latest aviation news Archives

San Francisco, California: A Delta Air Lines co-pilot was arrested on Saturday night at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) moments after his aircraft landed, following a months-long investigation into serious allegations of child sexual abuse. According to official statements, federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and officers from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office boarded Delta Flight 2809, arriving from Minneapolis, shortly after its arrival at SFO at approximately 9:35 p.m. on July 26. The co-pilot was taken into custody directly from the cockpit in the presence of passengers and crew members. The suspect has been identified as Rustom Bhagwagar, a 34-year-old Florida resident. Authorities confirmed that Bhagwagar faces five felony counts of oral copulation with a child under the age of 10. The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office stated that the arrest followed an investigation that began in April 2025, when reports of alleged child sexual abuse involving the suspect were first received. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office, working in coordination with federal law enforcement, determined Bhagwagar’s work and travel schedule in order to facilitate the arrest without incident. The operation was executed as the aircraft reached the gate at SFO, ensuring that the suspect was apprehended immediately upon arrival. Passengers onboard reported that a team of approximately ten officers entered the aircraft in tactical gear and removed the pilot from the cockpit. No disruption to airport operations or other flights was reported during the incident. In an official statement, Delta Air Lines confirmed the pilot’s immediate suspension, stating: “Delta has zero tolerance for unlawful conduct and is cooperating fully with law enforcement in their investigation.” Bhagwagar is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility in Contra Costa County. His bail has been set at $5 million, according to county officials. No information has been released regarding court proceedings or legal representation at this time. While Homeland Security Investigations assisted with the arrest due to its location at an international airport, officials confirmed that the criminal case remains under the jurisdiction of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the ongoing investigation, and no additional charges have been announced. As of now, there is no indication that any other Delta personnel were involved or aware of the allegations. The airline has not issued further comment beyond its initial statement.

Delta Co‑Pilot Arrested After Flight Lands at San Francisco in Child Sex Abuse Case

Aviation Today News Desk / July 29, 2025

San Francisco, United States: A Delta Air Lines co-pilot was arrested on Saturday night at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) […]

Denver,United States: An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 bound for Miami was evacuated on the runway at Denver International Airport on Saturday after a main landing gear component overheated and caught fire moments before takeoff. Flight 3023, carrying 173 passengers and six crew members, had begun its takeoff roll at around 2:45 p.m. MDT when pilots detected an abnormal vibration and immediately initiated an emergency stop. Witnesses onboard reported hearing a loud bang as the aircraft decelerated sharply, veering slightly to the left before smoke and flames appeared from the main gear area. Emergency slides were deployed as firefighters rushed to the aircraft and extinguished what officials later described as a brake fire caused by a blown tire during heavy braking. American Airlines said the evacuation was conducted out of “an abundance of caution” and confirmed that one passenger sustained a minor injury during the slide evacuation and was transported to a hospital. Five others were evaluated on the scene and released. Passenger video and social media posts show travelers sliding to safety, with some carrying hand luggage and even children during the evacuation a move criticized by aviation safety experts who warned that removing baggage in such situations can slow evacuations and pose injury risks. “I felt the plane shaking violently, and then I saw smoke outside my window,” said Shay Armistead, 17, a passenger seated near the wing. “When people started screaming, I grabbed my bag without even thinking looking back, it was chaos.” The Denver Fire Department confirmed the fire was quickly extinguished and posed no further threat. The airport temporarily issued a ground stop between 2 p.m. and just after 3 p.m., leading to more than 240 delayed flights before normal operations resumed later in the evening. American Airlines deployed a replacement aircraft, and affected passengers reached Miami later that night. The aircraft involved in the incident has been grounded pending inspection and maintenance checks. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure and review the emergency response. This incident has reignited discussion around passenger behavior during emergencies, particularly concerning attempts to retrieve carry-on bags during evacuations. Safety advocates have urged airlines and regulators to improve public awareness of evacuation protocols, emphasizing that seconds can determine survival in runway fire scenarios. The aircraft, delivered to American Airlines in 2022, is part of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet, which has undergone intense scrutiny in recent years following separate safety controversies. There is no indication, however, that Saturday’s incident is related to broader fleet issues. No significant damage to airport infrastructure was reported, and Denver International Airport resumed normal operations by late afternoon. The FAA investigation is ongoing, and American Airlines has pledged full cooperation.

Incidents

American Airlines Evacuated on Runway After Landing Gear Fire During Takeoff in Denver

Aviation Today News Desk / July 28, 2025

Denver, United States: An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 bound for Miami was evacuated on the runway at Denver

Germany: Germany is moving to reverse last year’s aviation tax increase, a step that could make flying from the country more affordable and strengthen its position as a leading European air travel hub. The federal government is considering undoing the levy imposed in May 2024, which raised departure charges on short-haul flights from €12.48 to €15.53, alongside similar increases for medium- and long-haul flights. If approved as part of the 2026 federal budget, the reversal is expected to come into effect ahead of the peak summer travel season, potentially lowering ticket prices for millions of passengers. The 2024 hike was introduced as a fiscal measure to boost government revenue and encourage climate-friendly travel. However, it immediately drew criticism from airlines and tourism advocates who warned it undermined Germany’s competitiveness and pushed airlines to cut capacity or withdraw routes altogether. Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair reduced services at several German airports, while tourism officials, including federal tourism coordinator Christoph Ploss, urged the government to reduce both aviation taxes and airport charges to restore confidence in the market. Rolling back the increase faces significant fiscal and political challenges. The levy contributes approximately €500 million in additional annual revenue, and officials have yet to identify alternative sources to offset the shortfall. As per Reuters a senior government source recently noted that while the aviation sector requires relief, the reversal is “not currently a priority” amid tight public finances and rising defense spending commitments. The debate is also complicated by environmental concerns, with critics warning that cheaper airfares could stimulate higher passenger volumes and increase emissions. In response, government sources have indicated that any tax reform may be paired with sustainability initiatives, including incentives for airlines to use sustainable aviation fuels and invest in cleaner fleets. Despite these challenges, industry groups believe a tax rollback would provide immediate benefits, restoring passenger growth and route development that were disrupted by the 2024 hike. It could also help German airports compete more effectively with hubs in neighboring countries that have maintained or lowered their aviation levies. Major carriers such as Lufthansa and Eurowings, as well as low-cost operators, are closely watching the budget process, which will determine whether the rollback is implemented in full or in phases. The Bundestag is expected to debate the proposal later this year as part of the 2026 budget negotiations. If passed, passengers could see cheaper tickets as early as 2026, a change likely to influence booking patterns and airline strategies for the coming years. The government faces the difficult task of balancing consumer benefits and industry competitiveness with environmental targets and fiscal stability, but the outcome of this reform could mark a significant shift in Germany’s aviation policy.

Airlines

Germany May Reverse Aviation Tax Hike in 2026 Promising Cheaper Flights for Passengers

Aviation Today News Desk / July 26, 2025

Berlin, Germany: Germany is moving to reverse last year’s aviation tax increase, a step that could make flying from the

Tynda, Russia: A passenger aircraft operated by Angara Airlines crashed during its final approach to Tynda Airport in Russia’s Amur region on Wednesday, killing all 48 people on board. The crash occurred amid poor weather conditions and has prompted an official investigation by multiple federal and regional agencies. Aircraft Disappeared from Radar During Second Approach According to a statement from Rosaviatsiya, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, the Antonov An‑24 aircraft was conducting a scheduled domestic flight from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda when it vanished from radar during a second landing attempt at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time. No distress call was issued by the flight crew prior to disappearance. The aircraft was located approximately 15 kilometers south of Tynda Airport, in heavily wooded terrain. Aerial reconnaissance by a Mi-8 helicopter from the Russian Emergencies Ministry visually confirmed the wreckage and noted that the fuselage was engulfed in flames at the time of discovery. Rescue teams were dispatched to the crash site by ground due to smoke and poor visibility preventing helicopter landings. No Survivors; Emergency Response Mobilized The Amur Regional Governor, Vasily Orlov, confirmed through an official statement that all 48 occupants (42 passengers and 6 crew members) perished in the accident. Among the deceased were five children. The Russian Emergencies Ministry deployed over 149 personnel and 21 units of equipment to the scene. The search and recovery operations have been hampered by steep terrain, dense forest cover, and lack of direct road access to the crash site. Authorities reported the fire had been extinguished by the time rescue teams reached the fuselage. Governor Orlov announced three days of official mourning in the Amur region beginning July 25. He also stated that psychological support services and family coordination centers have been established for the victims’ relatives. Criminal Investigation Launched The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has opened a criminal case under Article 263 of the Criminal Code, which addresses violations of transportation safety rules that result in fatalities. In a statement, Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko confirmed that forensic experts, flight safety inspectors, and federal investigators have been dispatched to collect evidence from the site. The Far Eastern Transport Prosecutor’s Office is overseeing compliance with aviation safety protocols and maintenance documentation related to the flight and the airline. A joint technical commission has been formed to inspect aircraft logs, air traffic communication records, and crew qualifications. Aircraft Details and Maintenance Records The aircraft involved in the crash was a twin-engine Antonov An‑24, manufactured in 1976. Though several decades old, it was confirmed by Rosaviatsiya and Angara Airlines that the aircraft had passed its most recent technical inspection and was deemed airworthy. However, public records indicate that the aircraft had been involved in at least four minor incidents since 2018, including engine-related technical alerts. Investigators have not yet commented on whether previous mechanical issues may be linked to the crash. Russian President Vladimir Putin was briefed immediately following the incident. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that President Putin expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called for a comprehensive federal-level investigation. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered the formation of a high-level commission to oversee the investigation and response. The commission will coordinate between federal aviation bodies, law enforcement, and the airline. The Prime Minister also instructed regional administrators to facilitate financial compensation and logistical support for next of kin. Preliminary Findings and Weather Conditions Although the final cause remains under investigation, initial assessments by emergency services and reported by TASS, Russia’s state news agency, suggest that crew error during landing in low-visibility conditions may have contributed to the crash. Visibility in the Tynda area was reported to be severely reduced due to fog and overcast conditions at the time of the attempted landing. Flight data recorders (black boxes) are being retrieved and will be analyzed by the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC). No timeline has been issued for the preliminary report.

Airplane Crashes

48 Killed as Plane Crashes in Remote Russian Forest, Putin Orders Federal Investigation

Aviation Today News Desk / July 25, 2025

Tynda, Russia: A passenger aircraft operated by Angara Airlines crashed during its final approach to Tynda Airport in Russia’s Amur

Aircraft Crashes

Couple Killed as Plane Crashes onto a busy Italian highway, 2 Car Drivers Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / July 24, 2025

Brescia, Italy: A private ultralight aircraft nosedived onto the A21 motorway near Azzano Mella in northern Italy on Tuesday, killing

Ryanair flags possible fleet shake-ups as Boeing delays & tariff threats push the airline to cut growth forecasts & explore new aircraft suppliers, including COMAC.

Aircraft, Boeing, Europe, Ryanair

Ryanair Threatens to Scrap $30B Boeing Deal Amid Tariff Fears and Eyes China’s COMAC

Aviation Today News Desk / May 3, 2025

Dublin, IRELAND: In a development first reported by Reuters, Ryanair has signaled it may reconsider its multi-billion-dollar aircraft deal with

A helicopter carrying three people crashed into shallow waters off Point Lonsdale, Victoria, on May 1st, leaving all passengers with serious injuries. The crash, which occurred around 10:00 AM, saw quick action from a local jogger who helped rescue one of the passengers before emergency teams arrived. Victoria Police, paramedics, and surf life-saving teams worked to reach the crash site and airlift the injured to nearby hospitals. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Authorities are piecing together flight data and eyewitness accounts as they work to determine what led to the incident. Aviation Today - Latest Aviation News

Australia, Helicopter Crash, Incidents, Investigation, Uncategorized

Australia Helicopter Crash Leaves Three Seriously Injured, Investigation Underway

Aviation Today News Desk / May 2, 2025

Picture Credits: ABC News Victoria, AUSTRALIA: A morning flight turned into a rescue operation off Victoria’s southern coast on Thursday,

A light aircraft went down near Cottonwood, California, killing one and seriously injuring another. FAA and NTSB have launched a full investigation.

Aircraft Crashes, Investigation, United States

Fatal California Plane Crash Leaves One dead, One Hospitalized in Serious Condition

Aviation Today News Desk / April 30, 2025

Picture Credits: krcrtv.com California, UNITED STATES: A small aircraft crashed in a rural area of Cottonwood, California, on Tuesday afternoon,

On April 28, 2025, an F/A-18E Super Hornet was lost overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman while operating in the Red Sea. The incident occurred during an evasive maneuver to avoid an incoming threat from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Although the fighter jet, valued at $60 million, was not airborne at the time and was under tow in the carrier’s hangar bay, it slipped off the deck during the sharp turn. One sailor sustained minor injuries, but the carrier and its strike group remain operational. The Navy is investigating the loss, and recovery efforts have not yet been initiated due to operational priorities and the depth of the waters. This incident highlights the risks associated with operating in the high-threat environment of the Red Sea, where tensions with the Houthi rebels have been rising due to frequent missile and drone attacks.

Boeing, Fighter Jet, Incidents, United States, US Navy

U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet Worth $60 Million Plunges Into Red Sea Amid Deadly Evasive Maneuver

Aviation Today News Desk / April 29, 2025

Picture Credits: Mate Airman Phillip A. McDaniel, US Navy (Wikipedia) Washington, UNITED STATES: On April 28, 2025, an F/A-18E Super

Air India, Incidents, Pilots

Air India Express Pilot Dies Shortly After Landing, Sparking Health Concerns

Aviation Today News Desk / April 10, 2025

Picture Credits: Air India Express Delhi, INDIA: An Air India Express pilot, Captain Armaan, tragically died of a cardiac arrest

latest aviation news

Delta Co‑Pilot Arrested After Flight Lands at San Francisco in Child Sex Abuse Case

American Airlines Evacuated on Runway After Landing Gear Fire During Takeoff in Denver

Germany May Reverse Aviation Tax Hike in 2026 Promising Cheaper Flights for Passengers

48 Killed as Plane Crashes in Remote Russian Forest, Putin Orders Federal Investigation

Couple Killed as Plane Crashes onto a busy Italian highway, 2 Car Drivers Injured

Ryanair Threatens to Scrap $30B Boeing Deal Amid Tariff Fears and Eyes China’s COMAC

Australia Helicopter Crash Leaves Three Seriously Injured, Investigation Underway

Fatal California Plane Crash Leaves One dead, One Hospitalized in Serious Condition

U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet Worth $60 Million Plunges Into Red Sea Amid Deadly Evasive Maneuver

Air India Express Pilot Dies Shortly After Landing, Sparking Health Concerns

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