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Dense Fog Blankets Delhi-NCR: 75+ Flights Disrupted, 40 Flights Cancelled; Read Full Airports Authority of India Advisory​



The Airport Authority has advised passengers to check with the respective airlines for the latest flight status before leaving for the airport.

Due to low visibility, 40 flights have been cancelled and 4 have been diverted so far: Delhi Airport | Image: Republic
New Delhi: As dense fog blankets the National Capital and the surrounding area, 40 flights have been cancelled, and four have been diverted so far due to low visibility.


The Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Monday issued a travel advisory as dense fog gripped Northern India, urging passengers to check their flight status before leaving for the airport to avoid prolonged waiting periods at the airport in case of flight cancellations or delays.

Speaking on the safety arrangements, AAI assured full coordination with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) and all stakeholders to minimise passenger inconvenience.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, also encouraged the passengers to stay updated on their flight's operational status.

"Delhi (DEL) & other airports in Northern India are experiencing dense fog, severely affecting visibility... Before heading to the airport, please check the latest flight status with your airline. Check flight information on the airport website/app.
Please allow extra travel time... Safety is our top priority. Our teams & ATC are working tirelessly to minimise disruptions. Thank you for your patience and cooperation," the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in an X post.

Earlier today, IndiGo informed passengers about the prevailing weather conditions and their potential impact on operations.
"Travel Advisory...Low visibility and fog over #Delhi will impact flight schedules. We're keeping a close watch on the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly," IndiGo stated in a post on X.
The airline also cautioned the passengers that some flights might be cancelled amid the heavy fog surrounding the capital city, causing minimal visibility to ensure safety and minimise long hours of waiting at the airport. It advised the travellers to check the flight status before leaving the house.
Air India Airlines also issued an advisory as dense fog blanketed the capital city, urging travellers and passengers to stay updated on their flight status through the official website.
Through a post on X, Air India advised, "#TravelAdvisory...Poor visibility due to dense fog is impacting flight operations in Delhi and parts of Northern India. Please check your flight status at: https://www.airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before heading to the airport."
 

Delhi: Over 100 flights cancelled as smog continues to impact ops for 2nd day​


Delhi-NCR experienced a slight improvement in air quality and visibility on Tuesday, a day after the city reeled under heavy smog, with the AQI reaching hazardous levels.


Over 100 flights were cancelled in Delhi as smoggy conditions continued to play spoilsport for the second consecutive day on Tuesday. However, the Delhi-NCR region witnessed a marginal improvement in air quality and visibility on Tuesday as north-westerly surface winds scattered the dense blanket of fog that had prevailed a day earlier.

The AQI on Tuesday improved to 'very poor' at 381, a day after touching 'severe', as improved wind flow reduced fog intensity during morning hours, leading to clearer conditions across parts of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram. Around eight monitoring stations across the city recorded "severe" air quality on Tuesday.

Delhi's air quality touched 461 on Sunday, marking the city's most polluted day this winter. On Monday, the AQI touched 427.

FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS​

The Delhi airport warned that flight disruptions were likely to persist even though operations were "steadily recovering". Due to low visibility, 49 departures and 77 arrivals have been cancelled so far.

"Flight disruptions are steadily recovering, but disruptions may persist for certain departures and arrivals. For accurate and timely updates, please contact your airline directly," the airport stated.

Air India said it has "proactively cancelled select flights" scheduled for today.

"To minimise inconvenience, we have activated our Fog Care programme, whereby passengers booked on affected or likely-to-be-affected flights are being notified in advance and automatically offered complimentary rescheduling or a full refund without penalty," Air India said.

On Monday, due to low visibility amid a thick layer of toxic haze, at least 228 flights - including 131 departures and 97 arrivals - were cancelled in Delhi, while five others were diverted. The Delhi airport witnessed chaotic scenes as many flyers were stranded and waited for hours for their luggage, reminiscent of the IndiGo crisis two weeks back.

FOG LEADS TO COLLISION IN UP​

The dense fog and poor visibility led to a multi-vehicle pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura on Monday night, causing a massive fire that left four dead and over 25 injured. The collision involved seven buses and three cars.

"There was a collision of three cars, after which seven buses collided with them, of which one is a roadway bus, and the other six are sleeper buses. All the buses had caught fire. The fire has now been brought under control," police said.
 

129 Delhi Airport Flights Cancelled Due To Dense Fog​



The sun remained largely obscured by thick clouds and a persistent grey haze throughout the day.


New Delhi:
At least 129 flights were cancelled at the Delhi airport on Saturday due to dense fog, according to an official. Flight operations have been disrupted for the past several days at Delhi and other airports due to dense fog, resulting in low visibility conditions.

The official said at least 66 arrivals and 63 departures have been cancelled.

"Low Visibility Procedures are currently in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are functioning normally," Delhi airport operator DIAL said in a post on X in the afternoon.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), the country's largest airport, which generally handles around 1,300 flights daily.
 
Indigo Cancels 50 Flights at Various Airports on Tuesday Current Affairs




The airline, however, did not provide any reason for these cancellations

Mumbai: Domestic carrier IndiGo, which is being probed for massive operational disruption earlier this month, cancelled around 50 flights on Tuesday, according to the airline's website. The flights have been cancelled from across airports, including Mumbai, Delhi, Varanasi, Pune, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Indore, and Patna, among others. The airline, however, did not provide any reason for these cancellations.


As part of its winter schedule, IndiGo was initially allowed to operate 15,014 flights per week or 2,144 per day on domestic routes, which was 6 per cent more compared to 14,158 flights per week it operated in the summer schedule of 2025. However, following massive disruptions in operations that led to the cancellation of thousands of flights and caused severe hardships to lakhs of air passengers in the country, the government slashed its winter schedule by 10 per cent, or 214 flights per day.

Consequently, the airline cannot operate more than 1,930 flights per day, excluding international and cargo services. Following the large-scale flight cancellations, which at one point reached 1,600 in a single day, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) set up a 4-member probe panel to assess manpower planning, fluctuating rostering systems, and the airline's preparedness to implement the latest duty period and rest norms for pilots. The panel has already summoned and grilled IndiGo's two top officials, Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers and Chief Operating Officer Isidre Porqueras, and its report is expected by this week.
 
Passenger Beaten by Off-Duty Air India Express Pilot Suffers Nasal Fracture Crime




Dewan said he has submitted a written complaint to the Delhi Police and learned through media reports that an FIR has been filed


New Delhi: A passenger allegedly assaulted by an off-duty Air India Express pilot at the Delhi airport has said a CT scan confirmed a displacement of his left nasal bone. The complainant, Ankit Dewan, said he is now seeking justice in the matter. Dewan said he has submitted a written complaint to the Delhi Police and learned through media reports that an FIR has been filed. "I am right now focusing on my health, and a CT scan today showed a displaced fracture of left nasal bone. I hope I get justice in the matter," Dewan told PTI.


The Delhi Police on Monday said based on Dewan's complaint received via email, a case has been registered under sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint) and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. An investigation is underway, they said. Earlier, the police had said they had not received a formal complaint and only became aware of the incident after Dewan's post surfaced on social media platform X.


Dewan alleged that he was physically assaulted by Air India Express captain Virender Sejwal near the security area of Terminal 1 of the airport on December 19. He claimed the assault caused him to bleed and traumatised his seven-year-old daughter, who witnessed the encounter. According to Dewan, the altercation began when he objected to certain staff members allegedly cutting the queue at the security checkpoint. He alleged that the pilot verbally abused him before the physical attack.


Air India Express issued a statement, saying it is aware of the incident involving an employee who was travelling as a passenger on another airline at the time. The airline has removed the pilot from official duties with immediate effect, pending an internal investigation. Police officials said they will examine the matter based on the complaint and available evidence, including CCTV footage from the terminal.



@Rajdeep @cricketjoshila @Champ_Pal @JaDed @Devadwal @uppercut @Theanonymousone @straighttalk @Vikram1989 @RexRex @Varun @Romali_rotti @Bhaijaan @Cover Drive Six @rickroll @rpant_gabba, @Romali_rotti
 

IndiGo Crisis Probe: DGCA’s 4-Member Committee Seeks More Time, Deadline Extended​



The committee set up by India’s civil aviation safety regulator to investigate the recent disruption at IndiGo has been granted extension till Friday (December 26, 2025), sources told Times Now.


The committee set up by India’s civil aviation safety regulator to investigate the recent disruption at IndiGo has been given an extension until Friday, December 26, 2025, sources told Times Now. The four-member panel sought additional time to complete its investigation after receiving a large volume of data from the airline.

“The airline has submitted massive data points which need to be analysed,” a source said, adding that the committee required more time to finalise its report.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved the request and extended the deadline for submission of the findings until Friday, the sources said. The panel had earlier been directed to submit a comprehensive report on the IndiGo crisis within 15 days.

The committee is examining the airline’s flight cancellations, with a focus on planning, crew management and regulatory oversight. It is being led by Joint Director General Sanjay K Bramhane.

IndiGo cancelled hundreds of flights for days beginning December 2 across the country. Aviation regulator DGCA has served notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO Porqueras, seeking their explanation. In a statement, IndiGo had said the Board of Interglobe Aviation, its parent company, has set up a Crisis Management Group, "which is meeting regularly to monitor the situation".

Meanwhile, IndiGo cancelled about 50 flights on Tuesday, according to information available on the airline’s website, even as it remains under investigation for large-scale operational disruptions earlier this month. The cancellations were spread across multiple airports, including Mumbai, Delhi, Varanasi, Pune, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Indore and Patna. The airline did not give any reason for the cancellations.
Under its winter schedule, IndiGo had initially been permitted to operate 15,014 domestic flights per week, or about 2,144 flights a day, roughly 6% more than the 14,158 weekly flights it operated during the summer 2025 schedule.
After widespread disruptions that led to thousands of flight cancellations and caused hardship to large numbers of passengers, the government cut the airline’s winter schedule by 10%, or 214 flights a day.

As a result, IndiGo is now allowed to operate a maximum of about 1,930 domestic flights daily, excluding international and cargo services.
Following the disruptions, which at one point saw as many as 1,600 flights cancelled in a single day, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation set up a four-member panel to examine the airline’s manpower planning, rostering practices and readiness to implement revised duty and rest norms for pilots.
The panel has questioned IndiGo’s top executives, Chief Executive Officer Pieter Elbers and Chief Operating Officer Isidre Porqueras, and is expected to submit its report later this week.


This is getting crazy, indian airlines are a joke
 

IndiGo Finds Its Wings Again: CEO Says ‘The Worst Is Behind Us,’ Lays Out 3 Key Tasks Ahead​




IndiGo has announced that its operations have stabilised following recent disruptions that led to significant flight cancellations. CEO Pieter Elbers emphasised the importance of resilience and rebuilding as the airline focuses on restoring a network of 2,200 flights.

New Delhi: India's largest airline IndiGo seems to be back on track as CEO Pieter Elbers on Thursday, in a video message, said that the operation has stabilised, urging staff to focus on their professional responsibilities.
“Through the storm, we found our wings again. IndiGo has restored a network of 2,200 flights. The airline's focus now is on three things: resilience, root cause analysis, and rebuilding,” he said.
The CEO admitted that the past few days have been tough for IndiGo and also thanked pilots, cabin crew, airport staff, operations, control and customer service teams, for their services in these troubled times

“Dear Indigo colleagues, through the storm we are finding our wings again. The worst is behind us. These last two weeks have been very challenging for all of us,” he added.


VIDEO | In a video message to employees, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said, "Through the storm, we found our wings again. IndiGo has restored a network of 2,200 flights. The airline's focus now is on three things: resilience, root cause analysis, and rebuilding."


“On December 9, I shared stabilization of Indigo's operation. After that, we restored our network to 2200 flights. Today, given our scale and complexity, recovering such situation in short time is a testament to our teamwork and the strength of our operating principles.”

What's Next For IndiGo From Here?​


The CEO also laid out three key steps that needs to be taken next. Outlining the airline’s immediate priorities, he said, “Now we focus on three things. Resilience, root cause analysis and rebuilding,” while noting that the winter season typically brings heightened operational challenges. Referring to weather-related disruptions, he added, “Bad weather IROP season started this week and all the focus is to solidify operations and doing our level best to keep the operations stable and minimize impact of those external factors on operations and customers.”
On the causes of the disruption, Elbers cautioned against speculation, saying multiple factors appeared to be at play. “What we witnessed seems a compounding effect of several factors. Everyone wants answers. Speculations are circulating. But I encourage everyone please stay calm, focus on your professional responsibilities and avoid engaging in such speculations. We need a full scale analysis,” he said.
He added that the board has appointed an external aviation expert to conduct a comprehensive root cause analysis, and that lessons from disruptions faced by other large airlines globally would also be examined. Elbers said the leadership team, including himself, would travel across the network to engage with employees and better understand the challenges they faced during the disruption.
IndiGo had faced widespread flight cancellations and delays between December 3 and 5 due to operational and system-related issues, affecting passengers across multiple airports. During the period, the airline issued public advisories and apologies as it worked to stabilise schedules and clear backlogs. Elbers said the disruptions should not define IndiGo’s 19-year journey.



That good to hear, situation is improving, however all those passengers who wont get refunded, all those lost luggages and even businesses meeting cancellations.
 

'Indi-Stop'? Inside The Crisis That Left Indigo Staff And Passengers Stranded In Silence​



IndiGo's recent operational breakdown left not just passengers stranded but also airline staff grappling with confusion, anger and a complete lack of communication. Employees recall hours of silence, aircraft ready to depart but no instructions from operations, and frontline staff left to absorb passenger rage.


In those bitter hours when Indigo, the country's premier airline became "Indi-stop," passengers were unimaginably inconvenienced, but the organisation's staff, particularly the ground staff and cabin crew and also, pilots, were severely troubled.
Not only did they bear the brunt of the passengers' anger - genuine rage, actually - but many employees didn't seem to know "what was going on." They say they were left on a limb. "There were times when the pilots were ready, the cabin crew was ready, the passengers were waiting, but there were no calls... We were not told to do anything. We waited in the plane for three hours and then, eight hours later, we took off," said an Indigo employee.
The lines I most heard was, "For six to eight hours, there was no information," or "No one was taking calls. How come the stoppage happened?" Sometimes, "the captain is there, the cabin crew is not there... maybe they haven't been informed."

How pilots and cabin crew are in the aircraft, sitting there for hours with passengers there as well, is hard to explain, but employees said this continued to happen, virtually all the time, during the crisis. "And here we are...we have no authority. And no orders are coming. There was this vacuum," one employee said.

What is worrying is how the employees see it.
In 2024, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) came up with new guidelines, it spoke of more rest for pilots - a period of minimum rest - and this was to be implemented from November.
But "we did not prepare for it," is the refrain. What would be needed? More pilots, more planning was necessary. "We did not prepare for it. A lot could have been done using AI."
The DGCA guidelines apart, there have been internal problems with the employees unhappy about cost-cutting. The cutting of allowances has been a problem, employees said.
And the amount is different for different people.
"The organisation failed to accept that changes were necessary. Then, all these things added up. And the bubble burst," one said.
Things have returned to normal, there are bitter memories of the loss of goodwill and the inconveniences the employees themselves faced. "During those three-four days, we were the ones left to face the music."
 

Delhi Airport Sees 16 Flight Cancellations Due To Fog, Low Visibility​




An official said 11 arrivals and 5 departures were cancelled, and added that operations are running smoothly at the airport.


New Delhi:
At least 16 flights were cancelled and scores of flights were delayed at the Delhi airport due to fog and low visibility conditions on Wednesday.

An official said 11 arrivals and 5 departures were cancelled, and added that operations are running smoothly at the airport.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) operates the national capital's Indira Gandhi International Airport that handles around 1,300 flight movements daily.
 

Air India Crash: 6 Months On, College Hostel Stands As A Haunting Reminder​




On June 12, Air India flight AI-171 bound for London, crashed moments after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 260 persons.


Six months after the AI-171 plane crash, the B J Medical College hostel complex in Ahmedabad stands as a haunting reminder, with its charred walls and burnt trees replacing the once lively chatter of students with an eerie stillness.

Scattered across the crash site are grim remnants of daily life - burnt cars and motorcycles, twisted beds and furniture, charred books, clothes and personal belongings.

The Atulyam-4 hostel building and the adjoining canteen complex stand abandoned, with entry strictly prohibited.

For residents near the site, memories of the incident still linger, casting a lasting shadow on their lives, with some of them saying they are still afraid to look up at the sky when an aircraft passes overhead.

On June 12, Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed moments after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 260 persons.

The aircraft slammed into the BJ Medical College hostel complex in Meghaninagar, turning a lively student neighbourhood into a landscape of ruin and grief.

"The area now lies very silent, only a few birds chirp here," Sanjaybhai, a security guard deployed at the premises by authorities to prevent trespassing, told PTI.

Mahendrasingh Jadeja, a general store owner whose shop is just 50 metres from the point where the aircraft struck, described it as an unimaginable calamity. "In all my years, I have never seen anything like this." Pointing to a tree behind his shop, the 60-year-old said the aircraft first struck there before crashing into the hostel building.

"It was a scorching summer afternoon. Not many people were outside. When I heard a loud crashing sound, I ran out of my shop. We were all terrified," he recalled.

"Even today, we instinctively look up whenever a plane passes overhead," he added.

Another local, Manubhai Rajput, who lives barely 200 metres from the site, said he witnessed the horror unfold on June 12.

"The plane was flying unusually low. Before I could understand what was happening, there was thick black smoke and a deafening crash," he said.

For over three decades, Rajput and his neighbours lived close to the airport without giving much thought to the aircraft overhead.

"We never looked up at the sky. But that day is etched in my mind. The plane hit a tree first, and then there was a loud sound," he said.

Rajput recalled how hundreds of locals rushed to the site even before police, fire services or the Army arrived.

Tinaben, another resident of Meghaninagar, said she never imagined something like this could happen in Ahmedabad.

"Despite being close to the airport, this area always felt safe," she said.

As an aircraft roared overhead during the conversation, Tinaben paused, looked up nervously and said, "It's still scary." A senior official of Civil Hospital Ahmedabad, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the state government has yet to decide what to do with the damaged site.



Indian aviation is bar far the worlds worst

@Rajdeep @cricketjoshila @Champ_Pal @JaDed @Devadwal @uppercut @Theanonymousone @straighttalk @Vikram1989 @RexRex @Varun @Romali_rotti @Bhaijaan @Cover Drive Six @rickroll @rpant_gabba, @Romali_rotti @kron @globetrotter

 

'My Mother Needs Medical Help': Chaos at Ahmedabad Airport After Fog-Driven Flight Delays — WATCH​





Ahmedabad airport experienced significant chaos due to dense fog affecting flight operations across North India late Sunday into Monday. Passengers faced diversions, delays, and cancellations, leading to frustration and confrontations with airline staff regarding accommodation and compensation policies.


Ahmedabad: Chaos unfolded at Ahmedabad airport late Sunday night and into the early hours of Monday as dense fog across north India triggered widespread flight diversions, delays and cancellations, leaving passengers stranded, frustrated and pleading for assistance. Tempers flared as disrupted flyers questioned airline staff over accommodation, compensation and lack of clarity, with emotional scenes captured on camera and widely shared on social media.

Goa–Delhi Flight Diverted, Jaipur Already Overcrowded​

The disruption snowballed after an Air India Express flight that took off from Goa’s Mopa Airport at 11:55 pm failed to land at Delhi’s IGI Airport as scheduled at 2:35 am. With severe fog crippling operations in the National Capital Region and Jaipur airport already congested due to multiple diversions, the aircraft was rerouted to Ahmedabad. Several other flights followed a similar path, overwhelming airport facilities and ground staff.

‘We Are Not Aware of the Policy’: Passengers Confront Airline Staff​

As delays stretched on, distressed passengers confronted airline representatives, demanding clarity on policies related to accommodation, compensation and self-arrangement. In a heated exchange caught on video, a passenger can be heard saying, “We are not aware of the policy… We have just come back from abroad… Why are you talking about self-arrangement when you are providing the compensation?”
Another emotional moment saw a flyer appeal for urgent help, saying, “My 62-year-old mother is sitting here. She needs medical help.” Airline staff repeatedly assured passengers, “We will take care of everyone,” even as confusion persisted on the ground.



(Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Visuals from the Ahmedabad Airport, where passengers are affected amid flight disruption due to persistent dense fog. An Air India Express flight took off from Goa’s Mopa Airport at 11:55 PM. The flight was scheduled to land at IGI Airport Terminal 1 at 2:35 AM. However, it was diverted to Ahmedabad as Jaipur Airport was already congested, as various flights were diverted here due to foggy)

Visuals from Ahmedabad airport showed weary passengers seated with luggage, some arguing at counters, while others waited helplessly for updates. The situation highlighted how cascading fog-related disruptions in north India can quickly paralyse airport operations far beyond the affected region.

Delhi Airport Issues Advisory as Fog Forces CAT III Operations​

Meanwhile, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport issued a passenger advisory, confirming that flight operations were being conducted under CAT III conditions due to dense fog.
“Flight operations are currently being conducted under CAT III conditions due to dense fog, which may result in delays and cancellations. Our ground teams are actively assisting passengers to ensure smooth travel. We sincerely regret for any inconvenience caused,” the advisory said.

Fog Likely to Continue, More Disruptions Feared​

Weather experts have warned that dense fog conditions are likely to persist, particularly during night and early morning hours, raising the possibility of further delays and diversions. Passengers have been advised to check flight status regularly and allow extra travel time, as airports across north and western India remain on high alert amid winter weather disruptions.


I keep telling you indians, even if you had fog, above cancellations wouldnt have happened, thats if you could clean up your air quality (pollution), look how much money you are wasting.


@Rajdeep @cricketjoshila @Champ_Pal @JaDed @Devadwal @uppercut @Theanonymousone @straighttalk @Vikram1989 @Varun @Romali_rotti @Bhaijaan @Cover Drive Six @rickroll @rpant_gabba, @Romali_rotti @kron @globetrotter @Hitman @jnaveen1980



#FreeMinoritiesOfIndiaFromHindus

#SaveAllIndianMinorities

#FreeIndiaFromHinduExtremism

#SanctionIndia
 

Air Hostess Dies During Weekend Party In Gurugram's DLF Phase-1, Autopsy Ordered​





Simran Dadwal, an air hostess working with an Indian airline, had come to visit her friends in Gurugram on Saturday.



A 25-year-old air hostess died after falling ill during a weekend party at a friend's rented apartment in Gurugram's DLF Phase-1, police said. The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday.
The deceased has been identified as Simran Dadwal, an air hostess working with an Indian airline. A resident of Mohali in Punjab, Simran had been living in Delhi for the past two years, while working for the airline.
The police said that she had come to Gurugram on Saturday to meet her friends. However, she reportedly developed breathing problems while partying and was rushed by her friends to a nearby private hospital, where she died during treatment.

"She was working with the airline for the past two years and was living in Delhi. She had come to Gurugram on Saturday to meet her friends. The deceased had troubled breathing at around 5am," a senior official at the DLF Phase-I police station said on condition of anonymity.

Police said they were informed by hospital authorities following her death. "A team was immediately dispatched to the spot to take the body to the local mortuary for an autopsy," said Inspector Rajesh Kumar, station house officer of DLF Phase-1.
Kumar added that the woman's parents arrived in Gurugram on Sunday and sought a post-mortem examination to rule out any foul play.



Sad news that she passed away, i initially thought it be drugs,, but as report stated post mortem hasn't been completed just yet.
 

Special Report: Indigo Operations Paralyzed As Open Letter Blames Top Management For Crisis​

https://www.indiatoday.in/author/india-today-video-desk




On this Special Report, the focus is on the severe operational crisis hitting Indigo airlines, with over 500 cancellations reported on a single day. The programme highlights an open letter allegedly from an employee, blaming the airline's top management for years of neglect and pilot fatigue. The transcript details the chaos at airports with baggage pile-ups and stranded passengers. It also mentions the government's deadline for the airline to explain the meltdown. The report questions whether the disruption was a deliberate move to pressure the government on pilot rest rules.


@Rajdeep @cricketjoshila @Champ_Pal @JaDed @Devadwal @uppercut @Theanonymousone @straighttalk @Vikram1989 @Varun @Romali_rotti @Bhaijaan @Cover Drive Six @rickroll @rpant_gabba, @Romali_rotti @kron @globetrotter @Hitman @jnaveen1980


#FreeMinoritiesOfIndiaFromHindus

#SaveAllIndianMinorities

#FreeIndiaFromHinduExtremism

#SanctionIndia
 

IndiGo cancels 67 flights today as New Year holiday rush begins: Here's why and how to check flight status​





The DGCA has marked 10 December to 10 February as the fog window. Under the current winter schedule, IndiGo is limited to operating no more than 1,930 domestic flights per day. Here's how you can check flight status ahead of the New Year amid delays and cancellations by airlines.


The domestic airline IndiGo cancelled 67 flights from several airports on Thursday, citing "forecasted" bad weather and operational reasons, according to the airline’s website. This comes amid the New Year rush that began across the country. Meanwhile, the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designated the period from 10 December to 10 February as the official fog window for this winter.
IndiGo, which is under DGCA monitoring following the cancellation of thousands of flights earlier this month, is operating a reduced schedule in line with government directives, according to PTI. Under its original winter schedule, the airline was allowed to operate 15,014 domestic flights per week, or about 2,144 flights per day, around 6% more than the 14,158 weekly flights it ran during the summer schedule of 2025.

However, after significant disruptions, including the cancellation of 1,600 flights in a single day due to new pilot rest norms that mandate additional rest, the government reduced IndiGo’s domestic flight schedule by 10%, or 214 flights per day. As a result, under the current winter schedule, IndiGo is limited to operating no more than 1,930 domestic flights per day.

 

Air India pilot detained in Vancouver over alcohol smell, Delhi-bound flight delayed​


An Air India pilot was detained at Vancouver airport in Canada last week after authorities flagged concerns over his fitness to operate a flight, reportedly after he smelled of alcohol shortly before departure.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the episode occurred on December 23, just days ahead of Christmas.

According to Indian media, a staff member at an airport duty-free store alerted Canadian authorities after seeing the pilot consume alcohol or noticing the smell while he was purchasing it. The pilot was later subjected to a breathalyser test, which he reportedly failed, following which he was detained.

In an official statement, Air India said the pilot was offloaded after Canadian authorities raised concerns about his fitness for duty.

 

129 Delhi Airport Flights Cancelled Due To Dense Fog​





The sun remained largely obscured by thick clouds and a persistent grey haze throughout the day.



New Delhi:
At least 129 flights were cancelled at the Delhi airport on Saturday due to dense fog, according to an official. Flight operations have been disrupted for the past several days at Delhi and other airports due to dense fog, resulting in low visibility conditions.

The official said at least 66 arrivals and 63 departures have been cancelled.

"Low Visibility Procedures are currently in progress at Delhi Airport. All flight operations are functioning normally," Delhi airport operator DIAL said in a post on X in the afternoon.

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) operates the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), the country's largest airport, which generally handles around 1,300 flights daily.




If india deals with its pollution - smog, i doubt that many of these flights would have been cancelled, smog with fog is deadly, but yet no one takes pollution seriously, just takes bribes and let people suffer.



@Rajdeep @cricketjoshila @Champ_Pal @JaDed @Devadwal @uppercut @Theanonymousone @straighttalk @Vikram1989 @Varun @Romali_rotti @Bhaijaan @Cover DriveSix @rickroll @RexRex @rpant_gabba, @Romali_rotti @kron @globetrotter @Hitman @jnaveen1980


#FreeMinoritiesOfIndiaFromHindus

#SaveAllIndianMinorities

#FreeIndiaFromHinduExtremism

#SanctionIndiaIndians
 

Air India pilot detained in Vancouver over alcohol smell, Delhi-bound flight delayed​


An Air India pilot was detained at Vancouver airport in Canada last week after authorities flagged concerns over his fitness to operate a flight, reportedly after he smelled of alcohol shortly before departure.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the episode occurred on December 23, just days ahead of Christmas.

According to Indian media, a staff member at an airport duty-free store alerted Canadian authorities after seeing the pilot consume alcohol or noticing the smell while he was purchasing it. The pilot was later subjected to a breathalyser test, which he reportedly failed, following which he was detained.

In an official statement, Air India said the pilot was offloaded after Canadian authorities raised concerns about his fitness for duty.

Air India pilot removed from plane under influence of alcohol; Canada seeks investigation

Canada's transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate an incident of a pilot who was removed from a plane before it was due to take off and found to be under the influence of alcohol, a person familiar with the matter said.
Two breathalyser tests conducted by Canadian police at Vancouver International Airport showed the pilot was unfit for duty, the person said on Friday. The incident was labelled as a "serious matter" by Transport Canada in a letter to Air India and authorities are likely to pursue enforcement action, the person added.

The letter from Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to provide its findings and details of steps taken to prevent future occurrences by January 26, the person familiar with the matter said.

Air India has been under intense scrutiny since the June 12 crash of a Boeing Dreamliner killed 260 people. India's aviation regulator has flagged multiple safety lapses at the airline, which was previously owned by the government until 2022.

"The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry. Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations," Air India said.

"Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy."
The aircraft was a Boeing 777, a model that can seat up to 344 passengers, according to the websites of Flightradar24 and Air India.

The person requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media. In a statement on Saturday, Transport Canada said it would engage with Air India and India's aviation regulator to ensure "appropriate follow-up actions" are taken.

In a statement, Air India said the flight from Vancouver to Delhi on December 23 experienced a last-minute delay due to the incident, adding that an alternate pilot was brought in to operate the flight. The airline said Canadian authorities raised concerns about the pilot's fitness for duty but did not provide details.

Reut
 

Exclusive: Thrashed By Pilot, Left Bloodied, Flier Recounts Airport Episode​





Speaking to NDTV, Ankit Dewan described it as "very disturbing" and underlined the trauma that his wife and children suffered.


Exclusive: Thrashed By Pilot, Left Bloodied, Flier Recounts Airport Episode​

Speaking to NDTV, Ankit Dewan described it as "very disturbing" and underlined the trauma that his wife and children suffered.​


New Delhi:
The SpiceJet passenger who was allegedly assaulted and left bloodied by an Air India Express pilot is struggling to come to terms with the assault that his family witnessed at the Delhi airport. Speaking to NDTV's Shiv Aroor, Ankit Dewan described it as "very disturbing" and underlined the trauma that his wife and children suffered.

Dewan had earlier alleged that Captain Virender Sejwal assaulted him when he objected to his cutting the boarding queue, in what turned out to be a nightmare for his family before a planned holiday.

"I think it is very appalling how things went down and how people are very quick to get physical and you assault somebody. I did not expect this at the airport. It happens on the streets all the time, but at the airport, it's very, very disturbing," he said

Air India Express has condemned the pilot's behaviour and removed him from official duties.

Recollecting the turn of events, Dewan said the incident occurred during the security check. He and his family were guided to use the security check-in line that the staff uses since they were travelling with a baby in a stroller.

"One staff suggested that I put my mobile in the front, but I objected. That is when Captain Virender Tejwal said something like 'where these guys come from' and called me (anpadh) illiterate. After the verbal spat, he interjected the line; I went through to the frisking area." During frisking, the pilot returned and hit him, he alleged.

"I don't know why he decided to address a passenger as uneducated. That ticked me off. Both of us exchanged expletives. This was just a verbal spat and I didn't expect he would come and hit me. That is how it escalated," he said, claiming that the pilot was a "strong guy", and that he couldn't have laid a hand on him.

Dewan further claimed that his wife overheard the pilot telling a security personnel that he would hit him (Dewan) right before the assault. "Then he came and assaulted me. The CISF should have stopped him. I'm quite surprised that they did nothing."

There were only two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officials at that spot, he further said, adding that one of them was manning the X-ray machine while the other was frisking passengers. Besides, a lady officer was also there.



Dewan suffered non-serious injuries in the assault, but the pain remains. "I didn't get any stitches, but I have a lot of pain in my body."

Even worse was the trauma that his children suffered.

"By the evening, I think, my daughter appeared to be a little okay. But during the flight, she was very disturbed. She has flown multiple times, but this is the first time she was afraid of flying. My wife was holding strong, but at night, once the children were asleep, she let out the stress and started crying," he said, adding, "It was traumatizing for everybody."

Dewan had earlier alleged he was forced to write a letter saying he wouldn't pursue the matter further, but he went ahead and shared the incident on social media, tagging Delhi Police. Police said that they were apprised of the matter through a social media post, and no formal intimation had come either from Dewan or the airline.

Air India Express has removed the pilot from official duties and ordered an inquiry before disciplinary action could be initiated. It added that the employee was travelling as a passenger on another airline and that he had an altercation with a passenger. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also directed the airline to ground the pilot and ordered a formal inquiry.
 

Visakhapatnam-Bound Air India Flight Cancelled Due To Technical Snag​





Former vice president M Venkaiah Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K Atchennaidu and senior YSRCP leader B Satyanarayana were among the passengers of the flight who had to cancel their journey.


Vijayawada:
A Visakhapatnam-bound Air India flight was cancelled at the Gannavaram Airport near Vijayawada on Thursday due to a technical snag, an official said.

Former vice president M Venkaiah Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister K Atchennaidu and senior YSRCP leader B Satyanarayana were among the passengers of the flight who had to cancel their journey.

"While taxiing, they found some engine problem, so they came back to the bay and cancelled the flight," Vijayawada airport director Lakshmikanth Reddy told PTI.

According to Reddy, the aircraft suffered the technical snag around 8:30 pm on Thursday.

Meanwhile, an Air India spokesperson said the technical issue was identified prior to departure.

"In the interest of safety, our Vijayawada–Visakhapatnam flight returned to the ramp after the pilot identified a technical issue prior to departure. The flight was subsequently cancelled," the spokesperson told PTI.

Further, passengers were offered hotel accommodation and options such as full refund or complimentary rescheduling of their flight.

"We regret the inconvenience caused and reiterate that safety remains paramount on all aspects of our operations," the spokesperson added.



@Rajdeep @cricketjoshila @Champ_Pal @JaDed @Devadwal @uppercut @Theanonymousone @straighttalk @Vikram1989 @Varun @Romali_rotti @Bhaijaan @CoverDriveSix @rickroll @RexRex @rpant_gabba, @Romali_rotti @kron @globetrotter @Hitman @jnaveen1980 @Local.Dada


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#SaveAllIndianMinorities

#FreeIndiaFromHinduExtremism

#SanctionIndiaIndians
 

Cost fixation, leadership style: Why IndiGo chaos is not just about pilot hiring​




This was in late October. India’s two top airline CEOs, IndiGo’s Pieter Elbers and Air India’s Campbell Wilson — both of whom arrived in the country around the same time three years ago — shared the stage to lay out the road ahead for their respective carriers.
Wilson, generally mild-mannered and shaped by his Southeast Asian, Singapore Airlines upbringing, appeared even more subdued in what was his first public appearance since the unfortunate June air crash in Ahmedabad. Elbers, the former KLM boss from Amsterdam, by contrast, was his familiar self — forceful, imposing, almost stern.




Typical corrupt indian company:

@Rajdeep @cricketjoshila @Champ_Pal @JaDed @Devadwal @uppercut @Theanonymousone @straighttalk @Vikram1989 @Varun @Romali_rotti @Bhaijaan @CoverDriveSix @rickroll @RexRex @rpant_gabba, @Romali_rotti @kron @globetrotter @Hitman @jnaveen1980 @Local.Dada


#FreeMinoritiesOfIndiaFromHindus

#SaveAllIndianMinorities

#FreeIndiaFromHinduExtremism

#SanctionIndiaIndians
 

Off-duty Air India Express pilot assaults passenger at Delhi airport; suspended​




The Delhi police said “The matter came to the knowledge of police through this social media post. Whenever a written complaint is received by the victim, in this regard, appropriate legal action will be taken.”


An off-duty Air India Express pilot allegedly assaulted a passenger at the Delhi airport on Friday (December 19, 2025) and the airline has suspended him pending investigation, according to sources.


The passenger shared his experience in a social media post along with a photo showing blood on his face after the altercation. He also shared a photo of the pilot.
 

IndiGo flight delay sparks chaos at Delhi airport, passengers protest over repeated cancellations​




Passengers at Delhi airport created a ruckus on Saturday after their IndiGo flight to Purnea was delayed, triggering anger among travellers who said the service had already faced disruptions a day earlier.


Passengers at Delhi airport created a ruckus on Saturday after their IndiGo flight to Purnea was delayed, triggering anger among travellers who said the service had already faced disruptions a day earlier.

According to passengers, IndiGo flight 6E 9076, scheduled to operate from Delhi to Purnea, was delayed on Saturday after having already been cancelled on Friday, forcing them to reschedule their tickets.

The repeated disruption led to furious scenes at the boarding counter, with passengers protesting the delay in departure.

Several passengers said the flight had been cancelled on Friday as well, following which they had rearranged their travel plans.

On Saturday, they claimed, the airline cited bad weather as the reason for the delay. Some passengers further alleged that airline staff later informed them that there was no pilot available to operate the flight.

Meanwhile, IndiGo had earlier in the day issued advisories warning passengers about possible delays and cancellations of several flights due to "reduced visibility and fog" at multiple airports.

The incident comes just days after IndiGo, on December 29, 2024, cancelled as many as 118 flights across its network due to a mix of bad weather and operational reasons.

Of these, six services were cancelled due to operational constraints, while the remaining flights were called off owing to adverse weather conditions at different airports.

IndiGo has been grappling with large-scale disruptions over the past month.

In early December last year, the airline cancelled thousands of flights, including around 1,600 on a single day, after court-mandated stricter flight duty and rest period norms for pilots came into force. The cancellations left lakhs of passengers stranded at airports across the country.

Since the onset of the fog season on December 10, the airline has continued to cancel a significant number of flights.

On December 25, IndiGo cancelled 67 flights to various destinations, citing weather-related issues. On Saturday alone, another 57 flights from several airports were cancelled due to bad weather conditions.

The aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has declared the period from December 10 to February 10 as the official fog window for the winter season, during which flight operations are often affected by low visibility.



Still not looking good for Indigo,

@Rajdeep @cricketjoshila @Champ_Pal @JaDed @Devadwal @uppercut @Theanonymousone @straighttalk @Vikram1989 @Varun @Romali_rotti @Bhaijaan @Cover Drive Six @rickroll @RexRex @rpant_gabba, @Romali_rotti @kron @globetrotter @Hitman @jnaveen1980 @Local.Dada @CrIc_Mystique


#FreeMinoritiesOfIndiaFromHindus

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Delhi Airport Row Takes A Turn: Accused Air India Express Pilot Alleges 'Casteist Abuse' By Passenger​





Captain Virender Sejwal has insisted that this incident has no relation to his professional role and was a personal dispute.


The off-duty Air India Express pilot, accused of assaulting a passenger at Delhi airport on Friday, has issued a statement rejecting media reports, saying they have "misrepresented a personal incident" as a "pilot versus passenger" dispute. A law firm representing Captain Virender Sejwal said the passenger, Ankit Dewan, has given a "one-sided and incomplete presentation of facts" and claimed that Sejwal was himself assaulted and subjected to "casteist" remarks.
"Mr. Ankit Dewan has selectively presented facts to create a false narrative, wrongly implying a professional conflict and attempting to sensationalise a settled issue, Whereas casteist remarks were made against Capt Sejwal, and absolutely unfathomable threats were made to female members of his family including a child," it said, TOI reported.

The statement said that Sejwal was travelling as a passenger at the time, was not on flight duty, and that the incident had no connection whatsoever with his professional responsibilities. It claimed that Ankit Dewan initiated the confrontation by verbally abusing the pilot without provocation and "continued using abusive, degrading and threatening language even after being asked to stop". The situation then escalated into a physical altercation in which Sejwal was also hurt and sustained injuries during the scuffle.

"CISF personnel intervened promptly, repeatedly told Mr. Dewan to calm down and stop abusing, yet he refused to relent and continued his misconduct in their presence," it said.

'Attempt to associate​


The statement further claimed that the incident was resolved in the presence of CISF officials, and both sides "voluntarily signed a statement" confirming that they did not wish to pursue any legal action, contrary to "misleading" claims that there was any coercion or pressure involved.
"The CISF has publicly confirmed on 'X' that their officers acted promptly, offered the gentlemen the opportunity to file formal complaints, and that it was voluntarily declined. Allegations of any force or bias against CISF are incorrect and unfounded," it added.
The pilot has also slammed attempts to associate Air India Express with the incident, saying attempts to associate the company's name are "unwarranted" and appear aimed solely at "gaining social media attention" on an otherwise settled personal issue.

"Capt Sejwal has full faith in authorities that he will not be denied justice and the incident will be looked at impartially considering all facts and without the overbearing social media narrative. Capt. Sejwal requests that the media and public rely only on verified facts and refrain from circulating one-sided or misleading content that may harm reputations or distort true facts," it added.
Last week, the passenger, Ankit Dewan, shared his experience in a social media post along with a photo showing blood on his face. Dewan alleged that Air India Express captain Virender Sejwal allegedly assaulted him physically at Terminal 1 (T1) of the Delhi airport, and his seven-year-old daughter, who saw the assault, is still traumatised and scared.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered a formal inquiry into the incident.
 

Take strict action against travel agents cheating people on pretext of sending them abroad: U.P. CM​





U.P. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asked administrative and police officers to ensure time-bound, impartial and quality disposal of complaints and to provide immediate relief to every victim


Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday (December 20, 2025) directed police officials to take strict action against travel agents who cheat people on the pretext of sending them abroad, and ensure that victims recover their money. The Chief Minister asked the police to identify such fraudulent agents and initiate stringent action against them, according to an official statement.
 

Air India Express Issues Show-Cause Notice to Pilot Over Alleged Assault at Delhi Airport​





Air India Express has issued a show cause notice to pilot Virender Sejwal following allegations of assault against a passenger, Ankit Dewan, at Delhi's Terminal 1.



Air India Express has issued show cause notice to the pilot Virender Sejwal over the recent incident at Delhi airport T-1, where he allegedly abused and assaulted a passenger Ankit Dewan, sources told Times Now.
"The proceedings are carried under labour laws, as the pilot comes under workmen category. An external inquiry committee will set up this week to probe the incident," the sources said.

The alleged incident happened on December 19 near the security checkpoint of Terminal 1. Dewan has accused Air India Express pilot Virender Sejwal, who was off duty and travelling as a passenger, of assaulting him after a dispute over airline staff allegedly bypassing the security queue.


Delhi Police said on Tuesday it has recorded the complainant’s statement and begun collecting evidence in an alleged assault case involving an off-duty Air India Express pilot at Indira Gandhi International Airport, reports PTI.

Police said the complainant was called in to give a detailed statement, submit evidence and undergo a medical examination. Investigators are collecting and reviewing CCTV footage from multiple cameras in and around the security area of Terminal 1 to reconstruct the incident.
“The investigation is at a preliminary stage. CCTV footage is being scrutinised and other relevant evidence is being gathered. The accused will be called for questioning in due course,” a senior police officer said.
An FIR has been registered under provisions related to causing hurt, wrongful restraint and criminal intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, following a complaint emailed by the victim, Ankit Dewan, on Monday.

Dewan said the pilot abused and assaulted him in public view, causing injuries and traumatising his seven-year-old daughter, who witnessed the incident. He later said a CT scan confirmed a displaced fracture of his left nasal bone.
Air India Express said it is aware of the incident involving one of its employees, who was travelling on another airline at the time. The airline said the pilot has been removed from official duties with immediate effect, pending an internal investigation.
 

How IndiGo Quietly Beat Air India in International Flyers After AI 171 June Crash​





IndiGo carried more international passengers than Air India and Air India Express combined in the July–September quarter, helped by Air India’s temporary reduction in long-haul flights after the Dreamliner crash.


IndiGo has, for the first time, flown more international passengers than Air India and Air India Express combined in the July–September 2025 quarter, according to data from aviation regulator DGCA. The change follows Air India’s decision to scale back around 15% of its long-haul operations after the June 12 crash of flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner accident, which killed 260 people, triggered a brief dip in passenger confidence, especially on routes operated with the same aircraft type.
As per DGCA numbers cited by The Times of India, IndiGo carried 41.36 lakh international passengers during the quarter. The combined tally for Air India and Air India Express stood at around 41 lakh. Air India’s temporary cut in wide-body flights and hesitation among travellers to fly the 787s played a role in the shift.

The data also offers insight into IndiGo’s performance during the recent disruption earlier this month. Between December 1 and 9, the airline cancelled 2.4% of its 2,702 international flights. In the same period, close to a quarter of its domestic flights were withdrawn. The regulator is now looking into how IndiGo managed to keep its international network largely unaffected while domestic operations took a hit.

IndiGo has overtaken Air India in international traffic earlier as well. After Jet Airways shut down in April 2019, IndiGo emerged as the country’s largest overseas carrier. Before that, Jet and Air India held the top two positions, followed by Air India Express, IndiGo and SpiceJet.

More changes are likely in the coming quarters. Air India is preparing to pull out several older Boeing wide-body aircraft for refurbishment or return them to lessors, a move that will temporarily reduce long-haul capacity. Separately, the civil aviation ministry is finalising a mandatory cut of at least 10% in IndiGo’s flights over recent operational lapses. How this reduction will be split between domestic and international routes is yet to be clarified.
For Air India, the Dreamliner crash marked its biggest setback in decades. In the weeks that followed the accident, many passengers avoided the airline, particularly on sectors operated with Boeing 787 aircraft.



@Rajdeep @cricketjoshila @Champ_Pal @JaDed @Devadwal @uppercut @Theanonymousone @straighttalk @Vikram1989 @Varun @Romali_rotti @Bhaijaan @Cover Drive Six @rickroll @RexRex @rpant_gabba, @Romali_rotti @kron @globetrotter @Hitman @jnaveen1980 @Local.Dada @CrIc_Mystique @Van_Sri


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IndiGo warns of flight disruptions as fog reduces visibility; delays likely at Amritsar, Chandigarh airports​




The IMD issued a dense fog advisory for Agartala, Siliguri and Ghaziabad, and parts of Punjab and Haryana urging commuters and travellers to remain cautious.


IndiGo on Saturday issued a travel advisory warning passengers of possible delays and changes in flight schedules as dense fog and cold conditions prevailed over parts of north and east India.

The airline said airports in Amritsar, Chandigarh and Ranchi remain impacted due to fluctuating visibility, leading to slower-than-usual flight operations. IndiGo said it is closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and prioritising safety and regulatory compliance.

In a post on X, the airline said: “Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Ranchi, continue to remain wrapped in chilly winter air and lingering fog this morning. The fluctuating visibility has led to changes in flight schedules, and operations may be slower than usual as conditions evolve. Our teams on-ground are prioritizing safety and compliance with visibility requirements.”

IndiGo added that its airport teams are available to assist passengers at terminals and urged travellers to stay patient while operations stabilise.

Fog advisory extended to east and NCR​

IndiGo also cautioned passengers travelling via Agartala, Bagdogra and Hindon airport in Ghaziabad, citing low visibility and fog that could affect flight schedules.
“Low visibility and fog over #Agartala, #Bagdogra, and #Hindon (Airport) may impact flight schedules. We are closely monitoring the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly,” the airline said.

The passenger advisory came as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a dense fog advisory for Agartala, Siliguri and Ghaziabad, and parts of Punjab Haryana urging commuters and travellers to remain cautious and stay updated on weather and travel advisories.

Punjab and Haryana reel under intense cold​

Punjab and Haryana continued to witness intense cold conditions, with dense fog reported in several areas on Saturday morning.
Ballowal Saunkhri in Punjab’s Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district was the coldest location in the state, recording a minimum temperature of 4.4 degrees Celsius, according to the local meteorological department cited by PTI news agency.

Also Read | Delhi govt seeks to bring back shared cab rides to cut pollution

Amritsar recorded a low of 5.1 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal, while Ludhiana registered 4.6 degrees Celsius. Patiala’s minimum temperature stood at 7 degrees Celsius. Pathankot, Bathinda, Faridkot and Gurdaspur recorded lows of 5.4, 6, 4.9 and 5.8 degrees Celsius, respectively. Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, recorded a minimum of 6.9 degrees Celsius.

Gurugram coldest in Haryana​

In neighbouring Haryana, Gurugram emerged as the coldest place, recording a low of 4.9 degrees Celsius. Ambala’s minimum temperature was 9.3 degrees Celsius, three degrees above normal, while Hisar recorded 5 degrees Celsius. Karnal saw a low of 8 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal.
Narnaul, Rohtak, Bhiwani and Sirsa recorded minimum temperatures of 5.5, 7.2, 6.5 and 7 degrees Celsius, respectively.
 
Investigation after Air India jet engine sucks in cargo container at Delhi airport

India's aviation watchdog has launched an investigation after an Air India plane's engine sucked in a cargo container while taxiing at the Delhi airport.

No-one was hurt, but the aircraft's engine was damaged and it has been grounded for repairs.

The New York-bound Airbus A350 had returned to Delhi shortly after take-off on Thursday after Iran temporarily closed its airspace, forcing airlines to reroute flights.

After landing safely, the aircraft had left the runway and was taxiing to the parking bay with passengers on board when the cargo container was sucked into its right engine. Visibility was "marginal" due to dense fog at the time, the aviation regulator said.

There were around 240 passengers in the aircraft when the container was sucked in, a source from Air India told the BBC. The exact number of crew members could not be ascertained but the source added it could be between six and eight people.

According to India's ministry of civil aviation, the incident occurred on Thursday around 05:25 local time (23:55 GMT on Wednesday) as the aircraft was taxiing towards the apron area, where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded and refuelled.

The cargo container had accidentally fallen from a ground vehicle "onto the taxiway intersection", it added.

An Air India spokesperson added that the container fell after a wheel came off a cart that was being towed by a vehicle used to move luggage and cargo around the airport. The vehicle operator noticed the aircraft taxiing in and left the area with the remaining cargo.

"However, the container which fell was left behind and it got ingested into the No. 2 engine of the aircraft," Air India added.

  • Staff shortages threaten flight safety in India - report
  • Air India watchdog audit reveals 51 safety violations
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said metal debris was later cleared from the taxiway, and the aircraft was towed and parked at a designated stand. It added that it has launched a detailed investigation into the incident.

Photos shared by DGCA on X show damage to the aircraft's engine casing and fan blades, as well as debris lying on the taxiway.

The incident adds to scrutiny around ground safety at India's busy airports.

In June last year, the DGCA flagged significant safety lapses at major Indian airports and airlines, finding issues such as faded runway markings, faulty simulator training, crew fatigue, inadequate maintenance and unauthorised cockpit access.

Air India has also warned of "potential disruptions on select A350 routes" as the aircraft is grounded.

Air India operates six Airbus A350 aircraft on long-haul routes, including services to London and New York, Reuters reported. The airline hasn't specified which routes might be affected.

BBC
 
Investigation after Air India jet engine sucks in cargo container at Delhi airport

India's aviation watchdog has launched an investigation after an Air India plane's engine sucked in a cargo container while taxiing at the Delhi airport.

No-one was hurt, but the aircraft's engine was damaged and it has been grounded for repairs.

The New York-bound Airbus A350 had returned to Delhi shortly after take-off on Thursday after Iran temporarily closed its airspace, forcing airlines to reroute flights.

After landing safely, the aircraft had left the runway and was taxiing to the parking bay with passengers on board when the cargo container was sucked into its right engine. Visibility was "marginal" due to dense fog at the time, the aviation regulator said.

There were around 240 passengers in the aircraft when the container was sucked in, a source from Air India told the BBC. The exact number of crew members could not be ascertained but the source added it could be between six and eight people.

According to India's ministry of civil aviation, the incident occurred on Thursday around 05:25 local time (23:55 GMT on Wednesday) as the aircraft was taxiing towards the apron area, where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded and refuelled.

The cargo container had accidentally fallen from a ground vehicle "onto the taxiway intersection", it added.

An Air India spokesperson added that the container fell after a wheel came off a cart that was being towed by a vehicle used to move luggage and cargo around the airport. The vehicle operator noticed the aircraft taxiing in and left the area with the remaining cargo.

"However, the container which fell was left behind and it got ingested into the No. 2 engine of the aircraft," Air India added.

  • Staff shortages threaten flight safety in India - report
  • Air India watchdog audit reveals 51 safety violations
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said metal debris was later cleared from the taxiway, and the aircraft was towed and parked at a designated stand. It added that it has launched a detailed investigation into the incident.

Photos shared by DGCA on X show damage to the aircraft's engine casing and fan blades, as well as debris lying on the taxiway.

The incident adds to scrutiny around ground safety at India's busy airports.

In June last year, the DGCA flagged significant safety lapses at major Indian airports and airlines, finding issues such as faded runway markings, faulty simulator training, crew fatigue, inadequate maintenance and unauthorised cockpit access.

Air India has also warned of "potential disruptions on select A350 routes" as the aircraft is grounded.

Air India operates six Airbus A350 aircraft on long-haul routes, including services to London and New York, Reuters reported. The airline hasn't specified which routes might be affected.

BBC
indian finest air line - what a disaster


below sanghis - will you comment on this story, i've noticed that you never comment on anything bad about india / indian company

@Rajdeep @cricketjoshila @Champ_Pal @Devadwal @uppercut @straighttalk @Vikram1989 @Varun @Romali_rotti @Bhaijaan @Cover Drive Six @rickroll @RexRex @rpant_gabba, @Romali_rotti @kron @globetrotter @Hitman @jnaveen1980 @Local.Dada @CrIc_Mystique @Van_Sri @nish_mate @SportsWarrior @kaayal
 

What Led To Air India Engine Sucking In Cargo Container At Delhi Airport​




A luggage container had toppled after one of its wheels had come off, resulting in its ingestion into the aircraft's engine at Delhi airport, sources said.


New Delhi:
India's aviation watchdog has launched a probe into the damage suffered by an Air India aircraft after a baggage container was sucked into one of its engines earlier this morning. The Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is trying to find answers to what led to the incident that could have endangered passengers' and crew's lives at the airport.

What Happened At Delhi Airport

Air India's Flight AI101 had sucked in a cargo container while taxiing in dense fog at Delhi airport, the airline said earlier in the day. The Airbus A350 aircraft, which was operating between Delhi and New York, had returned to the airport after the Iranian airspace closure impacted its route. The engine damage occurred after the aircraft landed in Delhi.

What Led To Air India Engine Sucking In Cargo Container At Delhi Airport​

A luggage container had toppled after one of its wheels had come off, resulting in its ingestion into the aircraft's engine at Delhi airport, sources said.​


New Delhi:
India's aviation watchdog has launched a probe into the damage suffered by an Air India aircraft after a baggage container was sucked into one of its engines earlier this morning. The Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is trying to find answers to what led to the incident that could have endangered passengers' and crew's lives at the airport.

What Happened At Delhi Airport

Air India's Flight AI101 had sucked in a cargo container while taxiing in dense fog at Delhi airport, the airline said earlier in the day. The Airbus A350 aircraft, which was operating between Delhi and New York, had returned to the airport after the Iranian airspace closure impacted its route. The engine damage occurred after the aircraft landed in Delhi.

Read: Air India Delhi-New York Flight Engine Sucks In Baggage Container, Damaged

"Upon landing in Delhi, the aircraft encountered a foreign object while taxiing in dense fog, resulting in damage to the right engine," an Air India spokesperson said. The plane was safely positioned at the designated parking to ensure the safety of passengers, said the airline, adding that the aircraft had been grounded for a thorough investigation and necessary repairs.

How Did This Occur?

Citing preliminary findings of the DGCA investigation, sources confirmed that the right engine of the aircraft was damaged after it sucked in a cargo container.

The aircraft had safely landed on Runway 28 after an 'air turnback' due to the Iranian space closure, they said, adding that it was taxiing to the apron area, taxiway N/N4 junction, when engine number 2 ingested the cargo container.


This occurred near Bay 242, which had been designated for the ground support equipment (GSE) parking for Air Mauritius. A ground handling company was transporting a few containers to this area when one of the wheels of the container dolly came off, and the container toppled onto the taxiway, DGCA sources said.

Noticing the Air India aircraft taxiing in, the equipment operator vacated the spot with the remaining dollies and containers. The container that had toppled was left behind, and it got ingested into engine number 2 of the aircraft, they added.

Later, metal pieces were cleared, and the aircraft was parked at stand 244.

Further investigation is being carried out by the Deputy Air Safety Officer (Northern Region).




@Rajdeep @cricketjoshila @Champ_Pal @Devadwal @uppercut @straighttalk @Vikram1989 @Varun @Romali_rotti @Bhaijaan @Cover Drive Six @rickroll @RexRex @rpant_gabba, @Romali_rotti @kron @globetrotter @Hitman @jnaveen1980 @Local.Dada @CrIc_Mystique @Van_Sri @nish_mate @SportsWarrior @kaayal
 

Republic Day effect: Delhi Airport curbs for 6 days to impact thousands of passengers​





Republic Day NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) states closure of airspace for 145 minutes from 21st to 26th January.


As if the distress caused by fog wasn’t enough this winter, passengers are about to face further difficulties in travel from January 21 due to the closure of airspace over Delhi, keeping in mind the Republic Day safety protocols.


The government on Tuesday released a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) 1020 hours to 1245 hours for six days from January 21. The two-hour and twenty-five-minute closure will impact thousands of flights and disrupt connections, leading to delays and cancellations for passengers and handling misconnected passengers for the airlines.

This is for practice, dress rehearsal and the actual Republic Day parade, an annual celebration that includes a parade, flypast and display of culture and military hardware along Kartavya Path. The NOTAM was released today, with just eight days remaining for closure. This will lead to a scramble for airlines to adjust their flights, verify the mis-connecting guests and reroute them or offer refunds and/or changes, an expensive proposition for the airlines.

How many flights will be impacted?​

Data shared by Cirium, an aviation analytics company, exclusively for this article shows that a little over 600 flights will be impacted during this period. This period is one of the busiest periods at Delhi, with inbound passengers from across the country landing to connect to the afternoon bank of flights to Europe along with other destinations in India.
The impact will be felt by thousands of passengers on a daily basis by means of cancellation, rescheduling, and disruptions.

Why the closure?​

Such complete closures are needed for security reasons, to ensure the safety and security of aircraft involved in the flypast along with security of the dignitaries during the Republic Day celebration. The flights which are impacted may not necessarily be cancelled. However, they would certainly have a time change. Alternatively, passengers will be accommodated on a different flight at a different time. Since this period also coincides with the fog times in Delhi, on a particular day when the visibility drops, there could be chaos to handle as many flights and passengers in an even smaller operating window.


What should the passengers do?​

If you are scheduled to fly in or out from Delhi at the specified timings and dates, ensure that the contact details are updated so that airlines can reach out at the earliest with the changes or cancellations. In the event of a cancellation, airlines typically provide alternative options or a full refund. Considering the last-minute change, airfares are likely to be higher than when the ticket was booked, and hence, opting for alternative options may be wiser.
Airlines can act only when they are officially informed about the NOTAM, and thus, there will be a scramble to adjust or cancel flights and send IRROPS (Irregular Operations) messages among others while working with airports across the country at the same time to handle changes. Retiming flights may not always be possible due to its impact on other airports, and airports like Mumbai are already operating at full capacity. With Delhi Airport also operating at near-full capacity, changes to schedule are hard to come by and the system does not have any slack to handle as many flights before and after the closure.


The impact of this closure will be felt at other airports as well, since aircraft routings don't work in isolation and for passengers that means being impacted with a schedule change for a flight which neither originates nor is destined for Delhi.

Time to relook at announcement timing?​

As the government seeks to project Delhi as a hub for passenger transfers, such relatively last-minute announcements significantly impact many passengers, and a considerable number may opt for alternative travel options for future trips, potentially affecting airlines like Air India and IndiGo, as well as the hub projection for Delhi. While the closure of airspace is imperative and important for safety and security, advance warning and notice can be given much earlier, especially in the case of Republic Day, which is marked on the same date every year, and the airspace remains closed regardless of who the chief guest is.
 

How Canadian Authorities Flagged Air India Pilot Detained Over Alcohol Smell Before Vancouver-Delhi Flight​




An Air India pilot was removed from operating a Vancouver-Delhi flight after failing a pre-flight alcohol test, prompting concerns from Canadian authorities regarding his fitness for duty.



New Delhi: An Air India pilot was grounded from operating Vancouver-Delhi flight allegedly after he failed a pre-flight alcohol test, reports have said. The matter came to light after Canadian authorities raised the matter over pilot's "fitness" for duty before the airline.
The matter was first reported by a duty-free store manager at the Vancouver airport. The manager informed authorities that the pilot was purchasing alcohol at the duty-free shop adding that there was something suspicious about his (pilot) conduct as he was allegedly smelling of alcohol.

In a letter written by the Canadian authorities to Air India, they mentioned, "We were advised by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) that the pilot reported for duty on Air India flight Al186 on December 23, 2025, while under the influence of alcohol, and unfit for duty. Two breathalyser tests conducted by the RCMP at Vancouver International Airport confirmed this, after he was advised to leave the aircraft."

"This incident indicates a contravention of Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) 602.02 by the Operator and the Crew Member, and CARs 602.03 by the Crew Member, as well as condition outlined in Air India's Foreign Air Operator Certificate issued by Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA). It is likely that enforcement action will be pursued by the RCMP, and by TCCA," the letter mentioned.

The Canadian authorities further asked Air India to conduct a thorough review and investigation under their Safety Management System (SMS) and provide details of corrective actions taken to prevent any such recurrence.


What Air India Said After Pilot Denied From Operating Vancouver-Delhi Flight​


Meanwhile, addressing the matter, Air India on Thursday said that one of its pilots was grounded after being stopped from operating a Vancouver-Delhi flight on December 23, following concerns raised by the Canadian authorities over his "fitness" for duty.
PTI quoted Air India saying that the pilot was deplaned just prior to the departure of the airline's Delhi flight from Vancouver.
"Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi on December 23, 2025, experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure," Air India said in a statement.
Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot's "fitness for duty", following which the crew member was taken for further inquiry, the airline stated.


"Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers and is fully cooperating with the local authorities. The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry," it said.
In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, resulting in the delay, Air India said.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with the company policy, the airline said.
What Happened on December 23

On 23 December, the pilot was scheduled to operate a Vancouver–Delhi flight. The incident was first reported by the duty-free store manager at the airport. While the pilot was purchasing alcohol at the duty-free shop, the manager found something suspicious about the pilot and was allegedly smelling of alcohol.
The manager subsequently reported the matter to airport authorities. By the time authorities proceeded to investigate, the pilot had already boarded the aircraft. Officials then went to the cockpit to question the pilot regarding the allegation.
Following the inquiry, the pilot was offloaded from the aircraft and was detained by Canadian authorities on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol. The pilot remained in custody for two days and was later sent back to India.
Air India has informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) about the incident and is currently examining the matter internally.
 

Off-Duty Air India Express Pilot Arrested for 'Breaking Passenger's Nose' at Delhi Airport​





An Air India Express pilot, Captain Virendra Sejwal, was arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly assaulting a passenger at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The incident occurred near the security checkpoint on December 19, leading to his interrogation and subsequent arrest based on gathered evidence, including CCTV footage.


New Delhi: An off-duty Air India Express pilot, Virendra Sejwal, was arrested by Delhi Police in connection with the alleged assault of a passenger near the security checkpoint of Terminal 1 at Indira Gandhi International Airport on December 19, officials said on Tuesday. Police said Sejwal had joined the investigation and was questioned by the investigating officer, with CCTV footage and witness statements examined as part of the probe.
“During the course of investigation, following the registration of the case, relevant CCTV footage was collected and statements of witnesses were recorded. The accused was subsequently called for questioning and was arrested a few days ago,” a police officer said. Sejwal was booked under sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 126 (wrongful restraint) and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He was later granted bail from the police station, police confirmed.

Separately, Delhi Airport issued a passenger advisory at 7 am on Tuesday, stating that flight operations were running smoothly after visibility improved following dense fog earlier in the day. The airport said on-ground officials were available across terminals to assist passengers and advised travellers to check with their respective airlines for the latest schedules.

Earlier, dense fog across Delhi led to significant disruptions at IGI Airport, including delays and cancellations, prompting airlines such as IndiGo and Air India to issue advisories. IndiGo said it was closely monitoring conditions and making operational adjustments to ensure safety, advising passengers to track flight status and use rebooking or refund options if impacted.

Air Quality Remains ‘Very Poor’​

Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality showed a slight improvement on Tuesday morning, with the city’s AQI recorded at 388 at 8 am, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several areas, however, continued to record ‘severe’ levels, including Anand Vihar (451), Jahangirpuri (451), Ashok Vihar (433), Chandni Chowk (432), Patparganj (412) and Nehru Nagar (402).
 

DGCA Issues Show-Cause Notice to Air India Pilots Over Safety Lapses​





The document was accessed by Times Now in which safety concerns were identified in relation to aircraft dispatch, Minimum Equipment List compliance, and flight crew decision-making



India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued show-cause notices to multiple Air India pilots over alleged serious safety violations during the operation of Flight AI-358 and a related sector, AI-357.
The document was accessed by Times Now in which safety concerns were identified in relation to aircraft dispatch, Minimum Equipment List (MEL) compliance, and flight crew decision-making. During the operation of Flight AI-358, the operating crew reportedly received PACK ACM L and Pack Mode advisories, and a smell of smoke was reported near the R2 door. The regulator noted that similar snags related to the same systems had been recorded on five previous sectors, indicating a known history of system degradation.


Despite these repeated defects, the Airbus aircraft registered VT-ANI was dispatched with incompatible MEL items, allegedly in violation of Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 2, Series B. The DGCA further observed that the pilots accepted the aircraft for operation despite having prior knowledge of repeated snags and existing system degradations.

The regulator also pointed out that on June 28, 2025, there was non-compliance with MEL "O" conditions concerning the lower right recirculation fan on Flight AI-358. Additionally, the operating crew was found to have accepted the aircraft without adequately understanding MEL limitations and system interdependencies, contrary to CAR provisions.


DGCA stated that the crew failed to properly assess the combined operational and safety impact of multiple inoperative systems, as required under CAR Section 8, Series O.
The pilots have been directed to submit their explanations within 14 days of receipt of the notice, failing which the matter may be decided ex parte based on the evidence available on record. The notices have been issued with the approval of the competent authority and form part of DGCA's enforcement action related to aviation safety compliance.
Air India did not provide any immediate comment on the matter, official statement awaited.



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IndiGo Faces Rs 458 Crore GST Penalty, Airline Set To Contest Ruling​



IndiGo said that since it will contest the order, the order does not have any significant impact on financials, operations or other activities of the company.


IndiGo Faces Rs 458 Crore GST Penalty, Airline Set To Contest Ruling​

IndiGo said that since it will contest the order, the order does not have any significant impact on financials, operations or other activities of the company.​



IndiGo Faces Rs 458 Crore GST Penalty, Airline Set To Contest Ruling

The total GST penalty is Rs 458,26,16,980.
New Delhi:
The country's largest airline IndiGo on Tuesday said authorities have slapped a GST penalty of over Rs 458 crore, and that it would contest the decision.

The Additional Commissioner of CGST- Delhi South Commissionerate has slapped the penalty. It pertains to the assessment order under Section 74 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, for FY-2018-19 to FY 2022-23, according to a regulatory filing.

The total GST penalty is Rs 458,26,16,980.

"GST department has passed an order imposing GST demand along with interest and penalty on compensation received from foreign supplier and denial of Input Tax credit. The company strongly believes that the order passed by the GST department is erroneous and not in accordance with law, backed by advice from external tax advisors.

"Accordingly, the company will contest the same and shall take appropriate legal remedies against the aforesaid order. The company is already in appeal before the Commissioner (Appeals) in a similar matter for FY 2017-18," the filing said on Tuesday.

Further, IndiGo said that since it will contest the order, the order does not have any significant impact on financials, operations or other activities of the company.

Separately, the Office of the Joint Commissioner, Lucknow, has imposed a penalty of Rs 14,59,527 on IndiGo for the period 2021-22


IndiGo Faces Rs 458 Crore GST Penalty, Airline Set To Contest Ruling​

IndiGo said that since it will contest the order, the order does not have any significant impact on financials, operations or other activities of the company.​

  • Press Trust of India
  • India News
  • Dec 31, 2025 00:00 am IST
    • Published OnDec 31, 2025 00:00 am IST
    • Last Updated OnDec 31, 2025 00:00 am IST
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IndiGo Faces Rs 458 Crore GST Penalty, Airline Set To Contest Ruling

The total GST penalty is Rs 458,26,16,980.
New Delhi:
The country's largest airline IndiGo on Tuesday said authorities have slapped a GST penalty of over Rs 458 crore, and that it would contest the decision.

The Additional Commissioner of CGST- Delhi South Commissionerate has slapped the penalty. It pertains to the assessment order under Section 74 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, for FY-2018-19 to FY 2022-23, according to a regulatory filing.

The total GST penalty is Rs 458,26,16,980.

"GST department has passed an order imposing GST demand along with interest and penalty on compensation received from foreign supplier and denial of Input Tax credit. The company strongly believes that the order passed by the GST department is erroneous and not in accordance with law, backed by advice from external tax advisors.

"Accordingly, the company will contest the same and shall take appropriate legal remedies against the aforesaid order. The company is already in appeal before the Commissioner (Appeals) in a similar matter for FY 2017-18," the filing said on Tuesday.

Further, IndiGo said that since it will contest the order, the order does not have any significant impact on financials, operations or other activities of the company.

Separately, the Office of the Joint Commissioner, Lucknow, has imposed a penalty of Rs 14,59,527 on IndiGo for the period 2021-22.


"The department has denied input tax credit availed and has raised a demand along with interest and penalty on the company. The company believes that the order passed by the authorities is erroneous. Further, the company believes that it has a strong case on merits, backed by advice from external tax advisors," InterGlobe Aviation, the parent of IndiGo, said in another regulatory filing.

According to the company, it will contest the order before the appropriate authority, and there is no significant impact on its financials, operations or other activities.



Source:
 

Accused Air India Express pilot arrested, released on bail in IGI Airport assault case​


The complaint against Sejwal was filed by passenger Ankit Diwan, who alleged that the off-duty pilot assaulted him at Terminal 1 of the airport. He had also shared a video of the incident on social media.



New Delhi:
The Air India Express pilot, who was accused of assaulting a passenger at IGI Airport, was arrested following a probe by the Delhi Police. However, Captain Virender Sejwal was later released on bail, as the offence is classified as bailable. The incident came under investigation after the police registered a formal complaint. Officers reviewed CCTV footage from the airport and recorded statements from witnesses and those involved.

Sejwal appeared for questioning in the case on Monday as part of the probe. Delhi Police confirmed that he cooperated fully during the investigation.

"Captain Virender Sejwal has joined the investigation. If the IO (Investigating Officer) is not satisfied with his reply, he can be arrested in the assault case. Investigation is being carried out in the matter based on merits and available evidence," PTI quoted Delhi Police as saying earlier.

The complaint against Sejwal was filed by passenger Ankit Diwan, who alleged that the off-duty pilot assaulted him at Terminal 1 of the airport. He had also shared a video of the incident on social media.

Following this, an FIR was registered against Sejwal under Sections 115, 126 and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

About the incident

Diwan said he was travelling with his family, including a four-month-old baby in a stroller. According to him, airport staff directed them to use a priority security lane meant for staff and passengers needing assistance. He alleged that some airline personnel, including the pilot, joined the queue ahead of him.

When Dewan raised an objection, a heated argument reportedly followed.

He claimed that the pilot used offensive language and later physically attacked him. Dewan said he sustained injuries and had to seek medical treatment.

He added that the incident had a strong emotional impact on his family, particularly his seven-year-old daughter, who witnessed the confrontation.
 

Major mishap in MP’s Seoni: Trainer aircraft hits high-voltage line during sortie, pilot critically injured​


A trainer aircraft collided with a high-voltage power line in Madhya Pradesh's Seoni, leaving the pilot critically injured. Locals have flagged repeated safety lapses at the training facility, warning that failure to act could lead to a bigger tragedy.



Seoni:
A major accident was reported from Madhya Pradesh's Seoni district on Monday after a trainer aircraft collided with a high-voltage power line during a routine training flight. The incident took place near Suktara, around 15 km west of National Highway 44, exposing serious safety lapses at the Mensco Aerospace Limited training facility. Pilot Ajit Chawda and flight instructor Ajit Anthony were injured in the crash which took place around 20km from the district headquarters, an official said. Both are undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Barapathar near Seoni city, he said.

Aircraft hits power line mid-flight

According to officials and locals, a Red Bird Aviation training aircraft was flying between Aamgaon and Putlai when it struck a 33 kV high-voltage electricity line during an evening training sortie. The impact triggered loud explosion-like sounds, causing panic in nearby areas. Sparks flew as the aircraft’s wings touched the power cables, leading to a complete power outage across the locality.

Eyewitnesses recall moments of panic

Eyewitnesses said the trainer aircraft appeared to lose control suddenly and flew dangerously close to the power line. The situation turned terrifying within seconds as the aircraft made contact with the electric wires. The trainee pilot suffered severe burn injuries after coming in contact with electric current and was immediately shifted to Nagpur for advanced medical treatment.

Repeated safety lapses alleged

Local villagers have raised serious concerns over long-standing negligence in maintaining safety norms at the airstrip. They claimed that training aircraft have overturned on the runway at least twice in the past during practice sessions. Despite these incidents, neither corrective measures were implemented by the company nor was strict action taken by the authorities.

Warning signs ignored, locals fear worse

Residents allege that continuous negligence by Mensco Aerospace Limited and associated training firms has increased the risk of a major disaster. Conducting flight operations so close to a 33 kV high-voltage line is being termed extremely dangerous. Locals warned that if timely steps are not taken to enforce safety standards, the next accident could be far more catastrophic.

What did the police say?

Seoni Superintendent of Police Sunil Mehta told PTI that a team has been sent to the crash scene. The injured pilot and the instructor are reported to be out of danger, said the police officer. The aircraft, which took off from the Sukatra airstrip, was returning to the runway when it crashed, according to Ramlal Uike, Sarpanch of Amgaon Panchayat.

"A loud explosion was heard, sparks flew when the aircraft's wings touched the power line," Uike added. According to Kurai town inspector Kripal Singh Tekam, Redbird Academy employees, citing preliminary investigations, told police the plane started descending after its engine stopped generating power. The flight instructor immediately contacted the air controller station and the pilot was instructed to make a safe landing in nearby fields. During this landing, the plane collided with power line and crashed, he said.



Source:



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Maharashtra deputy chief minister dies in plane crash

Ajit Pawar, deputy chief minister of India's Maharashtra state, has died in a plane crash along with four other people, the country's aviation regulator has said.

The plane, which had taken off from Mumbai, crash-landed at the airport in Pawar's constituency of Baramati, where it had been headed, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said.

The cause of the crash has not been officially confirmed yet.

Two members of Pawar's staff and two crew were killed along with the deputy chief minister.

Visuals from the crash site show the wreckage of a plane engulfed in plumes of smoke and flames.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he was "saddened" by news of the crash.

"My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief," he wrote. In a separate post, he also paid tribute to Pawar.

Pawar - the nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar who founded the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) - was an influential politician in Maharashtra.

His political career spanned decades and he served as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra several times. A few years ago, he broke away from his uncle's party with several lawmakers and set up his own party which India's Election Commission later officially recognised as the NCP.

His party was part of Maharashtra's governing alliance along with Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.

 
Maharashtra deputy chief minister dies in plane crash

Ajit Pawar, deputy chief minister of India's Maharashtra state, has died in a plane crash along with four other people, the country's aviation regulator has said.

The plane, which had taken off from Mumbai, crash-landed at the airport in Pawar's constituency of Baramati, where it had been headed, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said.

The cause of the crash has not been officially confirmed yet.

Two members of Pawar's staff and two crew were killed along with the deputy chief minister.

Visuals from the crash site show the wreckage of a plane engulfed in plumes of smoke and flames.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he was "saddened" by news of the crash.

"My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief," he wrote. In a separate post, he also paid tribute to Pawar.

Pawar - the nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar who founded the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) - was an influential politician in Maharashtra.

His political career spanned decades and he served as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra several times. A few years ago, he broke away from his uncle's party with several lawmakers and set up his own party which India's Election Commission later officially recognised as the NCP.

His party was part of Maharashtra's governing alliance along with Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.


Very sad incident ..... he was a massive leader... RIP Ajitdada Pawar
 
Maharashtra deputy chief minister dies in plane crash

Ajit Pawar, deputy chief minister of India's Maharashtra state, has died in a plane crash along with four other people, the country's aviation regulator has said.

The plane, which had taken off from Mumbai, crash-landed at the airport in Pawar's constituency of Baramati, where it had been headed, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said.

The cause of the crash has not been officially confirmed yet.

Two members of Pawar's staff and two crew were killed along with the deputy chief minister.

Visuals from the crash site show the wreckage of a plane engulfed in plumes of smoke and flames.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that he was "saddened" by news of the crash.

"My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief," he wrote. In a separate post, he also paid tribute to Pawar.

Pawar - the nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar who founded the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) - was an influential politician in Maharashtra.

His political career spanned decades and he served as the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra several times. A few years ago, he broke away from his uncle's party with several lawmakers and set up his own party which India's Election Commission later officially recognised as the NCP.

His party was part of Maharashtra's governing alliance along with Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.



Sanghis below, what happened, another airplane crash:


@Rajdeep @cricketjoshila @Champ_Pal @Devadwal @uppercut @straighttalk @Vikram1989 @Varun @Romali_rotti @Bhaijaan @Cover Drive Six @rickroll @RexRex @rpant_gabba, @Romali_rotti @kron @globetrotter @Hitman @jnaveen1980 @Local.Dada @CrIc_Mystique @Van_Sri @nish_mate @SportsWarrior @kaayal
 

India's regulator investigates after jets brush wingtips at Mumbai airport​


India's civil aviation regulator has launched an investigation after the wingtips of two passenger aircraft briefly came into contact on a runway at Mumbai airport, prompting an evacuation of passengers.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said an Air India aircraft was awaiting departure when an IndiGo plane, taxiing on a parallel route after landing, scraped the tip of its wing.

"The right wingtips of both aircraft touched each other," the regulator said.

Both airlines confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe. The two Airbus A320 aircraft involved have been grounded for inspection.

The incident took place around 19:30 local time (14:00 GMT) on Tuesday.

The Air India flight was scheduled to depart for Coimbatore in southern India, while the IndiGo aircraft had just arrived from Hyderabad city, the airlines said.

Neither the airlines nor the DGCA have disclosed the number of passengers or crew on board.

However, an executive at one of the airlines told the BBC on the condition of anonymity that Airbus A320 aircraft operating domestic routes in India typically carry between 150 and 186 passengers, with six to eight crew members.

An Air India spokesperson said the aircraft sustained damage to its wingtip and that alternative arrangements were made for affected passengers.

IndiGo also confirmed that all its passengers were safe and had disembarked after parking, adding that an inquiry was under way.

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of aviation safety in India following a series of technical and ground-handling issues.

On Sunday, an Air India flight was grounded following its landing in Bengaluru city after a pilot reported that the fuel control switch had malfunctioned - though the regulator later said no defect was found and the aircraft had completed its flight safely.

In January, the DGCA had launched an investigation after an Air India Airbus A350's engine sucked in a cargo container while taxiing at Delhi airport.

Authorities have said the incidents are being examined individually in line with standard safety procedures.

 

India's regulator investigates after jets brush wingtips at Mumbai airport​


India's civil aviation regulator has launched an investigation after the wingtips of two passenger aircraft briefly came into contact on a runway at Mumbai airport, prompting an evacuation of passengers.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said an Air India aircraft was awaiting departure when an IndiGo plane, taxiing on a parallel route after landing, scraped the tip of its wing.

"The right wingtips of both aircraft touched each other," the regulator said.

Both airlines confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe. The two Airbus A320 aircraft involved have been grounded for inspection.

The incident took place around 19:30 local time (14:00 GMT) on Tuesday.

The Air India flight was scheduled to depart for Coimbatore in southern India, while the IndiGo aircraft had just arrived from Hyderabad city, the airlines said.

Neither the airlines nor the DGCA have disclosed the number of passengers or crew on board.

However, an executive at one of the airlines told the BBC on the condition of anonymity that Airbus A320 aircraft operating domestic routes in India typically carry between 150 and 186 passengers, with six to eight crew members.

An Air India spokesperson said the aircraft sustained damage to its wingtip and that alternative arrangements were made for affected passengers.

IndiGo also confirmed that all its passengers were safe and had disembarked after parking, adding that an inquiry was under way.

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of aviation safety in India following a series of technical and ground-handling issues.

On Sunday, an Air India flight was grounded following its landing in Bengaluru city after a pilot reported that the fuel control switch had malfunctioned - though the regulator later said no defect was found and the aircraft had completed its flight safely.

In January, the DGCA had launched an investigation after an Air India Airbus A350's engine sucked in a cargo container while taxiing at Delhi airport.

Authorities have said the incidents are being examined individually in line with standard safety procedures.

India is too bad in air.
 
Singapore-Bound Air India Plane Suffers Tech Issue; Returns To Delhi


The sources told PTI that there was an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) fire warning, following which the aircraft returned to Delhi after being airborne for around an hour


New Delhi: A Singapore-bound Air India flight, carrying around 190 people, returned to the national capital early Thursday as the Dreamliner aircraft operating the service suffered a technical issue, according to sources. The sources told PTI that there was an APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) fire warning, following which the aircraft returned to Delhi after being airborne for around an hour. Passengers were flown to Singapore in an alternative aircraft.

When contacted, an Air India spokesperson said that the operating crew of flight AI 2380 from Delhi to Singapore on January 14 decided to carry out a precautionary return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to a suspected technical issue. "The aircraft landed safely in Delhi. Our ground teams at Delhi extended all necessary assistance to passengers and the flight departed for Singapore on an alternative aircraft," the spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson also regretted the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the unforeseen situation. Information available on flight tracking website Flightradar24.com showed that the flight, operated with a Boeing 787-9 aircraft, was airborne for around an hour and landed back at about 1 am on Thursday



Source:


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No defect found in switch of jet grounded by Air India - regulator​



India's aviation regulator said it found no defect in the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jet grounded by Air India based on a pilot's report.

The issue was reported on Sunday after the plane, which took off from London, landed in Indian's Bengaluru city.

The regulator said that while starting the engine during take-off, the crew noticed that twice the fuel control switch - which regulates the flow of fuel into the plane's engines - did not "remain positively latched in the run position when light vertical pressure was applied".

It remained stable the third time and the crew closely monitored the aircraft during the flight, which "was completed without incident".
Air India had said in a statement on Monday that it informed India's aviation regulator about the issue and that it was getting the pilot's concerns checked on a "priority basis". A Boeing spokesperson had told the BBC in response to a question that the company was supporting Air India's "review of this matter".

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Tuesday that when the switches were operated according to Boeing's recommended procedure, they were found to be "satisfactory", staying at run instead of moving to cut-off (which can stop fuel supply to the engines).

It added, however, that incorrectly handling the switch caused it to "move easily from run to cut-off".

These checks were performed in the presence of DGCA officials on the affected aircraft and another aircraft, the statement said. The DGCA has also asked Air India to circulate Boeing's recommended procedure to operate the switch to its crew members.

The grounding of the plane gained a lot of attention as it came amid an ongoing investigation into last June's plane crash involving an Air India aircraft of the same model which killed 260 people.

The crash of the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner occurred less than a minute after the plane took off from Ahmedabad airport in western India.

India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the crash and a final report is expected to be released in a few months.

A preliminary report last July said that the plane's engines shut down after its fuel switches moved from the 'run' to the 'cut-off' position shortly after take-off, but did not establish how this had happened.

After the report was released, the US aviation regulator said that fuel control switches in Boeing airplanes were safe.

India's aviation regulator had also ordered an investigation of cockpit fuel switches in Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 aircraft operating in the country after the crash. Air India had said then that its inspections did not find any issue with the locking mechanism of the switch, which it reiterated on Monday.

"Air India had checked the fuel control switches on all Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet after a directive from the DGCA [Directorate General of Civil Aviation], and had found no issues," the airline said in the statement.

On Tuesday, Reuters news agency reported, external that Air India had begun re-checking the fuel switches on its Boeing Dreamliner aircraft following the incident flagged by the pilot.

Aviation consultant and former air accident investigator Tim Atkinson told the BBC that he trusted Boeing's design of the fuel control switches.

"These switches are designed with one purpose in mind, and that is that they cannot be moved unintentionally. There is no doubt in my mind that the design is good. I would be astonished to find it had some kind of latent defect," he said.



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