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Frankfurt, Germany: Germany’s flagship carrier Lufthansa was forced to cancel nearly 800 flights on Thursday after pilots and cabin crew staged coordinated industrial action, disrupting travel for around 100,000 passengers . The 24-hour strike began shortly after midnight on Thursday, February 12, and affected most Lufthansa-operated services, particularly at its main hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, where departure boards showed widespread cancellations throughout the day. According to multiple industry reports, Lufthansa removed approximately 800 flights from its schedule, representing more than half of its planned daily operations. The airline said the walkout caused significant disruption to both short-haul and long-haul services, including intercontinental departures. Lufthansa confirmed that about 100,000 passengers were impacted by the cancellations. The airline implemented large-scale rebooking measures, transferring travellers to partner airlines within the Lufthansa Group including Swiss, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines as well as offering rail alternatives within Germany in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn. Passengers were advised not to travel to the airport unless they had received confirmation that their flight was operating. Lufthansa also stated that customers whose flights were cancelled were eligible for full refunds or rebooking at no extra cost. Under European passenger rights rules, affected travellers may also be entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, as airline staff strikes are generally not classified as extraordinary circumstances. The strike was triggered by parallel disputes involving two major unions: Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), representing pilots, over disagreements related to pension schemes and retirement benefits. UFO (Unabhängige Flugbegleiter Organisation), representing cabin crew, over job security, working conditions and collective agreements, including concerns linked to Lufthansa’s regional subsidiary operations. The strike was driven by unresolved labour disputes between staff unions and Lufthansa management, the main issues were pension benefits, job security and stalled contract negotiations. Union leaders said negotiations with Lufthansa management had stalled after months of talks, prompting the one-day walkout. Lufthansa management described the action as “disproportionate and unnecessary”, warning that the disruption would affect not only passengers but also Germany’s wider aviation network during a high-demand travel period. As of Friday, February 13, Lufthansa spokesperson confirmed that the strike had ended as scheduled, and that flight operations were largely returning to normal. No further industrial action has been announced at this stage. The airline said most services were operating according to schedule on Friday, although minor residual delays and isolated cancellations remained possible due to aircraft and crew repositioning. The disruption coincided with a busy week in Germany, with international travel demand elevated due to major events such as the Munich Security Conference and the opening of the Berlin International Film Festival, amplifying the impact on business and diplomatic travel. Lufthansa operates more than 700 aircraft and carries over 100 million passengers annually, making it one of Europe’s largest airline groups. The strike represents one of the most significant single-day disruptions to its operations in recent years.

Lufthansa Cancels 800 Flights as Pilot, Cabin Crew Strike Hits 100,000 Passengers

Aviation Today News Desk / February 13, 2026

Frankfurt, Germany: Germany’s flagship carrier Lufthansa was forced to cancel nearly 800 flights on Thursday after pilots and cabin crew […]

Incidents

Starsky Plane With 55 Onboard Skids Into Sea After Emergency Landing In Somalia

Aviation Today News Desk / February 11, 2026

Mogadishu, Somalia: A passenger aircraft carrying 55 people safely evacuated after veering off the runway and ending up on a

Aircraft Crashes

Plane Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Failure, Hits 3 Cars On Georgia Road

Aviation Today News Desk / February 10, 2026

Gainesville, United States: A small single-engine aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on a busy Gainesville roadway Monday

Helicopter Crash

5 Onboard Killed In Medical Evacuation Helicopter Crash At Al-Sarra Air Base In Libya

Aviation Today News Desk / February 10, 2026

Tripoli, Libya: Five people lost their lives when a helicopter crashed near Al-Sarra Air Base, close to Kufra in southeastern

Galveston, United States: New federal investigative findings reveal critical communication misunderstandings and extremely limited visibility as major factors immediately preceding the December 22, 2025, crash of a Mexican Navy medical flight in Galveston Bay that killed six people and left two seriously injured, according to the preliminary report released by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Beechcraft B300 aircraft, registered ANX1209 and operated by the Mexican Navy, was on a humanitarian medical mission coordinated with the Michou y Mau Foundation. The flight was transporting a severely burned pediatric patient from Mérida, Mexico, to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston, Texas, when it crashed into West Bay during its approach to Scholes International Airport shortly before 3:15 p.m. local time. According to the NTSB preliminary report, Houston Approach Control cleared the flight crew for an RNAV (GPS-based) approach to Runway 14 but did not clear the aircraft to land. The flight crew’s initial readback mistakenly stated they were “cleared to land,” prompting controllers to twice clarify that the aircraft was cleared only for the approach and not for landing. Controllers then directed the crew to contact the tower. Despite repeated clarifications, the crew’s responses indicated persistent misunderstanding. During the final stages of the approach, air traffic controllers issued multiple low-altitude alerts, but received no further communication from the flight crew before radar contact was lost. The preliminary report and weather observations confirmed dense fog and severely restricted visibility during the aircraft’s final descent. Controllers advised the crew that cloud ceilings near the airport were approximately 300 feet, a condition that significantly limits visual reference and places heavy reliance on instrument procedures. Local weather data and witness accounts indicate visibility at times was as low as approximately a quarter mile with heavy sea fog common along the Texas Gulf Coast under certain conditions further complicating the approach. The aircraft impacted the waters of West Galveston Bay approximately half a mile from the shoreline. Six occupants including the pilot, co-pilot, two flight crew members and two passengers were fatally injured. Two passengers, reported to be a flight nurse and the mother of the pediatric patient, survived with serious injuries. Search and rescue operations immediately following the crash involved the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas Department of Public Safety, Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and local first responders. The wreckage was located in shallow water, facilitating recovery efforts. The NTSB’s preliminary report is part of an ongoing investigation to determine all contributing factors. These factual reports do not assign probable cause but document the circumstances surrounding the accident based on available data, including air traffic control communications and radar information. Federal investigators will continue to analyze cockpit voice recordings, flight data, maintenance records and meteorological data. A final report typically released 12–24 months after an accident will include a probable cause determination and safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies.

Investigation

NTSB Preliminary Report Cites Miscommunication, Low Visibility In Galveston Bay Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / February 5, 2026

Galveston, United States: New federal investigative findings reveal critical communication misunderstandings and extremely limited visibility as major factors immediately preceding

Kolkata, India: A Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 on a scheduled service from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Istanbul, Turkey made a full emergency landing at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, on Wednesday afternoon after the crew reported a fire in the aircraft’s right engine shortly after take-off. The flight, operating as THY-727, departed Tribhuvan International Airport at approximately 1:28 PM local time with 236 people on board 225 passengers and 11 crew members. Within four minutes of take-off, the pilots received a warning of a possible fire in the right engine and immediately shut down the affected unit. Following standard emergency procedures, the captain declared a PAN PAN distress call, an international aviation signal indicating an urgent situation and elected to divert the long-haul flight to Kolkata rather than continue towards its planned destination. Air traffic control at Kolkata was informed of the situation, and a full emergency response was activated, deploying firefighting and rescue units ahead of the aircraft’s arrival. The Airbus A330, capable of flying on a single engine, landed safely at around 2:49 PM IST without incident. Officials from both Nepal and Indian aviation authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Tribhuvan International Airport briefly suspended operations for about 15 minutes following the alarm. After landing, the aircraft was parked at Kolkata Airport and underwent detailed technical inspection to determine the exact cause and extent of the engine malfunction. Passengers were reportedly accommodated in local hotels while arrangements were made for onward travel, including plans for a replacement aircraft earlyThursday morning.

Incidents

Turkish Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Kolkata After Engine Fire Mid-Air

Aviation Today News Desk / February 5, 2026

Kolkata, India: A Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 on a scheduled service from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Istanbul, Turkey made a full

Jet2 Flight Declares Emergency Over UK After Pilot Becomes Incapacitated Mid-Air SEO DES: During approach, ATC was alerted after a pilot fell ill, emergency services were deployed and the remaining crew landed the aircraft safely at Manchester SOCIAL: A Jet2 Airbus A321 operating Flight LS980 from Lanzarote to Manchester declared a mid-air emergency during its final approach after one pilot became medically incapacitated. The crew activated Squawk 7700, prompting ATC to provide priority landing clearance and deploy emergency services. The remaining pilot landed the aircraft safely at Manchester. The affected pilot received medical attention. No passengers or crew were injured, and standard aviation safety protocols were followed throughout. Image: Transport Pixels (Flickr) Video: Jet 2 Manchester, United Kingdom: A Jet2 passenger aircraft declared a mid-air emergency during its approach to Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening after one of the pilots became incapacitated due to a medical issue, aviation and airline sources have confirmed. The aircraft, Flight LS980, an Airbus A321 bound from Lanzarote, Canary Islands to Manchester, transmitted a Squawk 7700 general emergency code, the international radio transponder signal indicating a critical in-flight emergency approximately 25 minutes before its scheduled landing. Flight data and reports indicate the Airbus A321 departed Lanzarote at about 15:45 GMT and initially progressed normally until the final stage of descent toward Manchester Airport. It was during this approach phase that the cockpit crew informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) that one pilot was unable to continue due to a sudden medical problem. In response, ATC provided priority handling and clearance for landing, while emergency services including fire, rescue and medical teams were placed on standby at the airport. Despite the sudden loss of one pilot, the remaining flight crew maintained control and continued the descent. The aircraft touched down safely on Runway 05L at Manchester Airport at approximately 20:14 GMT. Once on the ground, the incapacitated pilot was met by waiting medical personnel and taken for further assessment. There have been no reported injuries among passengers or cabin crew, and disembarkation occurred in a routine and orderly manner, according to airline and airport representatives. A Jet2 spokesperson told GB News the carrier had requested a priority landing after one of the pilots “felt unwell,” adding: “The aircraft landed safely and customers disembarked as normal.” Commercial jetliners such as the Airbus A321 typically operate with a captain and first officer. In the event one pilot becomes incapacitated, industry training and procedures direct the remaining qualified pilot to assume full control of the aircraft. Such protocols, regularly practiced in simulators, are designed to maintain safety during critical phases such as approach and landing. The use of Squawk 7700 ensures ATC and emergency services are rapidly made aware of in-flight emergencies so they can provide priority routing and ground support. Manchester Airport, one of Jet2’s principal UK hubs, confirmed that emergency equipment and teams were ready at the runway in anticipation of the flight’s arrival, reflecting standard safety protocol for declared emergencies.

Incidents

Jet2 Flight Declares Emergency At Manchester Airport After Pilot Becomes Incapacitated

Aviation Today News Desk / February 5, 2026

Manchester, United Kingdom: A Jet2 passenger aircraft declared a mid-air emergency during its approach to Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening

Mumbai, India: Two commercial aircraft operating at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) were involved in a ground collision involving their wingtips on Tuesday evening, prompting inspections and an immediate probe by aviation authorities. All passengers and crew onboard both flights were unharmed, officials confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 pm IST when Air India flight AI 2732, bound for Coimbatore, was taxiing for departure and the IndiGo flight 6E 791 had just landed from Hyderabad and was taxiing toward the terminal. Both aircraft involved were narrow-body Airbus A320s. According to Air India, the right wingtip of its aircraft made contact with the wingtip of the IndiGo aircraft while maneuvering on the taxiway prior to taking off. The airline said the contact resulted in damage to its aircraft’s wingtip, and the aircraft was immediately grounded for technical checks as a precautionary measure. All passengers were safely deplaned, and ground teams began arranging alternative onward travel. IndiGo released a separate statement confirming that the wingtip of its aircraft operating flight 6E 791 touched the wing of another airline’s aircraft while taxiing after landing. The airline said all passengers disembarked safely, and its aircraft is undergoing maintenance inspection in line with standard protocols. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) dispatched a team from its Mumbai office to the site soon after the incident. DGCA officials confirmed both aircraft returned to their respective bays and were taken out of service pending inspection. The regulator has initiated an inquiry to determine the factors leading to the collision, focusing on ground vehicle and aircraft movement controls at the busy international airport. “No injuries have been reported among passengers or crew,” according to civil aviation sources, highlighting that the low-speed nature of the taxiing incident limited the impact to aircraft structures rather than human safety. The airport, which operates parallel runways and heavy traffic movements daily, did not report any significant disruptions to other flights following the incident. Authorities said that routine operations continued while the affected aircraft were inspected.

Incidents

Air India & IndiGo Aircraft Wingtips Collide At Mumbai Airport, No Injuries Reported

Aviation Today News Desk / February 4, 2026

Mumbai, India: Two commercial aircraft operating at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) were involved in a ground collision involving

San Antonio, United States: A Delta Air Lines passenger aircraft was forced to return and land safely at San Antonio International Airport Tuesday morning after a report of smoke from one of its engines prompted a precautionary emergency response. All passengers and crew members walked away without injury, and initial inspections found no active fire. The flight, carrying 143 people onboard, had just departed San Antonio en route to Atlanta when the flight crew reported signs of smoke coming from an engine shortly after takeoff. Flight operations personnel aboard the aircraft alerted air traffic controllers, and the pilots declared an emergency to secure priority access back to the airport runway. At approximately 11:03 a.m. local time, the San Antonio Fire Department and airport emergency responders were dispatched to the scene following the alert. Fire crews positioned along the runway stood by as the jet approached for landing, a standard precaution for possible in-flight mechanical issues. The aircraft touched down safely at about 11:20 a.m., and emergency services immediately inspected the plane on the tarmac. Despite the in-flight smoke report, responders found no flames, no active fire, and no evidence of ongoing combustion around the engine area. After a thorough check, emergency resources were scaled back and airport operations continued normally. Delta Air Lines confirmed that no injuries occurred during the event. Passengers were allowed to disembark normally once the aircraft had been cleared by authorities. The airline’s operations team is working with maintenance specialists to investigate the cause of the smoke indication reported by the crew. Delta representatives also stated that passengers affected by the disrupted flight are being rebooked on alternative services to reach their final destinations. The airline emphasized that the crew followed established safety procedures throughout the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that this emergency landing reflects the airline’s adherence to standard safety protocols for in-flight mechanical anomalies. Modern commercial jets are equipped with multiple warning systems designed to alert pilots to unusual conditions such as smoke, fire indicators, or engine malfunctions, ensuring swift action and passenger safety. San Antonio International Airport authorities noted that the quick cooperation between flight crews, air traffic controllers, and emergency services minimized risk and passenger disruption.

Incidents

Delta Air Lines Flight Makes Emergency Return To SAT After Engine Smoke, No Injuries

Aviation Today News Desk / February 4, 2026

San Antonio, United States: A Delta Air Lines passenger aircraft was forced to return and land safely at San Antonio

Orsk, Russia: Three people, including two aviation cadets and their instructor, were killed on Monday when a training aircraft crashed during a routine flight near the city of Orsk in Russia’s Orenburg Region, authorities confirmed. The aircraft, identified as a Diamond DA-series trainer operated by the St. Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation, disappeared from radar around 10:40 a.m. local time before crashing near the settlement of Dzhanatalap. Preliminary information from local officials indicates that two university students and an instructor were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. All three occupants died on impact. According to Russian media sources citing operational services, the individuals have been provisionally identified as the pilot, Vasily N. (born 1989), and cadets Timofey K. (born 2005) and Dmitry S. (born 2004). Rescue teams from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) were dispatched immediately after the aircraft went down. Officials reported no post-impact fire at the crash site. In statements to state news agencies, the regional governor’s office said rescue operations were ongoing and that authorities were providing assistance to the victims’ families. Russian investigative bodies have launched inquiries into the cause of the accident. The Central Interregional Transport Investigations Directorate of the Russian Investigative Committee is leading the probe, in coordination with the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) and Russia’s civil aviation regulator, Rosaviatsiya. Officials have not yet released any preliminary findings on the circumstances that led to the aircraft’s descent. Specialists are expected to analyze flight data and wreckage to determine whether mechanical failure, weather, or human factors played a role. Regional authorities, including Orenburg Governor Yevgeny Solntsev, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and affirmed support for the ongoing investigation. Senior representatives from Rosaviatsiya and the St. Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation are reported to be traveling to the crash site.

Aircraft Crashes

Three killed As Training Aircraft Crashes During Routine Flight Near Orsk In Russia

Aviation Today News Desk / February 3, 2026

Orsk, Russia: Three people, including two aviation cadets and their instructor, were killed on Monday when a training aircraft crashed

breaking news

Lufthansa Cancels 800 Flights as Pilot, Cabin Crew Strike Hits 100,000 Passengers

Plane Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Failure, Hits 3 Cars On Georgia Road

5 Onboard Killed In Medical Evacuation Helicopter Crash At Al-Sarra Air Base In Libya

NTSB Preliminary Report Cites Miscommunication, Low Visibility In Galveston Bay Crash

Turkish Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Kolkata After Engine Fire Mid-Air

Jet2 Flight Declares Emergency At Manchester Airport After Pilot Becomes Incapacitated

Air India & IndiGo Aircraft Wingtips Collide At Mumbai Airport, No Injuries Reported

Delta Air Lines Flight Makes Emergency Return To SAT After Engine Smoke, No Injuries

Three killed As Training Aircraft Crashes During Routine Flight Near Orsk In Russia

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