aviation Archives - Page 7 of 27

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 […]

Aircraft Crashes

Flight Instructor And Student Injured In Northeast Philadelphia Training Flight Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / April 2, 2026

Philadelphia, United States: A training aircraft operated by a local flight school crashed in a residential park in Northeast Philadelphia

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

Wuzhou, China: The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, operating a routine domestic service from Kunming to Guangzhou on March 21, 2022, was carrying 132 people, including 123 passengers and nine crew members. About an hour into the flight, while cruising at altitude, the aircraft suddenly entered a steep and rapid descent before plunging almost vertically into a mountainous, forested area in Guangxi. All 132 occupants were killed, and no survivors were found, marking China’s deadliest air crash. China’s aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Administration of China, launched an investigation immediately after the crash, dispatching emergency teams to the remote impact site. Due to the aircraft’s U.S. manufacture, the investigation also involved international participants, including the National Transportation Safety Board, Boeing, and the Federal Aviation Administration, who provided technical assistance. A major breakthrough in the early phase of the investigation came with the recovery of both flight recorders. The cockpit voice recorder was located on March 23, 2022, followed by the flight data recorder, which was retrieved from deep within the crash debris days later. Both devices were severely damaged due to the high-impact crash and required detailed forensic analysis, including data extraction overseas. Preliminary examination of the data indicated that the aircraft descended rapidly from around 29,000 feet, briefly stabilized, and then entered a final near-vertical dive. Air traffic controllers attempted to contact the pilots multiple times during the descent, but no distress call was made and no response was received from the cockpit. In its preliminary report released in April 2022, the CAAC ruled out several common causes of aviation accidents. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions, or dangerous cargo. The aircraft was deemed airworthy and properly maintained, while the flight crew were found to be qualified, adequately rested, and medically fit. Follow-up updates issued in 2023 and 2024 reiterated these findings, stating that no abnormalities had been identified in the aircraft systems, flight operations, or air traffic control procedures. Despite these findings, investigators have not been able to establish a definitive cause of the crash. A report published in 2022 by The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials familiar with black box analysis, suggested that the aircraft may have been intentionally put into a dive from the cockpit. However, Chinese authorities have not confirmed this interpretation and have cautioned against speculation, warning that unverified conclusions could mislead the public and interfere with the investigation. Under international aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, accident investigations are expected to produce an initial report within 30 days and a final report within one year wherever possible. In the case of MU5735, a preliminary report was issued within the required timeframe, but no final report has been released even after four years. The last official update from Chinese authorities came in March 2024, with no substantive developments disclosed since then. The prolonged delay has drawn attention from global aviation bodies, including the International Air Transport Association, which has emphasized the importance of timely accident reports in improving aviation safety worldwide. As of 2026, the investigation into Flight MU5735 remains officially ongoing. No confirmed cause has been identified, and no comprehensive final report has been made public.

Investigation

China’s Deadliest Crash Still Unresolved As MU5735 Probe Continues Four Years On

Aviation Today News Desk / March 30, 2026

Wuzhou, China: The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, operating a routine domestic service from Kunming to Guangzhou on March 21, 2022, was

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

New Delhi, India: An IndiGo flight operating from Visakhapatnam to Delhi made a safe emergency landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday morning after suffering a mid-air engine failure. The flight, identified as 6E579, was carrying 160 passengers onboard, sources told PTI though a detailed passenger-crew breakup has not been officially disclosed by the airline. The aircraft encountered a failure in one of its engines during the flight, prompting the pilots to initiate emergency procedures and seek priority landing clearance in Delhi. Despite the technical issue, the crew continued operations using the aircraft’s remaining engine, in line with standard safety protocols for twin-engine jets. Airport authorities declared a full emergency at 10:39 AM, activating all necessary response mechanisms. The aircraft subsequently landed safely at approximately 10:54 AM on Runway 28, with fire tenders and rescue teams positioned on standby as a precaution. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737, approximately 15 years old, operating under a wet-lease arrangement from Corendon Airlines. Under such agreements, the leasing airline typically provides the aircraft along with crew and maintenance support. All passengers and crew onboard the flight were reported safe, with no injuries or damage recorded. Following the landing, emergency status at the airport was withdrawn, and operations continued without significant disruption. The airport operator of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) confirmed that standard emergency protocols were followed to ensure a safe and controlled landing environment.

Incidents

IndiGo Flight Boeing 737 Makes Emergency Landing In Delhi After Mid-Air Engine Failure

Aviation Today News Desk / March 28, 2026

New Delhi, India: An IndiGo flight operating from Visakhapatnam to Delhi made a safe emergency landing at Indira Gandhi International

Incidents

United Airlines Jet Near-Miss With Black Hawk Helicopter; FAA Probes Safety Breach

Aviation Today News Desk / March 27, 2026

Santa Ana, United States: A United Airlines passenger jet narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with a U.S. Army Black Hawk

Helicopter Crash

Firefighting Helicopter Crashes In Hout Bay During Wildfire Operations, Pilot Survives

Aviation Today News Desk / March 26, 2026

Cape Town, South Africa: A firefighting helicopter operating over the slopes of Hout Bay in Table Mountain National Park crashed

Investigation

NTSB Cites Runway Safety System Failed To Alert Before Deadly LaGuardia Collision

Aviation Today News Desk / March 26, 2026

New York, United States: A critical runway safety alert system at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) failed to issue a warning before

aviation

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

Flight Instructor And Student Injured In Northeast Philadelphia Training Flight Crash

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

China’s Deadliest Crash Still Unresolved As MU5735 Probe Continues Four Years On

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

IndiGo Flight Boeing 737 Makes Emergency Landing In Delhi After Mid-Air Engine Failure

United Airlines Jet Near-Miss With Black Hawk Helicopter; FAA Probes Safety Breach

Firefighting Helicopter Crashes In Hout Bay During Wildfire Operations, Pilot Survives

NTSB Cites Runway Safety System Failed To Alert Before Deadly LaGuardia Collision

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