Emergency Landing Archives

Auckland, New Zealand: An Airbus A320‑Neo operated by Air New Zealand (Flight NZ249) experienced an uncommanded engine shutdown mid‑flight last year, due to a defective fire‑switch, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) confirmed in its interim report released on 4 December 2025. The incident occurred on 1 December 2024, when the aircraft was en route from Wellington to Sydney. Approximately 40 minutes after takeoff, the No. 2 engine unexpectedly shut down following activation of the overhead fire‑switch despite no pilot input. The crew declared a mayday and safely diverted to Auckland Airport, with all 154 passengers and crew unharmed. TAIC’s report identifies internal damage to the fire‑switch mechanism as the primary cause. A retaining pin inside the switch had bent, reducing the latching security and allowing vibration or normal operation to trigger the switch inadvertently. Inspections revealed that the panel surrounding the switch also showed signs of deformation, further contributing to the uncommanded activation. “The fire‑switch is designed to be manually operated only in case of an actual engine fire,” TAIC noted. “Its activation without pilot input posed a significant safety risk.” The commission also highlighted that the same fire‑panel design is used across the global A320 fleet indicating that other aircraft could potentially be affected. The switch manufacturer had issued service bulletins in late 2024 recommending inspection of previously repaired panels, but those checks focused on visually detectable external damage. Following the ANZ incident, Airbus expanded its guidance to inspect all affected fire‑panels for any signs of deformation within 1,000 flight cycles. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has since issued an Airworthiness Directive mandating such inspections and, where necessary, replacement of defective panels. Air New Zealand reportedly removed suspect panels from its fleet in early December 2024. On 28 November 2025, Airbus triggered another major safety action ordering a global recall of approximately 6,000 A320‑family aircraft, following a serious mid‑air flight‑control issue linked to corruption of flight‑control data under intense solar radiation. In a statement, Airbus described the recall as “precautionary,” urging all operators worldwide to apply an immediate software rollback (or, where required, hardware modifications) before affected aircraft are flown again. This recall reportedly the largest in Airbus’s 55‑year history affects over half of the global A320 fleet and has already prompted airlines across the U.S., Europe, Asia and beyond to ground jets for urgent software updates.

Air NZ A320-Neo Suffered Uncommanded Engine Shutdown Due to Faulty Fire-Switch: TAIC

Aviation Today News Desk / December 4, 2025

Auckland, New Zealand: An Airbus A320‑Neo operated by Air New Zealand (Flight NZ249) experienced an uncommanded engine shutdown mid‑flight last […]

Tiruchirappalli, India: A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Tiruchirappalli International Airport on Monday after the crew detected a technical malfunction shortly after take-off. The aircraft landed safely after remaining airborne for nearly two hours as part of standard safety procedures. No injuries were reported. The aircraft, operating as Flight IX 611, departed Trichy at around 1:55 PM, carrying approximately 152 people onboard, after a brief delay from its scheduled departure time of 12:45 PM. Soon after take-off, pilots reported a technical snag and immediately entered a holding pattern over the Tiruchirappalli and Pudukottai airspace to burn excess fuel before attempting a safe landing. After circling for nearly two hours, the aircraft touched down safely at 3:53 PM, triggering emergency protocols at the airport. Fire and rescue services remained on standby as a precautionary measure. Airport sources said 11 passengers were offloaded following the return. The remaining 135 travellers, along with six crew members, were shifted to another aircraft through a one-to-one transfer process. Air India Express has not yet disclosed the exact nature of the technical fault. Officials confirmed that a detailed investigation will be conducted in line with aviation safety protocols. Airport authorities stated that the incident was handled efficiently and that passenger safety was never compromised. Several passengers reportedly contacted relatives after noticing the aircraft was not gaining cruising altitude, sparking momentary concern before the safe landing was confirmed. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review the technical report once it is submitted by the airline.

Incidents

Dubai-Bound Air India Express Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing At Trichy After Snag

Aviation Today News Desk / December 2, 2025

Tiruchirappalli, India: A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Tiruchirappalli International Airport on

Airbus

Airbus Orders Global Recall of 6,000 A320s Following Serious Mid-Air Control Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / November 29, 2025

Toulouse, France: Airbus has issued an urgent global recall of its A320 family aircraft after a serious mid-air flight-control incident

New Delhi, India: An Air India flight operating from Delhi to Ahmedabad made a precautionary return to the national capital shortly after take-off on Thursday after a smoke indication alert was triggered in the aircraft’s cargo hold. All passengers and crew were safely deboarded, and the alert was later confirmed to be false. The incident involved Flight AI2939, which departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport for Ahmedabad with around 170 people onboard. Moments after take-off, the cockpit crew received a smoke warning from the cargo compartment and immediately followed emergency safety procedures, aborting the climb and turning back to Delhi. The aircraft landed safely without any injuries or technical damage. Air India engineers conducted a detailed inspection after landing and found no trace of smoke or fire, confirming that the alert was a technical false indication. In an official statement, Air India said the flight crew acted strictly as per standard operating procedures and prioritised passenger safety. The airline arranged an alternate aircraft to ferry the affected passengers to Ahmedabad, resulting in a delay of approximately four hours. “Passenger safety is always our top priority. Our ground team ensured immediate assistance and alternative travel arrangements for all passengers,” an Air India spokesperson said, apologising for the inconvenience. A day before the Delhi-Ahmedabad Air India incident, an Air India Express flight from Guwahati to Hyderabad, IX 2884, was cancelled after being delayed for over four hours due to what the airline termed “unforeseen operational reasons.

Incidents

Air India Delhi–Ahmedabad Flight Returns After Smoke Alert, All Passengers Remain Safe

Aviation Today News Desk / November 28, 2025

New Delhi, India: An Air India flight operating from Delhi to Ahmedabad made a precautionary return to the national capital

Hyderabad, India: A Gulf Air flight operating from Bahrain to Hyderabad was diverted to Mumbai early Sunday after airport authorities in Hyderabad received an email claiming a bomb had been placed on the aircraft. The threat was later confirmed to be a hoax after detailed security checks. Flight GF 274, carrying 154 passengers, departed Bahrain at 22:20 hrs on Saturday and was scheduled to arrive at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at 04:55 a.m. On Sunday. At around 3 a.m., an email warning of an explosive device onboard was sent to the Hyderabad airport’s customer support address, prompting authorities to initiate emergency protocols. Following standard procedure, the aircraft was instructed to divert to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, where it landed safely. Security teams conducted multiple layers of inspection and found no suspicious objects. After receiving clearance from security agencies, the flight departed Mumbai and landed in Hyderabad at 11:31 a.m. Gulf Air stated that the diversion was carried out “in accordance with safety and security requirements” and confirmed that all passengers were safe. Hyderabad Airport officials filed a complaint with local police, who have registered a case and begun tracing the origin of the threat email. Authorities noted that the message appeared similar to earlier hoax threats received in recent weeks. The incident follows a series of false alarms involving flights bound for Hyderabad. Earlier this month, an IndiGo flight from Jeddah to Hyderabad was diverted to Mumbai after an email referencing a past airport blast claimed a bomb was onboard. That threat also proved to be false, but it prompted full emergency procedures and inspections. The repeated hoax threats have triggered heightened alert levels at Hyderabad Airport and renewed discussions within India’s aviation sector regarding cyber-threat response, email-verification systems, and rapid-response coordination for inbound international flights.

Incidents

Hyderabad Bomb Threat Forces Gulf Air Flight To Divert To Mumbai For Security Checks

Aviation Today News Desk / November 24, 2025

Hyderabad, India: A Gulf Air flight operating from Bahrain to Hyderabad was diverted to Mumbai early Sunday after airport authorities

India: A trainer aircraft belonging to Salem based Ekvi Air Training made an emergency landing on the Tiruchi–Pudukkottai National Highway on 13 November 2025 after a technical fault. The Cessna 172 was on a routine training flight from Salem when the pilot noticed the issue. Both the pilot and trainee escaped unharmed, and traffic on the highway was briefly affected. Local police secured the area, and the DGCA has launched an investigation into the incident. Ekvi Air Training was placed in Category C in the DGCA’s first-ever Flying Training Organisation (FTO) ranking, indicating below-average performance across operational efficiency, safety, compliance, and student support. The regulator has instructed Category C institutions to submit improvement plans ahead of the next ranking cycle in April 2026.

Incidents

Trainee Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing on Highway After Technical Snag, DGCA Probes

Aviation Today News Desk / November 13, 2025

Tamil Nadu, India: A small trainer aircraft from the Salem-based Ekvi Air Training made an emergency landing on the Tiruchi–Pudukkottai

Kolkata, India: A SpiceJet flight operating from Mumbai to Kolkata made an emergency landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport late Sunday night after reporting an engine malfunction during descent, officials confirmed. The aircraft, operating as SpiceJet flight SG 670, took off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) and was nearing Kolkata when the flight crew reported a technical issue involving one of its engines. Air traffic control promptly declared a full emergency, and rescue and fire services were placed on standby. According to airport officials, the aircraft landed safely at 11:38 p.m. (IST) and taxied to the parking bay without further incident. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported. The airline did not disclose specific details about the nature of the engine failure. Technical engineers have begun an inspection of the aircraft to determine the cause of the malfunction. No smoke or fire was detected upon landing, according to airport emergency services. Authorities withdrew the full emergency status shortly after touchdown, confirming that the situation was under control. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review the incident as part of its routine safety oversight, officials familiar with the matter said. Industry experts note that while modern twin-engine aircraft are designed to fly safely on one engine, in-flight engine shutdowns trigger mandatory reporting and inspection protocols under DGCA norms.

Incidents

SpiceJet Mumbai–Kolkata Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing After Engine Failure

Aviation Today News Desk / November 11, 2025

Kolkata, India: A SpiceJet flight operating from Mumbai to Kolkata made an emergency landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International

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

Mumbai, India: On the morning of November 1, 2025, a security threat email forced the diversion of IndiGo flight 6E 68, operating from Jeddah to Hyderabad. The email sent to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad alleged the presence of a “human bomb” onboard and claimed that operatives of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and Inter‑Services Intelligence (ISI) had “planned a major 1984 Madras Airport modus operandi style blast”. After receiving the threat at approximately 5:30 a.m. IST, airport authorities alerted all relevant stakeholders. The flight was diverted to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) where it landed safely. Following normal security protocol, checks were carried out at Mumbai and Hyderabad under cooperation of the airline and security agencies. No suspicious items or individuals were found. A case has been registered by the police and investigation is ongoing. In a statement, IndiGo confirmed receipt of the threat for flight 6E 68 from Jeddah to Hyderabad on November 1, and noted the aircraft diversion to Mumbai in consultation with authorities. The airline said it informed relevant agencies immediately and conducted appropriate security checks before resuming operations. It also stated efforts were made to minimise inconvenience to passengers, including offering refreshments and regular updates. According to aviation tracker flightradar24, the flight was to land in Hyderabad at 9.10 am, but was diverted to Mumbai after the threat. The flight took off after the checks and reached Hyderabad around 4 pm.

Incidents

IndiGo Jeddah–Hyderabad Flight Diverted To Mumbai After ‘Human Bomb’ Threat Email

Aviation Today News Desk / November 3, 2025

Mumbai, India: On the morning of November 1, 2025, a security threat email forced the diversion of IndiGo flight 6E

Florida, United States: A JetBlue Airways flight traveling from Cancún, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, was forced to make an emergency landing in Tampa after a reported flight control malfunction caused a sudden loss of altitude on Thursday afternoon, hospitalizing at least 15 passengers. Flight 1230, operated by an Airbus A320, was en route to Newark Liberty International Airport when it abruptly lost more than 14,500 feet in five minutes, followed by another rapid descent of over 12,200 feet within the next five minutes, according to flight-tracking data cited by Business Insider. The aircraft diverted safely to Tampa International Airport, landing at approximately 2:19 p.m. ET. Emergency medical teams met the plane on arrival and transported injured passengers to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials said the injuries were primarily non-life-threatening. “JetBlue Flight 1230 experienced a flight control issue en route from Cancún to Newark and was diverted to Tampa for a safe landing,” the airline said in a statement. “Customers and crewmembers requiring medical attention were transported to local hospitals. The aircraft has been taken out of service for inspection.” Local authorities confirmed that at least 15 to 20 individuals were evaluated at the scene. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue reported that three passengers suffered head injuries during the event. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it has opened an investigation into the incident, focusing on the reported flight control malfunction that triggered the rapid descent. Weather conditions along the route were reportedly stable, and turbulence has not been cited as a contributing factor. The airline has arranged alternate transportation for the remaining passengers to continue to Newark. The aircraft remains grounded at Tampa International for maintenance checks and data retrieval. While mechanical malfunctions are rare, aviation safety experts note that the sharp altitude loss and subsequent safe landing highlight the importance of pilot training and quick decision-making in emergency scenarios. The FAA and JetBlue’s internal safety team are continuing to investigate the cause of the incident. Preliminary findings are expected within the next several days.

Incidents

JetBlue A320 Plunges 26,000 Feet Midair, Lands Safely in Tampa; 15 Hospitalized

Aviation Today News Desk / November 1, 2025

Florida, United States: A JetBlue Airways flight traveling from Cancún, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, was forced to make an

Emergency Landing

Air NZ A320-Neo Suffered Uncommanded Engine Shutdown Due to Faulty Fire-Switch: TAIC

Dubai-Bound Air India Express Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing At Trichy After Snag

Airbus Orders Global Recall of 6,000 A320s Following Serious Mid-Air Control Issue

Air India Delhi–Ahmedabad Flight Returns After Smoke Alert, All Passengers Remain Safe

Hyderabad Bomb Threat Forces Gulf Air Flight To Divert To Mumbai For Security Checks

Trainee Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing on Highway After Technical Snag, DGCA Probes

SpiceJet Mumbai–Kolkata Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing After Engine Failure

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

IndiGo Jeddah–Hyderabad Flight Diverted To Mumbai After ‘Human Bomb’ Threat Email

JetBlue A320 Plunges 26,000 Feet Midair, Lands Safely in Tampa; 15 Hospitalized

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