injured After Fatal Helicopter Crash at Bankstown

Aviation Today News Desk / October 3, 2025

Sydney, Australia: A fatal helicopter crash occurred at Bankstown Airport in Sydney’s south-west on Friday, when the helicopter Crashed into

New York, United States: A low-speed collision between two Delta Connection regional jets disrupted operations at LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday night, injuring a flight attendant and damaging both aircraft. The incident occurred when Delta Connection Flight 5155, operated by Endeavor Air and scheduled to depart for Roanoke, Virginia, struck the nose of Delta Connection Flight 5047 arriving from Charlotte, North Carolina. The right wing of the departing CRJ-900 clipped the cockpit section of the arriving aircraft. The collision shattered cockpit windows and damaged the forward fuselage of the Charlotte flight. A cabin crew member on board sustained a knee injury and was taken to a local hospital. No passengers were hurt. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that airport operations continued without major disruption. The Endeavor flight 5155 was carrying 32 people including 28 passengers and 4 crewmembers whereas Endeavor flight 5047 was carrying 61 people in which 57 were passengers and 4 crewmembers, all passengers were safely deplaned and transported by bus to the terminal, where Delta arranged hotel accommodation, meals, and rebooking support. The NTSB has dispatched a team of ten investigators and recovered flight recorders from both aircraft for analysis. The FAA stated that Flight 5155 had been instructed to hold position before the collision, but the exact circumstances remain under investigation. The focus will include taxiway intersection layout, air traffic control instructions, and pilot decision-making. Flights resumed on schedule Thursday morning, with no further delays.

Accidents

Two Delta Jets Collide at LaGuardia Airport; Cockpit Windows Shattered & Crew Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / October 3, 2025

New York, United States: A low-speed collision between two Delta Connection regional jets disrupted operations at LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday

Montreal, Canada: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concluded its 42nd General Assembly in Montreal with significant decisions impacting global aviation policies. According to Bloomberg Government, delegates at the 42nd ICAO General Assembly voted to maintain the current mandatory retirement age for airline pilots at 65, rejecting the proposal to extend it to 67. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) had advocated for raising the pilot retirement age to 67, arguing that the two-year extension would alleviate pilot staffing shortages without compromising safety. The proposal is supported by examples from countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where there are no strict upper age limits for pilots. IATA emphasized that raising the pilot retirement age aligns with ICAO’s efforts to standardize medical assessments, advocating for consistent oversight to ensure older pilots remain fit to fly. The move also supports broader aviation workforce goals, including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and ICAO’s Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Programme, by helping retain experienced pilots and maintain a steady supply of qualified aviation personnel. However, the proposal faced opposition from pilot unions, including the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which raised concerns about potential health and cognitive risks associated with older pilots. As a result, ICAO delegates voted to retain the existing age limit.

Pilots

ICAO Retains Pilot Retirement Age at 65, Rejects Proposal to Extend to 67

Aviation Today News Desk / October 2, 2025

Montreal, Canada: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concluded its 42nd General Assembly in Montreal with significant decisions impacting global

London, United Kingdom: A British Airways flight bound for the Caribbean was forced to make an unexpected U-turn over the Atlantic on Tuesday night, returning to London after nearly eight hours in the air. Flight BA2157 departed London Gatwick on September 30, scheduled to land in Antigua before continuing on to St. Kitts and Nevis. Midway through its journey, however, the aircraft turned back towards the UK. Data from flight tracking platforms, like Flightradar24, confirmed the unusual path, which saw the Boeing jet return to its point of departure instead of completing the transatlantic crossing due to pressure warning light on 2 tyres, the aircraft landed back at London Gatwick Airport at 16:22 BST, almost 8 hours after takeoff. Passengers on board were said to have remained calm during the diversion, and no medical emergencies have been reported so far. British Airways has not yet provided an explanation, and UK aviation regulators have also remained silent. Aviation observers have speculated about possible technical or operational reasons, but no official confirmation has been given. On September 28, 2025, a British Airways flight experienced an unexpected incident upon landing at Grenada's Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA). The aircraft, a Boeing 777-200 (registration G-VIIU), arrived from Saint Lucia but came to a complete stop on the runway after landing. There were no signs of distress during the approach, and the aircraft landed normally. However, it failed to move under its own power, prompting airport staff to tow it to a safer area. Passengers remained on board during the towing process, and no injuries or emergency procedures were reported

Incidents

British Airways Flight Returns to London Mid-Atlantic Due to Tyre Pressure Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / October 1, 2025

London, United Kingdom: A British Airways flight bound for the Caribbean was forced to make an unexpected U-turn over the

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has unveiled a formal ranking framework for all DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisations (FTOs), which will come into effect from 1 October 2025. The new system, published in a public notice on 30 September, will be released bi-annually, with the next edition scheduled for 1 April 2026. Designed around a points-based evaluation, the framework measures FTOs on five core parameters: performance, operational strength, safety, compliance, and student support. Rankings Of Flying Training Organizations: Category A+ No FTOs featured in this category. Category A No FTOs featured in this category. Category B Chimes Aviation Academy SVKM’s NMIMS Academy of Aviation Shirpur Bihar Flying Club Orient Flights Aviation Academy Skynex Aero Pvt. Ltd. FSTC Flying School Pvt. Ltd. Patiala Aviation Club Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd. Nagpur Flying Club National Flying Training Institute Banasthali Vidyapith Gliding and Flying Club Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology Category C Dunes Aviation Academy Garg Aviations Ltd. The Bombay Flying Club Chetak Aviation Ekvi Air Training Organisation Pvt. Ltd. Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt. Ltd. Ambitions Flying Club Pvt. Ltd. Flytech Aviation Academy Indian Flying Academy Sha-Shib Flying Academy Government Aviation Training Institute Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA) Redbird Flight Training Academy Telangana State Aviation Academy Alchemist Aviation Private Limited Falcon Aviation Academy Wings Aviation Pvt. Ltd. Asia Pacific Flight Training Academy Limited The Gujarat Flying Club The Madhya Pradesh Flying Club Ltd. Pioneer Flying Academy Pvt. Ltd. Blue Ray Aviation Pvt. Ltd. The inaugural ranking covers the period from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025 and applies to all FTOs that had completed at least 18 months of approval by the cut-off date. Even training institutes that faced temporary suspensions during this period have been included. The grading system is divided into four categories: A+ (85% and above), A (70%–84%), B (50%–69%), and C (below 50%). Those in Category C will be issued notices by the regulator, requiring them to conduct self-assessment and take corrective measures. Majority of Flight Schools in Category C Raises Concerns The inaugural results reveal a concerning scenario: no FTO achieved an A+ or A grade, while the majority of flight schools were placed in Category C. Only a few institutions managed to secure Category B. The DGCA’s inaugural FTO rankings have raised serious concerns for the future of pilot training in India. With most flying schools underperforming and the majority falling into Category C, the country risks producing pilots who may not be fully prepared for next-generation aircraft, eVTOLs, and advanced aviation technologies. Low scores in safety, operational efficiency, and compliance further raise the possibility of heightened risks in training operations, potentially affecting commercial aviation standards in the future. As India’s aviation sector expands rapidly, failing to improve FTO performance could lead to a significant pilot shortfall, challenging both domestic and international airline growth. DGCA Introduced FTO Ranking System Earlier in March, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced its plan to introduce a ranking system for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) in India. The proposed framework aims to evaluate flight schools based on multiple performance metrics, including the average time students take to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). This move comes amid rapid growth in India’s aviation sector, which has heightened demand for skilled pilots. Later in July 2025, following its March announcement, the DGCA moved forward with implementing the FTO ranking system that will be effective from 1st October 2025 and will evaluate FTOs on infrastructure, safety, operational performance, and student support, categorizing them into A++, A+, A, or B grades. FTOs in Category B will be required to undertake self-assessment and improvement measures. The move also follows concerns over flight training accidents this year, stressing on the need for stricter oversight and safety standards. Key Metrics Behind India’s FTO Ranking System DGCA explained that the scoring is distributed across key pillars: 20% for FTO performance, 40% for operational aspects, 20% for safety standards, 10% for compliance, and 10% for student assistance. Performance indicators include the average time for trainees to complete 175 flying hours, aircraft utilization, and course completion rates. Operational strength focuses on student-to-aircraft and student-to-instructor ratios, fleet capacity, maintenance resources, and availability of simulators and ground training. Safety remains a critical factor, with accidents or serious incidents resulting in zero marks for that parameter. Non-reporting of incidents will invite a penalty of five marks for each unreported case. The framework also incorporates compliance monitoring and student welfare. Institutions are expected to maintain transparent grievance redressal systems, offer financial or placement support, and ensure clarity in fee structures and refunds. By formalizing this ranking system, DGCA aims to drive accountability, strengthen safety culture, and raise training standards in India’s pilot pipeline. DGCA Ranking Phase Excludes Certain Flight Schools Exclusions from the current phase includes Avyanna Aviation Academy, Vision Flying Training Institute, Aviation Connectivity Infrastructure Developers Pvt. Ltd. and Jharkhand Flying Institute these were not ranked as it had not completed 18 months of approval as on 31 August 2025 and Government Flying Training School, the approval not valid as on 31 August 2025. The launch of the ranking framework marks the first structured performance assessment of flying schools in India. By giving significant weight to safety and transparency, DGCA aims to instill stronger accountability and improve the overall quality of pilot training. Category C institutions, which represent a majority in this inaugural list, will come under immediate regulatory scrutiny and are expected to demonstrate corrective action before the next cycle of rankings in April 2026.

Flight School

22 of 35 Flying Schools in Category C, None in A or A+ in DGCA’s First Rankings

Aviation Today News Desk / October 1, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has unveiled a formal ranking framework for all DGCA-approved Flying

Airlines

Iceland’s Budget Airline Play Abruptly Ceases Operations Stranding 1,750 Passengers

Aviation Today News Desk / September 30, 2025

Reykjavík, Iceland: Icelandic budget airline Play Airlines has announced the immediate suspension of all flights and the cessation of its

Frankfurt, Germany: Lufthansa Group announced on Monday that it plans to eliminate around 4,000 administrative positions by 2030 as part of a wider restructuring strategy aimed at boosting profitability and efficiency through automation, artificial intelligence, and streamlined operations. In recent years, the airline has faced challenges in controlling costs and driving growth amid labor issues. Last year, it issued two profit warnings and the 8% margin target was postponed to 2028–2030. The job reductions will primarily affect back-office, headquarters, and shared service roles in Germany. Flight operations, including pilots and cabin crew, are not expected to be impacted. The decision was unveiled during Lufthansa’s Capital Markets Day, the airline’s first in six years where executives presented new financial targets. The group now aims for an adjusted operating margin of 8 to 10 percent by 2028, annual free cash flow exceeding €2.5 billion, and a 15 to 20 percent return on capital employed before taxes. Alongside workforce cuts, Lufthansa confirmed plans to modernize its fleet with the delivery of more than 230 new aircraft by the end of the decade, including about 100 long-haul planes. Management said the investments, combined with digitalization, will drive efficiency across its airlines: Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, and Eurowings. Chief Executive Carsten Spohr emphasized the need for structural change, noting that consolidation of overlapping functions and the use of digital tools will “make the group more competitive and resilient.” The announcement sparked criticism from German labor unions. Representatives from Ver.di, one of the country’s unions, warned of the social consequences of the cuts and demanded government oversight. Markets, however, reacted positively. Lufthansa’s shares rose nearly 2 percent following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the group’s ability to deliver stronger returns. The company stressed that the job reductions will be gradual and spread over five years, easing the transition for employees and giving time to implement retraining or redeployment measures. On the contrary, earlier this year, Lufthansa had announced plans to hire approximately 10,000 new employees throughout 2025. The recruitment drive covered a wide range of roles, including more than 2,000 flight attendants, 1,400 ground operations staff, 1,300 technical experts, 1,200 administrative roles, and around 800 pilot positions. A significant portion of these new jobs was expected to be located in Germany, reflecting Lufthansa’s efforts to strengthen its domestic operations. Among its subsidiaries, Lufthansa Technik alone planned to add over 2,000 staff, while Austrian Airlines and Eurowings each aimed to hire roughly 700 employees. The group reported that in 2024 it had onboarded more than 13,000 new employees and, over a three-year period, had hired over 30,000 staff globally.

Airlines

Lufthansa Group to Cut 4,000 Jobs by 2030, Sparks Labor Union Outrage in Germany

Aviation Today News Desk / September 30, 2025

Frankfurt, Germany: Lufthansa Group announced on Monday that it plans to eliminate around 4,000 administrative positions by 2030 as part

London, United Kingdom: United Airlines Flight UA939, a Boeing 777-200ER operating from London Heathrow to San Francisco, was forced to return to its departure airport on Sunday evening due to a technical issue with its right-hand engine. The flight, scheduled to last roughly ten hours, declared an emergency shortly after takeoff to ensure passenger safety. The aircraft departed London Heathrow at 16:21 BST but less than an hour into its journey the crew identified a mechanical problem. Following standard safety protocols, the pilots decided to hold the aircraft at 31,000 feet while preparing for a safe return to London. Fuel was dumped to make landing safer to reduce landing weight, a routine procedure in such emergencies. By 17:50 BST, the aircraft had completed the fuel-dumping process and began its descent back to Heathrow. No injuries have been reported. The flight UA939 was delayed by approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes.

Incidents

United Airlines Flight UA939 Makes Emergency Return to London After Engine Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / September 29, 2025

London, United Kingdom: United Airlines Flight UA939, a Boeing 777-200ER operating from London Heathrow to San Francisco, was forced to

Gujrat, India: A single-seater trainer aircraft skidded off the runway during landing at Amreli Airport in Gujarat on Sunday afternoon. The trainee pilot on board was unharmed, and the aircraft sustained minor damage. The incident occurred between 3:15 and 3:30 PM IST. Photographs from the scene show the aircraft lying on the grass beside the runway, its left wing elevated and tilted into the ground. Amreli District Collector Vikalp Bhardwaj confirmed that the aircraft belongs to a private aviation academy operating from the airport. The plane veered into an unpaved area adjacent to the runway, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The aircraft has been moved to a hangar with the permission of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to conduct a detailed probe. This incident marks the sixth reported aircraft accident in Gujarat this year, following a fatal crash in April 2025. The accident occurred in Amreli, Gujarat, when a solo training flight ended in a fatal crash. The incident took place around 12:30 PM near Giriya Road in the Shastri Nagar area. The training institute involved in the tragic aircraft crash in Amreli, Gujarat, was the Vision Flying Training Institute (VFTI). The aircraft, a Tecnam P2008 JC MkII registered as VT-VDF, was operating under VFTI's training program at the time of the accident. The aircraft struck a tree shortly after takeoff from Amreli Airport and crashed into an open plot, bursting into flames. The pilot, identified as 22-year-old Aniket Mahajan, was killed on the spot. Remarkably, no other injuries were reported. The DGCA’s ranking system, which will assess FTOs based on CPL completion time, fleet strength, safety records, and instructor-to-student ratios, directly addresses such issues. By publicly ranking flight schools, the initiative aims to incentivize Pilot Training institutions to strengthen safety protocols, enhance training infrastructure, and ensure timely and thorough pilot certification. Aircraft Incidents in Gujarat This Year: June 12, 2025 – Air India Flight A-I 171 crash, Ahmedabad April 22, 2025 – Trainee pilot Aniket Mahajan crash, Amreli April 2, 2025 – IAF Jaguar fighter crash, Suvarda, Jamnagar March 31, 2025 – Trainee pilot Cessna-152 crash, Ucharpi, Mehsana January 6, 2025 – Indian Coast Guard Dhruv ALH crash, Porbandar Gujrat, India: A single-seater trainer aircraft skidded off the runway during landing at Amreli Airport in Gujarat on Sunday afternoon. The trainee pilot on board was unharmed, and the aircraft sustained minor damage. The incident occurred between 3:15 and 3:30 PM IST. Photographs from the scene show the aircraft lying on the grass beside the runway, its left wing elevated and tilted into the ground. Amreli District Collector Vikalp Bhardwaj confirmed that the aircraft belongs to a private aviation academy operating from the airport. The plane veered into an unpaved area adjacent to the runway, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The aircraft has been moved to a hangar with the permission of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to conduct a detailed probe. This incident marks the sixth reported aircraft accident in Gujarat this year, following a fatal crash in April 2025. The accident occurred in Amreli, Gujarat, when a solo training flight ended in a fatal crash. The incident took place around 12:30 PM near Giriya Road in the Shastri Nagar area. The training institute involved in the tragic aircraft crash in Amreli, Gujarat, was the Vision Flying Training Institute (VFTI). The aircraft, a Tecnam P2008 JC MkII registered as VT-VDF, was operating under VFTI's training program at the time of the accident. The aircraft struck a tree shortly after takeoff from Amreli Airport and crashed into an open plot, bursting into flames. The pilot, identified as 22-year-old Aniket Mahajan, was killed on the spot. Remarkably, no other injuries were reported. The DGCA’s ranking system, which will assess FTOs based on CPL completion time, fleet strength, safety records, and instructor-to-student ratios, directly addresses such issues. By publicly ranking flight schools, the initiative aims to incentivize Pilot Training institutions to strengthen safety protocols, enhance training infrastructure, and ensure timely and thorough pilot certification. Aircraft Incidents in Gujarat This Year: June 12, 2025 – Air India Flight A-I 171 crash, Ahmedabad April 22, 2025 – Trainee pilot Aniket Mahajan crash, Amreli April 2, 2025 – IAF Jaguar fighter crash, Suvarda, Jamnagar March 31, 2025 – Trainee pilot Cessna-152 crash, Ucharpi, Mehsana January 6, 2025 – Indian Coast Guard Dhruv ALH crash, Porbandar

Aircraft Crashes

Trainee Pilot Safe as Trainer Aircraft Skids Off Runway At Amreli Airport, DGCA Probes

Aviation Today News Desk / September 29, 2025

Gujrat, India: A single-seater trainer aircraft skidded off the runway during landing at Amreli Airport in Gujarat on Sunday afternoon.

Aviation Today

ICRA Slashes India’s FY26 Air Passenger Growth Forecast to 4–6%, Warns of Losses

Man Dead & 19-Year Old Critically Injured After Fatal Helicopter Crash at Bankstown

Two Delta Jets Collide at LaGuardia Airport; Cockpit Windows Shattered & Crew Injured

ICAO Retains Pilot Retirement Age at 65, Rejects Proposal to Extend to 67

British Airways Flight Returns to London Mid-Atlantic Due to Tyre Pressure Issue

22 of 35 Flying Schools in Category C, None in A or A+ in DGCA’s First Rankings

Iceland’s Budget Airline Play Abruptly Ceases Operations Stranding 1,750 Passengers

Lufthansa Group to Cut 4,000 Jobs by 2030, Sparks Labor Union Outrage in Germany

United Airlines Flight UA939 Makes Emergency Return to London After Engine Issue

Trainee Pilot Safe as Trainer Aircraft Skids Off Runway At Amreli Airport, DGCA Probes

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