Aviation Today Archives - Page 30 of 64

Kuantan, Malaysia: A Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet caught fire during take-off at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport on Thursday night, prompting both pilots to eject seconds before the aircraft crashed. The incident, which occurred around 9:05 pm, temporarily shut down the airport’s runway and disrupted several commercial flights. The RMAF confirmed in a statement that the twin-seat Hornet suffered a fire during its take-off roll at Kuantan Air Base. “Both pilots successfully ejected and were immediately transported to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital for medical observation,” the Air Force said. Witnesses described the terrifying moment as the aircraft burst into flames, sending smoke billowing into the night sky. One resident said that two loud explosions “sounded like missile strikes” and could be heard nearly a kilometre away. A video of the incident, widely circulated on social media, shows the Hornet engulfed in flames as it attempted to lift off the runway before both crew members ejected. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) declared a temporary “Code Black” runway closure following the accident. In a statement CAAM said the runway would remain shut until 1 pm on Friday, August 22, to facilitate debris clearance and safety checks. The closure affected several scheduled services, including Malaysia Airlines flights MH1268 and MH1269, and Scoot flights TR0470 and TR0471. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for rebooking arrangements. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim extended his well-wishes to the pilots and urged a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the fire. “This incident must be studied thoroughly to ensure the safety of our airmen and the reliability of our defence assets,” Anwar said, as quoted by Malay Mail. The RMAF has launched a formal probe into the accident. No casualties were reported on the ground, and authorities confirmed that the fire was contained within the air base perimeter. The Boeing F/A-18D Hornet is one of the RMAF’s frontline multirole fighters, acquired in the 1990s. The aircraft has seen extensive service, including participation in regional exercises and maritime patrols. The fleet is currently undergoing phased upgrades as part of Malaysia’s defence modernisation plan. While the immediate priority remains the health of the two aircrew, the investigation will focus on determining whether a mechanical failure, engine malfunction, or other technical issues caused the fire. The findings are expected to inform future operational safety measures for the RMAF’s combat fleet. In a separate incident a month ago, five police officers were injured when their AS355N helicopter crashed into the Pulai River during a nuclear security exercise in Johor. Two officers remain in critical condition and are receiving respiratory support in the Intensive Care Unit at Sultanah Aminah Hospital. The remaining three officers are stable. The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) confirmed the crash occurred near the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Jetty in Gelang Patah.

Malaysian Air Force Hornet Catches Fire During Take-Off, Both Pilots Survive

Aviation Today News Desk / August 22, 2025

Kuantan, Malaysia: A Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet caught fire during take-off at Sultan Haji Ahmad […]

India

Parliament Panel Warns DGCA, ATC Staff Shortage Poses Risk to Indian Aviation

Aviation Today News Desk / August 21, 2025

New Delhi, India: A Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised red flags over the mounting personnel crisis in India’s civil aviation

Mumbai, India: In a vivid demonstration of pilot proficiency under duress, an Air India aircraft executed a notably smooth and controlled landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport amid relentless downpour and fierce wind gusts. A passenger aboard the flight captured the descent on video, and the footage quickly garnered widespread acclaim across social media. The clip shows the airplane’s wing cutting through turbulent skies with minimal shakiness before gliding toward the runway. Despite heavy rainfall and low visibility, the landing was executed with stability and precision. The video was shared with the caption: “Mumbai airport landing in midst of heavy rains. Hats off to Captain Neeraj Sethi for landing safely with less visibility.” Reactions online highlighted the respect earned by the pilot’s composure. Many hailed him as a “true hero of the skies,” while others expressed admiration for his calm execution in adverse conditions. One commenter remarked that landings of this kind are often conducted under autopilot, with pilots ensuring parameters remain safe and avoiding human errors close to the runway. The incident coincided with an exceptionally severe spell of rain in Mumbai. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the city, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. Local reports described widespread flooding that disrupted traffic and daily life across the metropolitan area. The safe landing stands in sharp contrast to an incident last month, when an Air India Airbus A320 from Kochi skidded off Mumbai’s primary runway during heavy rain on July 21, 2025, bursting three tires and damaging runway infrastructure. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the aircraft required towing and a DGCA investigation was launched.

Airlines

Air India Pilot’s Skillful Landing in Mumbai Rains Earns Widespread Applause

Aviation Today News Desk / August 20, 2025

Mumbai, India: In a vivid demonstration of pilot proficiency under duress, an Air India aircraft executed a notably smooth and

Astana, Kazakhstan: A light aircraft crashed in Kazakhstan’s Akmola region on Sunday, killing both people on board and prompting an official investigation into the cause of the accident. According to the Ministry of Transport, the incident occurred on August 17 near Tonkeris village in the Tselinograd district. The aircraft was identified as an Aerostar R40F light-engine plane with registration number UP-LA229, engaged in a general aviation flight. The ministry confirmed that the plane did not catch fire following the crash. Emergency services reported that the two occupants a male pilot and a female passenger, suffered injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene before medical teams arrived. This was confirmed in a statement released by the Ministry of Transport Authorities said a special commission has been formed “in accordance with the Rules for the Investigation of Aviation Accidents.” Officials from the Transport Ministry’s Accident Investigation Department were dispatched to the crash site to gather evidence and determine the cause. The Transport Police Department has also opened a pre-trial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. While officials have not released specific details regarding the moments leading up to the crash, local reports suggest that the aircraft went down suddenly during what was described as a routine private flight. No fire occurred upon impact, and there were no injuries reported on the ground.

Aircraft Crashes

Pilot and Passenger Killed in Plane Crash in Kazakhstan, No Ground Injuries Reported

Aviation Today News Desk / August 19, 2025

Astana, Kazakhstan: A light aircraft crashed in Kazakhstan’s Akmola region on Sunday, killing both people on board and prompting an

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation sector has faced a turbulent start to the year with more than 5,700 flights cancelled in the first six months, largely due to geopolitical tensions and regulatory complications. Data presented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in the Rajya Sabha showed that between January and June 2025, Indian carriers scheduled 572,079 departures, of which 5,706 were cancelled, accounting for nearly one percent of total flights. Officials said the primary reasons included a brief four-day military conflict with Pakistan in May that forced suspension of civilian operations at several northern airports sharing infrastructure with the armed forces, the ongoing closure of Pakistani airspace for Indian carriers that has disrupted westbound routes to Europe and the Middle East, and wider instability linked to the conflict between Iran and Israel which has further complicated international operations. The cancellations were unevenly distributed across airlines, with IndiGo bearing the heaviest burden, reporting 3,274 cancellations that made up almost 57 percent of the total. The Air India Group, which includes Air India Express, cancelled 1,468 flights, representing about 26 percent of the total. SpiceJet cancelled 401, while Akasa Air saw the lowest disruption with 64 cancellations. According to the ministry, the cancellations not only grounded aircraft but also imposed significant costs on airlines, from increased fuel bills on rerouted flights and extended crew duty hours to additional airport fees, aircraft maintenance delays and rebooking expenses for affected passengers. Under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s compensation framework, airlines were required to either refund fares or provide alternate travel arrangements to customers whose flights were disrupted. Despite the disruptions, India’s domestic air travel market continued to expand, with passenger numbers growing by 7.34 percent in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2024. Analysts said the figures underline the resilience of India’s aviation market, though the financial strain on airlines remains considerable. Air India, in particular, has faced additional operational pressure, cutting about 15 percent of its international long-haul flights and grounding several Boeing Dreamliners for inspections after a recent crash, while also suspending services over Middle Eastern airspace amid escalating regional conflict. Industry observers note that airlines are preparing to recalibrate their schedules in the coming winter season, with some long-haul routes expected to be restored, including Air India’s planned Goa–London Gatwick service. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has said it is working closely with airlines to address regulatory issues, but the cancellations highlight how external shocks beyond the industry’s control continue to ripple through one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. While the 5,706 cancellations amount to just one percent of total scheduled departures, the episode has exposed operational vulnerabilities and reaffirmed that India’s carriers remain at the mercy of geopolitical currents, regulatory bottlenecks, and unpredictable regional conflicts.

Airlines

India’s Aviation Sector Hit as Airlines Cancel 5,700 Flights in First Half of 2025

Aviation Today News Desk / August 19, 2025

New Delhi, India: India’s aviation sector has faced a turbulent start to the year with more than 5,700 flights cancelled

Titusville, Florida: A small training aircraft carrying a flight instructor and a student pilot crashed Friday afternoon near Space Coast Regional Airport, leaving both occupants injured and prompting an emergency response from multiple agencies. The crash occurred around 2:13 p.m. on August 15, 2025, when the aircraft went down in a wooded area just west of the airport and north of Shepard Drive, according to the Titusville Police Department and Titusville Fire Department. Both the instructor and the student were able to call 911 from inside the downed plane. Emergency crews from Titusville Fire, Titusville Police, and Brevard County Fire Rescue rushed to the scene and located the damaged aircraft in the wooded terrain. Authorities said one of the occupants sustained serious injuries, while the other suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Both were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Their names and the exact nature of their injuries have not yet been released. The pair were engaged in a training flight when the crash occurred. A spokesperson for the Titusville Police confirmed that the two victims were conscious and responsive when emergency responders reached them. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are expected to take over the probe into the crash. So far, neither agency has released details on what might have led to the aircraft going down. Investigators are expected to examine flight conditions, pilot communications, and the maintenance history of the aircraft. Residents near Shepard Drive reported hearing emergency sirens and seeing multiple rescue vehicles heading toward the crash site. Local media outlets, including Florida Today, confirmed that two people were injured and that the aircraft came down near the airport perimeter. As the FAA and NTSB begin their formal investigation, officials are urging the public to avoid speculation until official findings are released. Updates on the condition of the instructor and student pilot are expected once their families have been notified.

Aircraft Crashes

Titusville Plane Crash Leaves Two Injured Near Space Coast Regional Airport, Florida

Aviation Today News Desk / August 18, 2025

Florida, United States: A small training aircraft carrying a flight instructor and a student pilot crashed Friday afternoon near Space

Taipei, Taiwan: A UPS Boeing 747-8F freighter, operating as flight 5X61 from Hong Kong to Louisville via scheduled stops in Taipei and Anchorage experienced a dramatic and potentially serious incident while attempting to land at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) amid severe weather from Typhoon Podul. The incident has triggered concern among aviation observers and gone viral on social media. The aircraft encountered intense gusty winds linked to the typhoon, leading to two aborted landing attempts. On its third approach, the No. 4 engine pod located on the outer section of the right wing struck the runway, generating a burst of sparks and visibly damaging the nacelle. According to the Aviation Safety Network, UPS flight 5X61 began its first approach to the runway around 7:20 p.m. local time. The pilots aborted the approach to runway 05L and executed a go-around, before scraping the engine during the second attempt. Finally, around 8 p.m., the aircraft touched down and completed its rollout despite the damage. Footage of the incident spread quickly online, prompting widespread attention. The visual captured not only the spark-filled impact but also the challenging weather conditions faced by the crew. With Typhoon Podul battering Taiwan, airlines had already canceled or delayed hundreds of flights, and questions are being raised over whether UPS flight 5X61 should have diverted earlier rather than attempt multiple landings in dangerous conditions. Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration is expected to launch a formal investigation, reviewing flight data and cockpit recordings to determine the sequence of decisions that led to the runway strike. Until inspections are complete, the aircraft will remain grounded in Taipei. Operational disruption was significant, 180 departures and 141 arrivals were delayed at Taipei that day.

Incidents

UPS 747 Cargo Jet Damaged After Engine Pod Scrapes Runway in Taipei Typhoon Landing Try

Aviation Today News Desk / August 16, 2025

Taipei, Taiwan: A UPS Boeing 747-8F freighter, operating as flight 5X61 from Hong Kong to Louisville via scheduled stops in

Toronto, Canada: Air Canada has started cancelling domestic and international flights ahead of a looming strike by thousands of flight attendants, warning that a complete shutdown could begin in the early hours of Saturday if no agreement is reached. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents 9,500 Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge cabin crew members, served a 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday following a breakdown in contract talks. The airline responded with its own statutory lockout notice, setting the stage for a stoppage of operations from 1 a.m. Eastern Time on August 16. Air Canada announced that it would implement a phased reduction in service to minimise disruption for travellers. Cancellations began on Thursday, August 14, will increase on Friday, and could culminate in a complete grounding of all Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights by Saturday morning. The airline estimates about 130,000 passengers per day could be affected during the busy summer travel season. Air Canada President and CEO Michael Rousseau said the approach is intended to avoid “chaotic airport situations” and give passengers clearer timelines to adjust their plans. Regional flights operated by Jazz and PAL Airlines will continue unaffected, as those crews are not part of the dispute. According to CUPE, entry-level flight attendant wages have only increased by $3 per hour since 2000, while inflation has risen by 69% in the same period. “Our locals have had to set up food banks in our union offices for junior members who cannot afford groceries,” said Lesosky. “Our members need and deserve a fair wage increase that makes everyone whole for the skyrocketing cost of living, and one that lifts our junior flight attendants out of poverty.” At Vancouver International Airport (YVR), a major West Coast hub for Air Canada, the impact is expected to be severe. Vancouver Is Awesome reports that YVR-bound and departing flights are already being cut, with further cancellations likely if the strike or lockout begins as scheduled. The airport, which handles significant transpacific and domestic traffic, could see widespread delays, rebookings, and outright cancellations. Passengers travelling through Vancouver have been urged to monitor flight status closely and consider alternative arrangements. Travellers booked on affected flights are entitled to full refunds, free rebooking on Air Canada or partner airlines, or travel credits. The carrier is working with over 120 partner airlines to accommodate displaced passengers, but has warned that available seats will be limited during the peak travel period. Canadian Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu said in a statement that she has met both parties and federal mediators will remain engaged until the resolution is found.

Civil Aviation Workforce

Air Canada Cancels Several Flights as Labour Union Announce 72-Hour Strike

Aviation Today News Desk / August 14, 2025

Toronto, Canada: Air Canada has started cancelling domestic and international flights ahead of a looming strike by thousands of flight

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo, India’s largest airline by market share, after an inspection revealed that the carrier had been using certain pilot training simulators without securing the necessary regulatory approval. According to DGCA officials, routine surveillance and compliance checks found that a few Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulators at IndiGo’s training facility were not in line with the mandatory certification standards under Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) for pilot training. These simulators are used for crucial functions such as type rating, recurrent training, and proficiency checks, all of which are mandatory for maintaining a pilot’s operational license. “The operator has been asked to explain why these devices were used for training and assessment without approval. This is a serious compliance lapse,” a senior DGCA official said on condition of anonymity. The notice gives the airline a period of seven days to respond, failing which the regulator may initiate enforcement action, including possible suspension of related training approvals. IndiGo, in an emailed statement to The Economic Times, acknowledged receiving the notice and confirmed it had “temporarily withdrawn the use of the identified simulators pending regulatory clearance.” The airline added that it is “fully cooperating with the DGCA to ensure that all training devices meet the required technical and regulatory standards.” This is not the first time the DGCA has tightened oversight on simulator usage in India’s civil aviation sector. In March 2024, the regulator grounded a simulator at another training organization over discrepancies in calibration, highlighting its zero-tolerance stance on safety compliance. Industry experts note that any gaps in simulator certification can have downstream effects on pilot preparedness and, by extension, flight safety. The DGCA has yet to announce whether further sanctions will be imposed on IndiGo. For now, the matter remains under review pending the airline’s formal response.

Airlines

DGCA Flags IndiGo Over Unapproved Pilot Simulators, Issues Show-Cause Notice

Aviation Today News Desk / August 13, 2025

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a show-cause notice to IndiGo, India’s largest airline

Atlanta, United States: A Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 was involved in a ground collision at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Sunday, August 10, when its wing clipped an empty regional jet during pushback from the gate. While the incident caused visible damage to the aircraft’s wing, no injuries were reported among the 192 passengers or crew members aboard the flight. The affected flight, Delta Flight 1830, was scheduled to depart for Guatemala City when the collision occurred. According to eyewitness reports and official statements, the Boeing 757 was moving backward away from the gate under the guidance of ground crew when the wing made contact with a parked, unoccupied regional jet. The exact sequence of events is currently under review. Following the collision, Delta promptly disembarked passengers from the damaged aircraft and arranged for their transfer to a replacement plane. The subsequent flight departed later the same afternoon, arriving at its destination over three hours behind schedule. Delta Air Lines issued a formal apology, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused and reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety and operational excellence. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation to determine the root causes of the incident. Initial reports note that the affected area of the airport where the collision occurred is not typically under direct communication between air traffic controllers and flight crews during pushback, which may contribute to operational challenges. The FAA will examine factors such as ground operations protocols, communication procedures, pilot and ground crew actions, and any systemic issues that may have played a role. Delta and airport authorities have stated their full cooperation with the FAA’s ongoing investigation and underscored their priority on maintaining the highest safety standards. No additional safety concerns or hazards have been reported in relation to the aircraft or airport operations following the event.

Incidents

Delta 757 Strikes Wing of Empty Jet During Pushback at Atlanta, FAA Probes Incident

Aviation Today News Desk / August 13, 2025

Atlanta, United States: A Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 was involved in a ground collision at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Aviation Today

Malaysian Air Force Hornet Catches Fire During Take-Off, Both Pilots Survive

Parliament Panel Warns DGCA, ATC Staff Shortage Poses Risk to Indian Aviation

Pilot and Passenger Killed in Plane Crash in Kazakhstan, No Ground Injuries Reported

India’s Aviation Sector Hit as Airlines Cancel 5,700 Flights in First Half of 2025

Titusville Plane Crash Leaves Two Injured Near Space Coast Regional Airport, Florida

UPS 747 Cargo Jet Damaged After Engine Pod Scrapes Runway in Taipei Typhoon Landing Try

Air Canada Cancels Several Flights as Labour Union Announce 72-Hour Strike

DGCA Flags IndiGo Over Unapproved Pilot Simulators, Issues Show-Cause Notice

Delta 757 Strikes Wing of Empty Jet During Pushback at Atlanta, FAA Probes Incident

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