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Europe: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a high‑level advisory recommending that airlines avoid operating in Iranian airspace due to escalating safety risks stemming from heightened regional tensions and increased military alert levels. The warning, published on January 16 in a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB), underscores a “high risk” to civilian flights over the Tehran Flight Information Region (FIR) at all altitudes and flight levels. EASA’s advisory is part of its ongoing mandate to protect civil aviation amid conflict zone threats. Citing credible intelligence and assessments by member states and the European Commission, the regulator said Iranian air defence forces are on a heightened state of alert, increasing the potential for misidentification of civilian aircraft. The agency also noted the presence of advanced weapons systems and air‑defence networks that could pose danger to commercial flights. “Given the ongoing situation and the potential for military action, there is an increased likelihood of misidentification,” EASA stated, advising airlines not only to avoid Iranian airspace but also to exercise caution and contingency planning in the airspace of neighboring countries, particularly where U.S. military bases are located. Iran had temporarily closed its airspace on January 14, a move that lasted nearly five hours and prompted flight cancellations and reroutings by several international carriers before reopening later that day. Although the closure was lifted, many airlines including major European operators continue to avoid both Iranian and Iraqi airspace due to persistent geopolitical uncertainty. Flight tracking data shows leading carriers such as Wizz Air, Lufthansa, British Airways, Finnair, and KLM opting for alternative routes over Afghanistan and Central Asia to minimize exposure to the volatile region. Some flights now require refuelling or crew changes in locations such as Cyprus and Greece because of these extended paths. Germany’s national air traffic control authority has also issued its own advisory recommending that aircraft avoid Iranian airspace until at least February 10, underlining the broader European consensus on the risks. The advisory is non‑binding but carries significant weight for EU‑registered carriers and third‑country operators authorized by the agency. Airlines are being urged to monitor evolving aeronautical information, adjust flight plans accordingly, and coordinate with relevant aviation authorities to safeguard passengers and crew. EASA’s warning remains valid until February 16, 2026, unless further reviews prompt revision. The agency has stressed ongoing vigilance and continued consultation of all available risk and aeronautical data. Airlines worldwide are expected to adapt routes and operational plans as the situation evolves, balancing safety considerations with commercial imperatives.

EASA Issues High-Risk Advisory Urging Airlines To Avoid Iranian Airspace

Aviation Today News Desk / January 17, 2026

Europe: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a high‑level advisory recommending that airlines avoid operating in Iranian […]

Delhi, India: An Air India Airbus A350-900 aircraft operating flight AI101 from Delhi to New York (JFK) suffered significant engine damage early on 15 January 2026 after it ingested a cargo container while taxiing at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) amid dense fog, aviation authorities confirmed. The wide-body aircraft, registered VT-JRB, had taken off from Delhi in the pre-dawn hours but was forced to return shortly after departure due to the temporary closure of Iranian airspace, which disrupted its planned trans-Atlantic routing. Upon landing safely on Runway 28 at approximately 05:25 IST, the jet was taxiing toward its designated parking bay when the incident occurred. According to initial findings by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a cargo container toppled onto the taxiway intersection of N/N4 after a wheel came loose from a ground-handling tug operated by Bird Worldwide Flight Services (BWFS). The fallen container lay in the aircraft’s path during low-visibility conditions, and the engine sucked the container into its number two (right-hand) engine, resulting in substantial damage to the powerplant. Officials noted that foggy conditions and marginal visibility likely exacerbated the risk, contributing to the ground-handling equipment mishap. Metal debris was cleared from the taxiway before the aircraft was towed to Stand 244 for assessment, the regulator said. Air India confirmed the damage and said the aircraft is grounded for detailed inspection and repairs. In a statement, the carrier said it has positioned the affected jet safely and is assisting passengers with alternative travel arrangements and refunds where required. The airline also warned that the grounding may lead to disruptions on select long-haul routes serviced by its A350 fleet, which includes services to destinations such as London, Newark, and New York. No injuries were reported among the more than 250 passengers and crew aboard the flight, reflecting effective safety protocols despite the rare nature of the incident. The DGCA has initiated a formal investigation into the chain of events that led to the foreign object debris (FOD) incident, focusing on ground-handling procedures, compliance with safety norms, and operations in reduced visibility. Foreign object ingestion events are classified as serious safety occurrences in aviation due to the potential for engine failure.

Incidents

Air India A350 Engine Damaged After Ingesting Cargo Container At Delhi Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / January 16, 2026

Delhi, India: An Air India Airbus A350-900 aircraft operating flight AI101 from Delhi to New York (JFK) suffered significant engine

Airlines

Etihad Named World’s Safest Full-Service Airline, HK Express Tops Low-Cost List For 2026

Aviation Today News Desk / January 14, 2026

AirlineRatings.com, a globally recognised authority on airline safety and product performance, has released its 2026 list of the world’s safest

Pune, India: A morning flight operated by Akasa Air from Pune to Bengaluru was significantly delayed on Tuesday after a last-minute technical issue was detected in the aircraft, leading the airline to deplane all passengers and reschedule the service. The Bengaluru-bound flight QP1312, scheduled to depart Pune at 8:50 am, had completed boarding by around 8:10 am when crew members identified a fault in the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft just before departure. Passengers remained seated on board for nearly 90 minutes before airline staff asked them to disembark as a precaution and to carry out further technical checks. In a communication to passengers, Akasa Air stated that the flight had been delayed due to operational reasons and provided a revised departure time of 1:15 pm. The airline also confirmed that the aircraft was undergoing inspection before it could be cleared for take-off. An Akasa Air spokesperson said that affected passengers were offered options to reschedule on an alternative evening flight, and that the refund process had been initiated for those who chose not to travel. Ground staff and Akasa Care teams remained available at Pune Airport to assist travellers. One passenger, who spoke to news agency PTI, confirmed that the flight was held up on the tarmac after a technical issue was reported and that all on board were asked to leave the aircraft once the problem was identified. No further details about the specific nature of the technical issue were provided publicly by the airline at the time of reporting. Akasa Air reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and said it regretted the inconvenience caused by the unforeseen delay.

Incidents

Akasa Air Pune–Bengaluru Flight QP1312 Face 4-Hour Delay After Technical Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / January 14, 2026

Pune, India: A morning flight operated by Akasa Air from Pune to Bengaluru was significantly delayed on Tuesday after a

Muan County, South Korea: South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has formally admitted that a key navigation structure at Muan International Airport did not meet safety standards and likely contributed to the severity of Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash flying from Bangkok to Muan International Airport in South Korea, on December 29, 2024, during an emergency landing after suspected landing gear issues. The aircraft belly‑landed, skidded off the runway, and collided with a concrete embankment, which caused a catastrophic explosion and contributed to the high fatality count. Of the 181 people on board 175 passengers and 6 crew 179 were killed, with only two flight attendants surviving with serious injuries. Earlier South Korea’s parliament had approved an independent investigation into the December 2024 Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people, responding to delays and criticism of the official probe. Under the new law passed on December 22, 2025, an 18‑member cross‑party panel will examine all aspects of the disaster including potential mechanical issues, bird‑strike risk, the aircraft’s final moments, and whether government agencies tried to conceal findings by the main investigation body. This independent review follows growing pressure from victims’ families and lawmakers for greater transparency and credibility in the ongoing examination of the country’s deadliest aviation accident. The aircraft, Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800 arriving from Bangkok, belly-landed on the runway after suffering a suspected bird strike that disabled its landing gear. It then overran the runway and struck a concrete mound supporting the localizer system, a navigation aid used for precision approaches triggering a catastrophic explosion. Only two cabin crew members survived. Opposition lawmaker Kim Eun-hye released documents from a government-commissioned analysis indicating that the concrete mound should have been designed to be fragile, able to break easily upon impact given its proximity (less than 240 m) to the runway end. Under airport safety operation standards, such structures must be breakable if situated within this safety area to minimize impact forces in runway overruns. The ministry acknowledged that during a 2020 upgrade project, the mound was not modified to meet these criteria. Simulations by the Korean Society of Computational Structural Engineering, commissioned by the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board, found that without the rigid concrete mound the aircraft could have slid to a stop after sliding beyond the runway without sustaining fatal structural damage. A frangible design would similarly have greatly reduced impact severity, possibly allowing the aircraft to breach the perimeter fence and slide into open terrain with no serious injuries expected. The ministry’s admission has reignited criticism from politicians and victim families, with some lawmakers arguing the disaster was largely preventable and that longstanding regulatory oversights were to blame. Opposition figures described the embankment as a “mound of death” and alleged that officials attempted to suppress or delay release of critical safety findings. In parliament, a special committee is examining the crash and broader aviation safety protocols. Rep. Kim Eun-hye has accused the government of negligence dating back decades, asserting that the structure violated both domestic and international safety practices. Families of the victims are demanding greater transparency and accountability. While the simulation report has heightened focus on the airport structure, a final official investigation by the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board is still pending. Prosecutors and police have separately searched offices of Jeju Air and airport operators for documents related to aircraft operations and runway safety features. Experts continue to examine multiple factors in the crash, including whether the aircraft’s engines were functioning at impact and whether procedural or emergency response issues contributed to the outcome. In the aftermath of the crash, the Transport Ministry and airport authorities have pledged to review and upgrade runway safety areas nationwide, ensuring that navigational aids and nearby structures comply with both domestic regulations and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Reports indicate plans to remove the concrete embankment at Muan and replace it with breakaway installations at Muan and other regional airports.

Investigation

South Korea Admits Navigation Structure Failure At Muan Airport In Jeju Air Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / January 13, 2026

Muan County, South Korea: South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has formally admitted that a key navigation structure

Varanasi, India: An IndiGo Airlines flight bound for Bengaluru was forced to make an emergency landing at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Sunday night after it was struck by a bird mid-air, aviation and airport officials said on Monday. The aircraft, operating as flight 6E-437 from Gorakhpur to Bengaluru, was carrying 216 passengers and crew when the bird impact occurred shortly after takeoff. The strike damaged the front portion of the aircraft, prompting the flight crew to seek an immediate diversion to the nearest safe airport, officials reported. According to airport authorities, the pilot promptly informed Varanasi Air Traffic Control about the situation and executed a precautionary emergency landing at Varanasi. All passengers and crew were evacuated from the aircraft safely without any reported injuries. Airport Director Puneet Gupta confirmed that the aircraft sustained damage to its nose section as a result of the bird strike, but emphasized that the crew’s swift action ensured a safe outcome. Passengers were assisted after the landing, with some being flown to Bengaluru on other flights on Monday and others accommodated on alternative services arranged by the airline. IndiGo has initiated further technical inspections of the aircraft before it resumes service, sources indicated. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review the incident as part of standard procedural requirements for bird strike events, though no formal DGCA statement has been released yet. Air India Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Jaipur On January 12, 2026, an Air India flight en route from New Delhi to Vijayawada was diverted to Jaipur International Airport after an elderly passenger fell critically ill mid-air. The aircraft, operating as AI-2517 on an Airbus A320, made an urgent landing in Jaipur early Monday morning following the onboard medical emergency. Once on the ground, the passenger was swiftly deplaned and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while all other passengers remained safe. Flight tracking data confirmed the diversion to Jaipur, and no official statement has yet been issued by Air India.

Incidents

IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Varanasi After Bird Strike, All Onboard Safe

Aviation Today News Desk / January 13, 2026

Varanasi, India: An IndiGo Airlines flight bound for Bengaluru was forced to make an emergency landing at Lal Bahadur Shastri

Bogota, Colombia: Colombian music popular singer-songwriter Yeison Jiménez, 34, was killed Saturday afternoon in a small aircraft crash while en route to a concert in Medellín, officials and his representatives confirmed. All six people aboard the plane died when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in the Boyacá region, authorities said. The Special Administrative Unit of Civil Aeronautics reported that a Piper PA-31-325 Navajo bearing registration N325FA departed from Juan José Rondón Airport in Paipa bound for Olaya Herrera Airport in Medellín. The aircraft failed to gain altitude and came down in a rural area between Paipa and Duitama late Saturday afternoon. Jiménez was among the six victims. The others onboard were identified as pilot Captain Fernando Torres, team members Jefferson Osorio, Juan Manuel Rodríguez and Óscar Marín, and Jiménez’s longtime photographer, Weisman Mora. In a statement shared on social media, Jiménez’s team mourned the loss and described him not only as a prominent artist but as a “son, brother, friend and a human being full of dreams and courage.” The statement expressed gratitude for the support from fans and asked for privacy for the families during this time of grief. Colombian authorities have launched formal inquiries into the crash. The Technical Directorate for Accident Investigation is conducting the technical aviation investigation, while the Attorney General’s Office (Fiscalía) has opened a parallel criminal inquiry, a standard procedure in fatal aviation accidents, to determine whether any legal issues arose in connection with the flight. Officials have not yet released a preliminary cause of the crash. Forensic teams have transferred the victims’ remains to Bogotá for identification and autopsy in line with legal protocols. Caldas, Jiménez rose from humble beginnings to become one of Colombia’s most popular figures in the música popular genre, a style rooted in regional folk traditions meshed with Mexican influences. He achieved significant milestones, including selling out Bogotá’s Movistar Arena multiple times in 2024 and becoming the first Colombian artist in his genre to sell out El Campín Stadium in 2025. His wife and three children are still alive. Fans and fellow artists across Latin America have been sharing condolences and tributes on social media following the news of his death.

Aircraft Crashes

Fatal Colombia Aircraft Crash Kills Six People Including Popular Singer Yeison Jiménez

Aviation Today News Desk / January 12, 2026

Bogota, Colombia: Colombian music popular singer-songwriter Yeison Jiménez, 34, was killed Saturday afternoon in a small aircraft crash while en

Odisha, India: A nine-seater aircraft operated by IndiaOne Air was involved in an accident near Rourkela in Odisha on Saturday, resulting in injuries but no fatalities, according to officials. The aircraft was operating a regional service when it encountered a technical issue and made a crash landing approximately 10 km short of the Rourkela airstrip. Emergency services, including police, fire personnel, and medical teams, were dispatched to the site, and all occupants were evacuated and taken to nearby hospitals for medical evaluation. Authorities confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening. Visuals from the accident site showed the aircraft sustaining damage to its lower fuselage and landing gear area. The crash location was subsequently secured to facilitate investigation and recovery operations. Separately, Prasanna Pradhan, Director of Biju Patnaik International Airport, stated that the aircraft was operating a flight from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela at the time of the incident. According to Pradhan, the aircraft identified as a Cessna 208 was carrying four passengers and two crew members, all of whom were reported to be safe. Earlier media reports had cited differing figures regarding the number of occupants on board. Aviation authorities are expected to provide further clarification as more information becomes available. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed of the incident and is expected to initiate a detailed investigation to determine the cause. The aircraft remains at the crash site pending technical examination. IndiaOne Air operates several regional routes using small turboprop aircraft, serving short-haul and underserved markets. Operations at Rourkela airstrip were temporarily affected following the incident but later resumed normal activity.

Aircraft Crashes

IndiaOne Air Aircraft Crash-Lands in Odisha After Technical Issue, 6 People Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / January 10, 2026

Odisha, India: A nine-seater aircraft operated by IndiaOne Air was involved in an accident near Rourkela in Odisha on Saturday,

Airlines

IndiGo Inducts India’s First A321XLR, Launches India’s First Direct Flights To Greece

Aviation Today News Desk / January 8, 2026

New Delhi, India: IndiGo has inducted India’s first Airbus A321XLR aircraft, marking a major milestone in the airline’s long-term international

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport saw a sharp reduction in flight cancellations for Thursday as the prolonged winter storm that crippled Europe’s busiest hub for air travel showed signs of easing, though delay risks remain and residual disruption persists. Airlines and airport officials reported only a small number of scheduled flights affected for 8 January, marking a significant improvement from the previous days of winter chaos that saw hundreds of flights scrapped daily. Officials from Schiphol and Dutch flag carrier KLM Royal Dutch Airlines confirmed that around 60 inbound services scheduled for Thursday had been cancelled by late Wednesday afternoon, largely due to aircraft being unable to return after cancellations earlier in the week. Only a handful of departing flights have been removed from the Thursday schedule. In total, six departures out of 565 scheduled Thursday flights were cancelled by various carriers, and approximately 30 incoming flights were expected to experience delays of varying durations. A spokesperson for Schiphol emphasised that weather conditions were expected to be milder than earlier in the week, and that airlines “do not expect as many cancellations as in recent days”. However, passengers were urged to plan for delays and to check flight status before arriving at the airport. The airport’s operational challenges began on 2 January 2026, when persistent snowfall, strong winds and freezing conditions first caused widespread cancellations. Over the following days, airlines cancelled around 3,500 scheduled flights at Schiphol on average hundreds per day as snow and ice compounded staffing and logistical issues. On 7 January, more than 700 flights were cancelled, again due to heavy snow and high wind, leaving long lines of stranded passengers and disrupted connections across Europe. A major factor behind the cancellation surge was the strain on de‑icing operations. KLM, responsible for most de‑icing services at Schiphol, reported that its supplies of glycol‑based de‑icing fluid were running critically low after days of continuous usage, prompting emergency procurement efforts from suppliers in Germany. Airport ground crews worked around the clock to clear runways and taxiways, but continuous snowfall and freezing precipitation created persistent bottlenecks that reduced the airport’s capacity to handle arriving and departing flights. Travelers faced lengthy delays and cancellations through the week, with many spending nights in airport terminals. Schiphol staff provided cots, blankets, food and beverages for those unable to depart. Although Thursday’s forecast suggests fewer cancellations than earlier in the week, weather warnings including Code Yellow alerts for freezing rain and sleet remained in place for the Netherlands, raising the possibility of renewed disruption, particularly if conditions deteriorate over the coming days.

Airlines

Schiphol Sees Fewer Cancellations After 3,500-Flight Cancellations During Winter Storm

Aviation Today News Desk / January 8, 2026

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport saw a sharp reduction in flight cancellations for Thursday as the prolonged winter storm that

Aviation Today

EASA Issues High-Risk Advisory Urging Airlines To Avoid Iranian Airspace

Air India A350 Engine Damaged After Ingesting Cargo Container At Delhi Airport

Etihad Named World’s Safest Full-Service Airline, HK Express Tops Low-Cost List For 2026

Akasa Air Pune–Bengaluru Flight QP1312 Face 4-Hour Delay After Technical Issue

South Korea Admits Navigation Structure Failure At Muan Airport In Jeju Air Crash

IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Varanasi After Bird Strike, All Onboard Safe

IndiaOne Air Aircraft Crash-Lands in Odisha After Technical Issue, 6 People Injured

IndiGo Inducts India’s First A321XLR, Launches India’s First Direct Flights To Greece

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