Indian Aviation Archives - Aviation Today

New Delhi, India: A Hong Kong–Delhi Air India flight experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) shortly after landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Flight AI 315, operated by an Airbus A321neo, had just arrived from Hong Kong and was on the taxiway when a fire broke out in the APU, located in the aircraft’s tail section. The APU provides electrical power to the aircraft while it is on the ground. Fire and smoke were detected during disembarkation, prompting immediate deployment of fire tenders. According to airport officials, the fire was quickly extinguished and the aircraft was evacuated without incident. Visuals from the scene showed flames and smoke near the rear fuselage before the emergency response teams brought the situation under control. In a statement, Air India confirmed that the fire occurred while the aircraft was on ground power. “The aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU) caught fire after landing. The fire was detected while passengers were disembarking, and the aircraft's built-in systems automatically shut down the APU. All passengers and crew are safe,” the airline said. The aircraft has been grounded for further inspection. The DGCA has launched a technical investigation into the incident. Initial assessments suggest a possible maintenance-related fault in the APU system, though a definitive cause will only be determined after a full inspection of the aircraft’s systems and maintenance records. This comes at a time when Air India is already under regulatory oversight following a fatal crash last month and a series of operational incidents. In response to the June 12 crash of Flight AI 171, the DGCA had recently directed a detailed inspection of locking mechanisms in the fuel control switches across Air India’s Boeing fleet. The airline completed the checks and reported no discrepancies. The incident marks the third technical issue involving an Air India aircraft in less than 48 hours. On Monday, another Airbus A320 operating a domestic route skidded off the runway at Mumbai airport during heavy rainfall. That aircraft, too, was grounded, though no injuries were reported. A senior DGCA official said that while the APU fire is a ground-level issue with no impact on in-flight operations, it is being treated seriously due to its potential safety implications. “We are reviewing the aircraft’s maintenance records, crew statements, and sensor logs. Based on the outcome, further directives may be issued to the airline,” the official added. The affected aircraft will remain grounded until the investigation is complete and any necessary corrective actions are taken.

Air India Plane Catches Fire After Landing in Delhi, Third Technical Glitch in 48 Hours

Aviation Today News Desk / July 23, 2025

New Delhi, India: A Hong Kong–Delhi Air India flight experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) shortly after […]

India

Global Airlines Drop Major Announcements as IATA AGM Returns to India After 40 Years

Aviation Today News Desk / June 4, 2025

Picture Credits: IATA New Delhi, India: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) concluded its 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) in

Flight operations across North India have been severely affected after the Indian government temporarily shut airspace over 10 airports as part of Operation Sindoor. Airports including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, and Amritsar are closed to civilian flights, prompting major airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet to cancel or reroute several services. The move is part of heightened military preparedness following recent cross-border tensions. Passengers are advised to check with airlines before heading to the airport, as further delays and changes are expected.

Airlines, Indian Airlines, IndiGo, SpiceJet

Flights Cancelled Across North India as Airports Shut Amid Operation Sindoor

Aviation Today News Desk / May 7, 2025

Picture Credits: Air India (FB) INDIA: Air travel across northern India is facing significant disruptions following the Indian Armed Forces’

An unidentified aircraft crashed early Wednesday morning in Aklian Kalan village of Bathinda district, Punjab, killing one farm labourer and injuring nine others. The aircraft was reportedly flying at a low altitude before it went down in an open field around 2 a.m., followed by a secondary blast as villagers rushed to the site. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the aircraft was civilian, military, or unmanned. The crash has prompted a full investigation, with officials securing the area and working to identify the origin and purpose of the aircraft.

Aircraft Crashes, India, Investigation

Unidentified Aircraft Crashes in Punjab’s Bathinda, Leaving 1 Dead and 9 Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / May 7, 2025

Picture Credits: Hindustan Times Punjab, INDIA: In a disturbing incident early Wednesday morning, an unidentified aircraft crashed in Aklian Kalan

Indian airlines are facing disruptions due to recent regional airspace closures caused by geopolitical tensions. The restrictions are leading to longer flight times, increased fuel costs, and scheduling challenges. Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have submitted detailed inputs to the DGCA, highlighting the operational impact. They’re seeking urgent regulatory relief to manage the additional costs and ensure safe, efficient operations. The DGCA is reviewing the feedback and coordinating with regional authorities to address these challenges.

Airlines, DGCA, Indian Airlines, Indian Aviation, IndiGo, MoCA, SpiceJet

Indian Airlines Raise Concerns as Airspace Closures Disrupt International Flights

Aviation Today News Desk / May 6, 2025

Picture Credits: SpiceJet New Delhi, INDIA: Amid recent airspace closures impacting international routes across South Asia, Indian airlines have submitted

Airlines, Airports

Aviation Sector Grapples with Escalating Cybersecurity Threats Amid Global Alarm

Aviation Today News Desk / April 29, 2025

Picture Credits: briYYZ, Flickr The aviation industry is facing mounting cybersecurity threats, exposing critical vulnerabilities in both legacy infrastructure and

Akasa Air, India, Indian Airlines, Indian Aviation

Akasa Air Crosses 17M Passengers and 100K Flights in 3 Years, Expands Global Reach

Aviation Today News Desk / April 23, 2025

Picture Credits: Akasa Air Mumbai, INDIA: Since commencing operations in August 2022, Akasa Air has marked several significant milestones, demonstrating

Accidents, Aircraft Crashes, India

Trainee Pilot Dies in Solo Flight Crash After Trainer Aircraft Hits Tree in Gujarat’s Amreli

Aviation Today News Desk / April 22, 2025

Picture Credits: News Drum Gujarat, INDIA: Around 12:30 PM, a trainee pilot was killed when a trainer aircraft belonging to

DGCA, Pilot Training, Pilots

Pilot Training in India May Soon Be Open to Arts and Commerce Class 12 Students Too

Aviation Today News Desk / April 18, 2025

New Delhi, INDIA: In a significant policy shift, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is considering allowing Class 12

DGCA, Indian Airlines, Pilots

DGCA to Review Pilot Fitness Norms After Air India Express Captain’s Sudden Death

Aviation Today News Desk / April 17, 2025

New Delhi, INDIA: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to reassess its existing framework concerning pilot fitness

Indian Aviation

Air India Plane Catches Fire After Landing in Delhi, Third Technical Glitch in 48 Hours

Global Airlines Drop Major Announcements as IATA AGM Returns to India After 40 Years

Flights Cancelled Across North India as Airports Shut Amid Operation Sindoor

Unidentified Aircraft Crashes in Punjab’s Bathinda, Leaving 1 Dead and 9 Injured

Indian Airlines Raise Concerns as Airspace Closures Disrupt International Flights

Aviation Sector Grapples with Escalating Cybersecurity Threats Amid Global Alarm

Akasa Air Crosses 17M Passengers and 100K Flights in 3 Years, Expands Global Reach

Trainee Pilot Dies in Solo Flight Crash After Trainer Aircraft Hits Tree in Gujarat’s Amreli

Pilot Training in India May Soon Be Open to Arts and Commerce Class 12 Students Too

DGCA to Review Pilot Fitness Norms After Air India Express Captain’s Sudden Death

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