In-Flight Safety Archives - Aviation Today

Passenger Charged For Smoking In Lavatory On Delhi-Goa Akasa Air Flight

Aviation Today News Desk / March 10, 2026

Goa, India: A passenger has been charged after allegedly smoking a beedi (hand-rolled cigarette) inside the lavatory of an Akasa […]

Idaho, United States: An Alaska Airlines flight 1057 traveling from Portland, Oregon, to Dallas, Texas, was forced to make an emergency landing in Boise, Idaho, after a passenger allegedly assaulted two flight attendants, authorities reported. The passenger has been identified as Tracy Barkhimer, 61, of White Salmon, Washington. According to the Boise Police Department, Barkhimer reportedly exhibited erratic and aggressive behavior mid-flight, leading the crew to attempt to calm her. When their efforts failed, she allegedly struck two airline employees. The flight crew successfully restrained Barkhimer, and the captain diverted the aircraft to Boise Airport as a precautionary measure. Upon landing, police officers met with the crew members, who filed citizen’s arrest affidavits against Barkhimer. She was taken into custody without incident and booked into Ada County Jail on two misdemeanor battery charges. Barkhimer was later released on a $600 bond, with her next court date scheduled for early November. Alaska Airlines confirmed that Barkhimer has been banned from future flights and emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for violence toward airline staff. The airline stated that one flight attendant was assaulted, although police reports indicate that two crew members were involved. Following a 90-minute delay to conduct a medical evaluation, the flight resumed safely to Dallas. Officials said there were no other injuries reported among the passengers, and the airline praised the crew for quickly restraining the passenger and preventing the situation from escalating further.

Incidents

Alaska Airlines Flight Diverts To Boise After 61-Year-Old Assaults Crew Mid-Air

Aviation Today News Desk / October 18, 2025

Idaho, United States: An Alaska Airlines flight 1057 traveling from Portland, Oregon, to Dallas, Texas, was forced to make an

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Emirates Airline has announced a significant update to its in-flight safety regulations, prohibiting passengers from using power banks to charge electronic devices onboard all flights, effective since October 1, 2025. The move comes after a safety review following growing concerns over lithium-ion battery incidents in aviation. The airline has outlined specific guidelines to ensure compliance and passenger safety: Prohibited Usage: Passengers are not allowed to use any power bank to charge devices during flights. Carry-On Allowance: Travelers may carry one power bank per person with a capacity under 100 watt-hours (Wh). Charging Restrictions: Power banks cannot be recharged using aircraft power outlets. Storage Guidelines: Power banks must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat, and are not permitted in overhead compartments. Checked Baggage: Power banks remain strictly prohibited in checked luggage. Emirates confirmed that in-seat charging ports remain available on all aircraft. Passengers are advised to fully charge their devices prior to departure, especially on long-haul flights. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in power banks, have been linked to thermal runaway incidents, where batteries can overheat or catch fire if damaged, overcharged, or improperly handled. Although such events are rare, Emirates cited passenger safety as the primary reason for the new restriction. Emirates’ decision aligns with a global trend in the aviation industry toward stricter regulations on portable lithium-ion batteries. International authorities, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and several airlines worldwide have introduced similar measures to mitigate potential fire risks onboard aircraft. Passengers are advised to check their devices and power banks before travel, ensure compliance with the airline’s capacity limits, and carry only one approved power bank per person. Airline staff will enforce the new guidelines at check-in and boarding points.

Airlines

Emirates Bans In-Flight Use of Power Banks to Charge Devices Over Safety Concerns

Aviation Today News Desk / October 8, 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Emirates Airline has announced a significant update to its in-flight safety regulations, prohibiting passengers from using

Frankfurt, Germany: Singapore Airlines Flight SQ325, operating an Airbus A380 (registration 9V-SKU), was compelled to return to Frankfurt Airport after approximately nine hours into its journey to Singapore. The Airbus A380 climbed to 35,000 feet as it flew over Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Turkey without any reported issues. However, while reaching an altitude of 31,000 feet over Azerbaijan the crew identified a potential mechanical issue, leading to a decision to safely return to Frankfurt as a precautionary measure. The flight departed Frankfurt at 21:56 CEST on September 25, 2025, aiming for a 12-hour journey to Singapore. After turning back, the Airbus A380 landed safely at 06:51 CEST on September 26 after 8 hours and 55 minutes in the air. The aircraft taxied to a remote stand at Frankfurt Airport, and passengers disembarked without incident. Singapore Airlines has confirmed the diversion but has not disclosed specific details about the nature of the mechanical issue or provided a new departure time for affected passengers. The incident has caused significant disruption at Frankfurt Airport, one of Europe's busiest hubs, as travelers work to rebook connecting flights. Passengers scheduled to reach Singapore the next morning are now experiencing prolonged delays, with no confirmed departure time. Singapore Airlines stated that it is assisting affected travelers and will share updates promptly.

Incidents

Singapore Airlines A380 Returns to Frankfurt After 9-Hour Flight Over Mechanical Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / September 27, 2025

Frankfurt, Germany: Singapore Airlines Flight SQ325, operating an Airbus A380 (registration 9V-SKU), was compelled to return to Frankfurt Airport after

Srinagar, India: A SpiceJet aircraft on a Delhi–Srinagar route executed a safe emergency landing at Srinagar International Airport on the afternoon of August 29, 2025, following a sudden cabin pressure alert that required immediate action. The flight, designated SG 385, was carrying 205 passengers, including four infants, along with seven crew members. Despite a rapid descent caused by a cabin altitude warning, the pilot handled the situation effectively and made multiple landing attempts before safely touching down at 3:27 pm. Upon receiving the emergency request, airport authorities declared emergency arrangements as a precaution. Fortunately, the aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers disembarked normally, with no medical assistance needed for anyone on board. A spokesperson for SpiceJet confirmed the sequence of events in a statement: the cabin altitude warning triggered a rapid descent during approach, prompting crew members to follow standard operating procedures. The captain then requested a priority landing as a precaution, and the plane landed safely with no injuries or medical issues reported. This incident adds to a string of technical irregularities faced by Indian carriers in recent months. A Dubai-bound IndiGo flight from Surat was forced into an emergency landing at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday morning after the aircraft developed a technical snag. Similarly, an IndiGo Delhi–Goa flight, 6E 6271, was diverted to Mumbai under full emergency protocol after one of its engines failed mid-air.

Incidents

SpiceJet Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Srinagar After Mid-Air Cabin Pressure Alert

Aviation Today News Desk / August 30, 2025

Srinagar, India: A SpiceJet aircraft on a Delhi–Srinagar route executed a safe emergency landing at Srinagar International Airport on the

In-Flight Safety

Passenger Charged For Smoking In Lavatory On Delhi-Goa Akasa Air Flight

Alaska Airlines Flight Diverts To Boise After 61-Year-Old Assaults Crew Mid-Air

Emirates Bans In-Flight Use of Power Banks to Charge Devices Over Safety Concerns

Singapore Airlines A380 Returns to Frankfurt After 9-Hour Flight Over Mechanical Issue

SpiceJet Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Srinagar After Mid-Air Cabin Pressure Alert

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