Flight Delay Archives - Page 3 of 5

Toronto, Canada: An Air Canada Rouge domestic flight was forced to return to the gate at Toronto Pearson International Airport on December 13, 2025, after a ground crew member became inadvertently trapped in the aircraft’s cargo hold, prompting passengers to alert cabin crew after hearing distressing noises. Flight AC1502, an Airbus A321 bound for Moncton, New Brunswick, had begun taxiing for departure when passengers seated toward the rear reported hearing screaming and banging sounds emanating from beneath the cabin. Several travellers notified flight attendants, who investigated and subsequently halted the aircraft’s progress. In a video shared on social media and verified by local media, the aircraft captain addressed passengers after the taxi was stopped. “I’ve never had that in my life. First time, hopefully first and last,” the pilot said, noting that the trapped individual was safely removed. According to Air Canada, the cargo doors were inadvertently closed while the ground crew member was still inside the hold, and he was discovered only after the plane had already begun to taxi. Emergency procedures were activated, and the aircraft immediately returned to the departure gate. The airline confirmed no injuries were reported and that the employee was freed from the cargo compartment without harm. In a statement to the media, Air Canada said it has “reinforced our procedures with our ground crews” to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future. Passengers described the incident as unsettling. One traveller told CBC that the sounds from the hold were unmistakable and that flight attendants initially checked other areas of the aircraft before determining the source. The flight ultimately did not depart for Moncton as scheduled. Passengers were informed that the delay was beyond the control of the airline and that arrangements would be made for later travel.

Air Canada Flight Returns To Toronto After Crew Member Trapped In Cargo Hold

Aviation Today News Desk / January 14, 2026

Toronto, Canada: An Air Canada Rouge domestic flight was forced to return to the gate at Toronto Pearson International Airport […]

Paris, France: Malaysia Airlines flight MH21, operating a scheduled long-haul service from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), was forced to turn back and land safely in Paris on 7 January 2026 after the flight crew detected an anomaly in the aircraft’s guidance systems shortly after departure. The Airbus A350-941, registered 9M-MAB, departed CDG at 11:55 a.m. local time, approximately 45 minutes behind its scheduled departure, reportedly due to ongoing snowfall and reduced airport operational capacity at Paris. Shortly after take-off and while climbing through around 4,572 metres (15,000 feet) over central French airspace, the flight crew identified an irregularity affecting the aircraft’s guidance system, a critical suite of avionics that integrates autopilot, flight management and navigation functions to determine and maintain the planned flight path. Upon detecting the issue, pilots activated the aircraft’s emergency transponder code “7700”, the universal aviation signal indicating a general emergency, and immediately communicated with French air traffic controllers to request priority handling and clearance to return to CDG. The A350 remained under controlled flight while returning to Paris and landed safely at 3:36 p.m. local time. Emergency response teams were positioned on standby at the airport as a precaution, though no injuries or further technical complications were reported. Malaysia Airlines and the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) confirmed in a statement that the aircraft’s return was a precautionary measure taken in line with established safety procedures for technical irregularities, and not in response to any imminent danger. Passengers disembarked normally. Those affected were either reaccommodated on alternative carriers where possible or provided with hotel accommodations near the airport while awaiting onward travel arrangements. A replacement service, designated MH21D, was scheduled to depart from CDG later on 8 January. In its official communication, Malaysia Airlines expressed regret for the disruption to travel plans and reiterated that flight safety remains the airline’s overriding priority. The carrier confirmed that the aircraft will undergo detailed technical checks before it is permitted to operate further services.

Incidents

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH21 Returns To Paris After In-Flight Guidance System Anomaly

Aviation Today News Desk / January 9, 2026

Paris, France: Malaysia Airlines flight MH21, operating a scheduled long-haul service from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Kuala

Birmingham, United Kingdom: An Air India Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operating flight AI117 from Amritsar, India, to Birmingham, UK, declared a general emergency due to low fuel on the evening of 8 January 2026 after prolonged holding caused by severe winter weather and the temporary closure of Birmingham Airport. The aircraft was safely diverted to London Heathrow Airport where it landed without incident, airline and flight tracking data show. Flight AI117, registration VT‑NAC, was approaching Birmingham in worsening weather as Storm Goretti brought heavy snowfall and dangerously low visibility, leading airport authorities to suspend runway operations. Visibility dipped well below the minima required for a safe landing, forcing the crew to abort the initial approach and enter a holding pattern. With extended time spent circling near the destination, fuel reserves fell toward critical levels. In response, the crew transmitted Squawk 7700 the transponder emergency code indicating a serious onboard issue requiring urgent air traffic control priority signalling a general emergency due to low fuel. This prompted expedited handling and coordination with UK air traffic control for diversion. Air Traffic Control cleared the Boeing 787 to divert to London Heathrow Airport (LHR), chosen for its longer runways and advanced Category III Instrument Landing System (ILS) capable of accommodating landing in degraded weather conditions with enhanced safety margins. The aircraft touched down safely on Heathrow’s runway 09L and subsequently taxied to gate B49 with no reported injuries to passengers or crew. Air India flight operations encountered significant disruption as snow continued to impact Birmingham Airport operations throughout the evening. The airport’s decision to close the runways was part of ongoing safety precautions amid rapid snow accumulation and deteriorating meteorological conditions. A declaration of Squawk 7700, a universal aviation emergency code does not automatically reflect a catastrophic failure; rather, it alerts all air traffic units that the flight requires priority handling due to a critical situation, in this case driven by fuel management considerations following a prolonged holding pattern.

Incidents

Air India 787 Declares Emergency Over Low Fuel, Safely Diverts To London Heathrow

Aviation Today News Desk / January 9, 2026

Birmingham, United Kingdom: An Air India Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operating flight AI117 from Amritsar, India, to Birmingham, UK, declared a general

London, United Kingdom: An Emirates Airbus A380 operating on the busy London–Dubai route made a precautionary return to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on the afternoon of December 31, 2025, after the flight crew detected a technical issue with the aircraft’s landing gear system shortly after take‑off. Emirates Flight EK002, scheduled to depart Heathrow for Dubai International Airport (DXB), lifted off from Runway 27L at approximately 14:30 GMT but was forced into a holding pattern above southeast London after a sensor indicated a malfunction in the landing gear doors, which did not fully close as designed. As the long‑haul aircraft such as the A380 are heavily fuelled at departure, the aircraft was above its maximum landing weight. Aviation protocols require weight reduction before a safe return can be attempted. Rather than immediately landing overweight, the flight crew elected to circle at around 10,000 ft, allowing fuel to burn off over a period of approximately 90 minutes before approaching Heathrow for landing. Observers on the ground reported seeing the superjumbo in a holding pattern over areas such as Orpington and Kent, drawing attention during one of the year’s busiest travel periods. Once within safe landing weight limits, the A380 touched down at London Heathrow’s Runway 27R at 16:28 GMT without incident. Emergency services were positioned as a standard precaution, though there were no injuries and normal evacuation procedures were followed. In a statement, Emirates confirmed that “Flight EK002 departed London Heathrow for Dubai, but returned shortly after take‑off due to a technical fault.” The airline said passengers and crew were safely disembarked and that those affected would be rebooked on subsequent services. Emirates apologised for the disruption and emphasised that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority. The aircraft involved is an Airbus A380‑800 with the registration A6‑EUF, part of Emirates’ flagship fleet and one of the largest commercial passenger aircraft in service. The A380 is widely used on high‑demand intercontinental routes, carrying up to 500 passengers per flight. Flight tracking platforms indicated the aircraft remained airborne for over an hour as it managed fuel and prepared for a controlled return, a common procedure under such technical circumstances. Given the timing on New Year’s Eve, the incident caused travel disruption during a peak period for global air travel.

Incidents

Emirates London–Dubai A380 Makes Returns To Heathrow After Landing Gear Sensor Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / January 2, 2026

London, United Kingdom: An Emirates Airbus A380 operating on the busy London–Dubai route made a precautionary return to London Heathrow

Vancouver, Canada: Canadian aviation authorities have launched a formal safety probe after an Air India pilot was found to be under the influence of alcohol before operating an international flight from Vancouver, prompting an inquiry and corrective action demands to the Indian carrier. The incident occurred on December 23, 2025, at Vancouver International Airport ahead of Flight AI186, scheduled to operate from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna. According to a letter from Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) to Air India officials, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that the pilot, identified as Captain Saurabh Kumar, reported for duty while under the influence of alcohol and was deemed unfit for the flight. Canadian authorities conducted two breathalyser tests that confirmed the presence of alcohol, following which the pilot was advised to leave the aircraft and was subsequently removed from duty at the scene. Transport Canada has characterised the occurrence as a violation of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), citing breaches of sections 602.02 and 602.03, which govern crew fitness for duty and alcohol consumption limits, as well as conditions of Air India’s Foreign Air Operator Certificate (FAOC). In its correspondence, Transport Canada has formally asked Air India to investigate the matter under its Safety Management System and submit a detailed corrective action report by January 26, 2026. The regulator indicated that enforcement action by both the RCMP and the TCCA is likely as the review progresses. Air India confirmed that Flight AI186 experienced a last-minute delay on December 23 after the cockpit crew member was offloaded prior to departure “based on concerns raised by the Canadian authorities regarding the pilot’s fitness for duty.” The airline said an alternate pilot was rostered in accordance with safety protocols, resulting in the delayed departure. In an official statement, Air India said it regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers, is fully cooperating with Canadian authorities, and has taken the pilot off flying duties pending the outcome of the inquiry. The airline reiterated a zero-tolerance policy toward violations of applicable rules and regulations, noting that “any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy.” Initial accounts of the incident suggest that the episode first came to light after a duty-free shop employee at the Vancouver airport reported a concern about the pilot either smelling of alcohol or consuming it moments before boarding preparations. This triggered intervention by Canadian authorities and the subsequent breathalyser tests.

Airlines

Canada Seeks Inquiry After Air India Pilot Found Under Influence Of Alcohol

Aviation Today News Desk / January 2, 2026

Vancouver, Canada: Canadian aviation authorities have launched a formal safety probe after an Air India pilot was found to be

New Delhi, India: An Air India Boeing 777 operating a domestic flight from Delhi to Mumbai made a precautionary return to Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly after take-off on Monday afternoon after pilots detected an abnormal drop in engine oil pressure, according to airline and official sources. The wide-body aircraft, carrying 335 passengers, was airborne when cockpit indications showed low oil pressure in one of the engines. Following standard operating procedures, the flight crew decided to discontinue the journey and return to Delhi as a safety precaution. Air India confirmed that the aircraft landed safely without incident and that all passengers disembarked normally. There were no injuries reported. Preliminary information indicates that the issue was linked to the aircraft’s right engine. Engineering teams were immediately deployed to inspect the aircraft upon landing, and the plane was taken out of service for technical checks. Passengers were accommodated on alternate flights, while some were offered refunds or rescheduling options, airline officials said. Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed of the incident and is reviewing the technical report submitted by the airline, as per established procedures. Officials emphasized that such turn-backs are precautionary measures designed to ensure flight safety and are not uncommon in commercial aviation.

Incidents

Air India Boeing 777 Makes Precautionary U-turn To Delhi After Engine Oil Alert Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / December 23, 2025

New Delhi, India: An Air India Boeing 777 operating a domestic flight from Delhi to Mumbai made a precautionary return

Edinburgh, United Kingdom: A Ryanair passenger aircraft bound for Faro, Portugal, was evacuated on Monday morning after its wingtip struck a fuel truck while taxiing for departure at Edinburgh Airport. The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time, prompting immediate safety procedures and a temporary disruption for travellers on board. The flight, operating as FR5667 on a Boeing 737 MAX 8‑200, was preparing to depart when the collision with a truck cab occurred. No injuries were reported, and airport operations continued with minimal interruption, airport officials confirmed. Passengers were asked to disembark from the aircraft as a precautionary measure. A spokesperson from Ryanair said the aircraft’s wing tip made contact with the cab of a fuel truck during low‑speed taxiing and that travellers “disembarked normally.” A replacement aircraft was provided to complete the service to Faro, departing later in the afternoon. Emergency services were mobilised following the incident, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attending after being alerted. Firefighters were placed on standby but no fire broke out, and the response was stood down after initial assessments. One passenger told, it was a frightening moment but noted that the aircraft was moving at slow speed, which contributed to the lack of injuries. Airport representatives confirmed there was no significant impact on broader flight schedules. After disembarking, passengers were accommodated with small vouchers while they awaited the replacement aircraft. Flight tracking data indicated the delayed service eventually departed around 12:15 p.m., approximately two hours after its originally scheduled departure time. Edinburgh Airport reiterated that safety protocols were followed and that operations remained largely unaffected by the ground collision. Investigations into the precise sequence of events and contributing factors are underway by the relevant authorities, including airport ground operations and airline officials.

Incidents

Ryanair Flight Evacuated After Collision With Fuel Truck At Edinburgh Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / December 23, 2025

Edinburgh, United Kingdom: A Ryanair passenger aircraft bound for Faro, Portugal, was evacuated on Monday morning after its wingtip struck

Istanbul, Turkey: A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350‑900 service scheduled to fly from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) faced multiple departure failures this week, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and prompting questions about operational communication and passenger handling during prolonged irregular operations. The long‑haul flight, originally scheduled as SQ391 on December 12, 2025 at 1:15 pm local time, was unable to depart on three successive occasions due to a recurring technical issue identified during pre‑departure procedures. The aircraft eventually departed on December 14 at around 3 am under a revised flight number SQ9391, arriving in Singapore later that day. Shortly after pushback on the first departure attempt, the flight crew reported a problem with the aircraft’s flaps, a key flight control component. The aircraft returned to the gate. All 229 passengers remained on board for nearly four hours as engineers conducted inspections and attempted repairs. During this time, food and beverages were provided. Efforts to resolve the fault extended beyond the initial delay, and the airline determined that additional time was needed for technical support and parts before safe continuation of service. Subsequent departure times were announced and later revised, resulting in three failed attempts before the aircraft was finally released. Passengers recounted frustrations over the prolonged delays and changing departure times. Some criticised the clarity and frequency of updates provided by airline staff at the airport. Although meal vouchers and hotel accommodation options were offered, several travellers reported challenges covering additional incidental expenses such as medication and extra meals during their extended stay in Istanbul. In response to media queries, a Singapore Airlines spokesperson reiterated that the safety of customers and crew remained the airline’s priority throughout the disruption, and offered apologies to affected travellers. The carrier also noted that assistance was provided in rebooking connecting flights at the final destination. In a separate incident, a Singapore Airlines long‑haul flight from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) carrying 151 passengers was delayed for more than 48 hours after its original departure on December 14, 2025, was postponed due to adverse winter weather and a runway closure for de‑icing. The flight, originally designated SQ21, was rescheduled and renumbered as SQ9021, but was delayed again due to an airport baggage handling system fault and a technical issue with the aircraft’s nose wheel, forcing further disruptions. The rescheduled service was subsequently planned to depart on December 16 and arrive in Singapore on December 17. Singapore Airlines, consistently ranked among the world’s top carriers, has reaffirmed its commitment to safety and customer care in its ongoing response to operational disruptions. The airline continues to support affected customers, reaffirming that technical rectification and passenger welfare are core priorities during irregular operations.

Incidents

Singapore Airlines From Istanbul Delayed Nearly 2 Days After Three Failed Departures

Aviation Today News Desk / December 19, 2025

Istanbul, Turkey: A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350‑900 service scheduled to fly from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

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

Vilnius, Lithuania: A regional jet operated by LOT Polish Airlines slid off the taxiway at Vilnius Airport today, forcing a temporary closure of the runway. All 63 passengers and four crew members on board disembarked safely, and no injuries have been reported, airport and airline officials confirmed. The aircraft involved was an Embraer E170 (registration SP-LDK), operating flight LO771 from Warsaw (Poland) to Vilnius (Lithuania). The flight landed at 13:43 local time (runway 01) without apparent issues. However, while taxiing toward the stand, the aircraft veered off the paved surface sliding onto the northern side of the airfield. Flight-tracking records show the plane had slowed to under 30 knots before the final taxiway turn but nevertheless “continued straight,” failing to make the turn and leaving the paved taxiway surface. Emergency services including fire and ground-handling teams responded immediately. Passengers disembarked via mobile stairs and were safely transported to the terminal. No injuries or medical emergencies have been reported. The airline confirmed the return flight, LO772 from Vilnius to Warsaw, has been cancelled pending technical inspection. LOT’s technical team, together with airport authorities, is assessing the aircraft and runway condition before any further operations resume. Following the incident, Vilnius Airport under the authority of Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) issued a NOTAM and closed its runway, suspending all arrivals and departures. Initial estimates suggested resumption by 17:00 local time, but the closure was later extended until at least 22:00 as recovery and inspection work continued. The closure has affected other scheduled flights. Passengers on flights due to depart or arrive during the shutdown were advised to contact their airlines for updated schedules. The incident occurred amid heavy, wet snowfall in Vilnius part of a broader winter weather surge across Lithuania. The buildup of snow and slush likely contributed to poor friction on taxiway/runway surfaces. Meteorological warnings had been issued earlier, cautioning travelers about hazardous conditions. While the exact cause has not yet been determined, local media and aviation-safety observers have highlighted slippery surfaces from snow and wet slush as plausible contributing factors. Immediately after the incident, the airport’s Emergency Commission convened a meeting. The gathering included the transport minister, justice-department officials, and LTOU management, signaling the start of a formal investigation. Authorities have yet to publish a preliminary report. The investigation is expected to examine multiple aspects including runway/taxiway surface condition, snow/ice removal procedures, friction measurements, aircraft handling during taxi, and possible human or technical errors.

Incidents

LOT Polish Airlines Jet Slides Off Taxiway At Vilnius Airport, Runway Shut After Snow

Aviation Today News Desk / November 27, 2025

Vilnius, Lithuania: A regional jet operated by LOT Polish Airlines slid off the taxiway at Vilnius Airport today, forcing a

Flight Delay

Air Canada Flight Returns To Toronto After Crew Member Trapped In Cargo Hold

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH21 Returns To Paris After In-Flight Guidance System Anomaly

Air India 787 Declares Emergency Over Low Fuel, Safely Diverts To London Heathrow

Emirates London–Dubai A380 Makes Returns To Heathrow After Landing Gear Sensor Issue

Canada Seeks Inquiry After Air India Pilot Found Under Influence Of Alcohol

Air India Boeing 777 Makes Precautionary U-turn To Delhi After Engine Oil Alert Issue

Ryanair Flight Evacuated After Collision With Fuel Truck At Edinburgh Airport

Singapore Airlines From Istanbul Delayed Nearly 2 Days After Three Failed Departures

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

LOT Polish Airlines Jet Slides Off Taxiway At Vilnius Airport, Runway Shut After Snow

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