crew safety Archives - Page 2 of 3

Delhi, India: Air India has grounded one of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft after a pilot reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch mechanism, prompting a detailed inspection and coordination with the airframe manufacturer, Boeing. The aircraft, operating as AI132 from London Heathrow to Bengaluru, landed safely at its destination on February 2, after the flight crew observed abnormal behaviour in the left engine’s fuel control switch during pre-flight engine checks, according to airline officials. In a statement, Air India confirmed that a pilot flagged the issue and the aircraft was immediately taken out of service as a precautionary safety measure while the concern is investigated. The airline has informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and engaged Boeing to prioritise a technical evaluation. “After receiving this initial information, we have grounded the aircraft and are involving the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) to get the pilot’s concerns checked on a priority basis,” an Air India spokesperson said. The matter has also been formally communicated to India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA. Fuel control switches regulate the flow of fuel to an aircraft’s engines and are designed with safeguards to prevent unintended movement. On the Boeing 787, these switches must be lifted and then moved to change position, reducing the likelihood of accidental operation. However, if such a switch were to shift from thle “RUN” to the “CUTOFF” position in flight, it would immediately halt fuel flow, leading to engine shutdown. The focus on fuel control switch behaviour stems from the June 12, 2025 crash of Air India Flight AI-171, another Boeing 787-8, near Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people. A preliminary investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found that both engine fuel control switches moved from RUN to CUTOFF in quick succession just after takeoff, resulting in dual engine power loss. That incident triggered extensive regulatory scrutiny. In July 2025, Air India announced it had completed precautionary inspections of the fuel control switch locking mechanism on all Boeing 787-8 aircraft and found no defects at the time. Following the recent pilot report, Air India has begun focused inspections of fuel control switches across its Boeing Dreamliner fleet. According to an internal company communication seen by Reuters, these checks have so far not identified a systemic issue with other aircraft. Air India has reiterated that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority. Boeing has said it is assisting with the review.

Air India Grounds Boeing 787‑8 LDN–BLR Flight After Pilot Reports Fuel Switch Defect

Aviation Today News Desk / February 3, 2026

Delhi, India: Air India has grounded one of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft after a pilot reported a possible defect […]

Investigation

SWISS A330 Failed To Act On 8-Year Old Warning Before 2024 Emergency, STSB Report Says

Aviation Today News Desk / January 27, 2026

Zurich, Switzerland: Swiss International Air Lines has come under withering scrutiny after a federal safety investigation found the carrier failed

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Global aviation operations have been significantly disrupted this week as a number of major carriers suspend or cancel flights to and from Israel and several key Gulf destinations, citing escalating geopolitical risks and heightened regional instability. Airlines including KLM, Air France, Lufthansa and British Airways have announced cancellations or temporary suspensions of services to critical hubs such as Tel Aviv (Ben Gurion Airport), Dubai and Riyadh, as well as broader route adjustments across the Middle East. The moves come amid intensifying security concerns related to rising tensions between the United States and Iran, and ongoing conflict dynamics in the region. Air France has temporarily halted flights between Paris and Dubai, stating that “due to the current situation in the Middle East,” the airline will suspend service to the UAE emirate for the time being. Dutch carrier KLM has paused flights not only to Tel Aviv but also to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam (Saudi Arabia) while avoiding overflight of airspace above Iran, Iraq and several neighboring countries as a precaution. Lufthansa Group and British Airways have similarly scaled back operations to the region, with suspensions and cancellations affecting multiple daily services. The disruptions are reported to extend beyond European carriers, reflecting a broader industry response to the perceived security risks associated with the volatile geopolitical environment. These recent cancellations follow a broader pattern of flight suspensions and diversions that have periodically impacted Middle East routes throughout 2025 as regional tensions escalated. In past flare-ups, carriers such as Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia also halted services to destinations including Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon due to airspace closures and safety concerns. Aviation industry analysts warn that these cancellations could have considerable knock-on effects for global travel and logistics networks. Passengers with upcoming itineraries to the affected regions are being urged to check flight statuses directly with airlines and to contact carriers promptly for rebooking or refund options where applicable. In related developments from prior months, international carriers had earlier extended or re-imposed suspensions for flights to and from Tel Aviv due to direct threats on airspace infrastructure. Airlines and aviation authorities emphasize that passenger and crew safety remain the top priorities guiding route decisions.

Airlines

Major Airlines Cancel Israel, Dubai & Riyadh Flights Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Aviation Today News Desk / January 24, 2026

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Global aviation operations have been significantly disrupted this week as a number of major carriers suspend

Europe

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

Washington, United States: A United Express regional flight of United Airlines bound for Mobile, Alabama, returned to Washington Dulles International Airport shortly after takeoff Sunday evening following an apparent engine malfunction, authorities confirmed Monday. The CommuteAir-operated United Express Flight 4295, an Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet, departed Dulles International Airport (IAD) for Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) at approximately 6:30 p.m. Eastern, carrying 43 passengers and 3 crew members, according to airport officials. Minutes after becoming airborne, the flight crew reported an issue with one of the aircraft’s engines and elected to return to the airport under emergency protocols. Airport rescue and firefighting crews were on standby as the aircraft made its return. The jet landed safely at Dulles at approximately 6:45 p.m., and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew, spokespersons for United Airlines and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said. Following the landing, the aircraft was inspected by maintenance teams. Passengers were disembarked and re-accommodated on alternative flights later Sunday night. Full details on the engine issue, including its cause and any potential maintenance findings, have not yet been released. This event follows another recent safety incident at Dulles involving a United Airlines Boeing 777-200ER flight bound for Tokyo Haneda Airport on December 13, 2025. That flight returned safely to Dulles shortly after takeoff when one of its engines lost power; debris from the engine’s cowling struck the ground and sparked a small brush fire near the runway. Officials confirmed no injuries in that incident, and the Federal Aviation Administration said it would investigate. The FAA typically opens a formal review of such occurrences to determine the contributing factors and evaluate any safety implications. United Airlines, its regional partners, and regulatory authorities regularly collaborate on ensuring aircraft airworthiness and operational safety, particularly when mechanical issues prompt precautionary actions like flight returns.

Incidents

United Airlines Regional Flight Returns To Dulles After Engine Issue Post-Takeoff

Aviation Today News Desk / January 13, 2026

Washington, United States: A United Express regional flight of United Airlines bound for Mobile, Alabama, returned to Washington Dulles International

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

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,

Manchester, United Kingdom: An Aer Lingus long-haul flight from Bridgetown, Barbados, to Manchester Airport was forced to carry out an emergency landing early Monday morning after the crew reported a technical issue during the approach phase of the flight. Flight EI030, which departed Barbados just before 7:30 p.m. GMT on Sunday for an overnight journey to Manchester, touched down safely on Manchester’s runway shortly before 8 a.m. local time. According to statements from both the airline and Manchester Airport officials, the aircraft encountered a technical issue that affected the aircraft’s hydraulic systems as it neared the UK destination. “Aer Lingus flight EI030 from Barbados to Manchester landed safely at Manchester Airport following a technical issue,” an Aer Lingus spokesperson said. “Due to the technical issue, the aircraft was met by emergency services as a precaution and passengers have safely disembarked.” A Manchester Airport spokesperson confirmed that the issue did not compromise passenger safety, adding that the aircraft was met on the runway by fire and rescue services as a standard precautionary measure when an emergency is declared. Passengers on board were instructed to leave the aircraft on the airfield shortly after landing. Buses transported travellers to the terminal building following disembarkation. There were no reports of injuries among the 261 passengers and crew. Officials emphasised that such procedures are precautionary and did not indicate an immediate danger to those on board. The airline has reportedly been considering changes to its Manchester hub strategy, which includes routes to destinations such as Barbados, New York and Orlando. The potential restructuring has drawn attention due to its impact on local operations and workforce, particularly among cabin crew based at Manchester.

Incidents

Aer Lingus Barbados–Manchester Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Technical Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / December 31, 2025

Manchester, United Kingdom: An Aer Lingus long-haul flight from Bridgetown, Barbados, to Manchester Airport was forced to carry out an

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: An Air India Boeing 777 operating flight AI174 from San Francisco to Delhi made a precautionary landing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on November 2 after the crew reported a suspected technical malfunction mid-flight. The widebody aircraft, carrying passengers on the long-haul trans-polar route to India, landed safely at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, where it was met by local authorities and ground support. All passengers and crew members were confirmed safe. In an official statement, Air India said, “AI174 from San Francisco to Delhi made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, after the flight crew suspected a technical issue en route. The aircraft landed safely and is undergoing the necessary checks. We are working closely with our partners to support all passengers and ensure their onward journey at the earliest.” Following the diversion, passengers were disembarked and assisted through immigration clearance and hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar. The airline has since been coordinating alternative travel arrangements for the stranded travelers to reach Delhi. While the airline has not disclosed the exact nature of the fault, maintenance teams in Mongolia are conducting thorough inspections before the aircraft is cleared for further operations. The incident occurred within hours of another technical snag involving an Air India A320neo operating from Delhi to Bengaluru. The aircraft, carrying 172 passengers, declared a full emergency after a warning indicator was triggered in the cargo hold. The pilot requested an immediate diversion and made an emergency landing at Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal around 8:00 p.m. local time. Emergency response units were deployed on standby. A warning was received in the cargo hold, following which the crew declared an emergency. The aircraft landed safely in Bhopal. All passengers and crew were safe, and checks confirmed the warning was spurious. The airline has not confirmed whether the two issues are related but stated that both events are being reviewed internally.

Incidents

Two Air India Flights Hit Technical Snags Hours Apart; Both Make Safe Landings

Aviation Today News Desk / November 4, 2025

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: An Air India Boeing 777 operating flight AI174 from San Francisco to Delhi made a precautionary landing in

Airlines

United Airlines Accused of Ignoring Pilot’s Sexual Misconduct Toward Flight Attendant

Aviation Today News Desk / October 31, 2025

Denver, United States: United Airlines is facing a major federal lawsuit filed by a former flight attendant who accuses the

crew safety

Air India Grounds Boeing 787‑8 LDN–BLR Flight After Pilot Reports Fuel Switch Defect

SWISS A330 Failed To Act On 8-Year Old Warning Before 2024 Emergency, STSB Report Says

Major Airlines Cancel Israel, Dubai & Riyadh Flights Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

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

United Airlines Regional Flight Returns To Dulles After Engine Issue Post-Takeoff

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

Aer Lingus Barbados–Manchester Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Technical Issue

Two Air India Flights Hit Technical Snags Hours Apart; Both Make Safe Landings

United Airlines Accused of Ignoring Pilot’s Sexual Misconduct Toward Flight Attendant

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