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News18
8 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Indian-American Professor Blames Reservation For Air India Plane Crash, Draws Netizens' Ire
Last Updated: Sharing a recruitment notice of the AAI for the post of Air Traffic Control, Dr Rajeshwari Iyer, argued that in India, safety is not as important as "freeloaders". An Indian-American professor has triggered a controversy on social media after she blamed country's reservation policies for the Air India's London bound AI 171 flight crash, which resulted in the deaths of over 270 people. Sharing a recruitment notice of the Airports Authority of India for the post of Air Traffic Control, the Indian-origin professor, Dr Rajeshwari Iyer, argued that in India, safety is not as important as 'freeloaders". She posted the job announcement ad and said, 'Even the post of 'Air Traffic Controller' has reservations. Means: In India, freeloaders are more important than safety." Iyer also said, 'Including Indian citizens, we lose many British citizens too. 241 died in a plane crash. What a pathetic system. Her post, which came a day after the tragic incident, ignited a heated debate on social media. While many netizens supported her, others slammed her for alleged caste prejudice and for leveraging a national disaster to promote ideological views. Some also pointed out how Indian-origin people in the US are jumping to conclusions about the crash. 'The crash happened due to malfunctions in Boeing Dreamliner which is manufactured by USA company due to loss of thrust. There is no fault of crew. So chill a bit before farming," one wrote, reacting to Dr Iyer's reservation post. Another person wrote, 'Firstly, it's too early to conclude anything. Also, desperately wish where one day such brilliant migrants and naturalised citizens of other 'first world' nations (whether through parents or self) like yourself, fix the flaws of this young Indian democracy and work towards ensuring that it comes out of years of colonial and outdated ideas and depredations." India witnessed one of its worst aviation tragedies on Thursday after a London-bound Air India plane, carrying 242 passengers and crew, including former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, crashed into a medical college complex shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. 241 out of 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 (AI 171) and another 29 persons, including five MBBS students, on the ground were killed in the crash. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kunder. Two senior cabin crew members have been identified as Shradha Dhavan and Aparna Mahadik. The other cabin crew members were Saineeta Chakravarti, Nganthoi Kongbrailatpam Sharma, Deepak Pathak, Maithili Patil, Irfan Shaikh, Lamnunthem Singson, Roshni Songhare Rajendra, and Manisha Thapa. One person survived the tragedy. The lone survivor was identified as Indian-origin British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh who was returning to the UK with his brother Ajay Kumar Rakesh, 45, who was in a different row inside the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. Meanwhile, 211 victims have been identified so far through DNA matching, while 189 bodies are handed over to their families. Authorities are carrying out DNA tests to establish the identity of the victims as many bodies were charred beyond recognition or severely damaged. The aircraft had 232 passengers and 10 crew members, including 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese and a Canadian, on board. First Published: June 20, 2025, 18:11 IST
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Week on, key recoveries done, debris to be shifted to AAI site
: Exactly one week after India's deadliest air crash in three decades, investigators have completed key recovery work at the Ahmedabad crash site and are now focusing on accessing the black boxes to determine what caused the Boeing Dreamliner to plunge into a medical hostel moments after take-off, killing 241 of 242 people aboard and several more on the ground. The aviation ministry said on Thursday that 'key recovery work, including site documentation and evidence collection, has been completed, and further analysis is now underway' at the site by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). 'The decision regarding the location for decoding the flight recorders will be taken by the AAIB after due assessment of all technical, safety, and security considerations,' the ministry stated, addressing speculation about whether the black boxes would be sent overseas for analysis. Both sets of flight recorders from the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner have been recovered - the first combined Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) unit was found on June 13, with the second set was located on June 16. The B787 aircraft model carries two black box sets – one under the cockpit and the other in the tail section -- as standard. According to a police official aware of the probe, the debris will soon be moved to a site near the Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Limited (GUJSAIL) office near the airport, on land owned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). 'Experts will attempt to reconstruct sections of the aircraft at that site to assist in the inquiry. All electronic components recovered from the wreckage will be handed over to the Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed examination,' the official said. Ahmedabad police commissioner GS Malik said 'reconstructed parts of the aircraft will be examined to determine what led to the crash. The black box will be analysed as part of this process'. The debris removal and transportation process typically involves careful cataloguing and preservation of aircraft components that could provide crucial evidence about the crash sequence. Investigators must maintain a strict chain of custody for all materials, with larger structural components often moved to specialised facilities where they can be reconstructed to understand the aircraft's final moments. Critical components like engines and control surfaces undergo detailed metallurgical and mechanical analysis to identify any failures or anomalies that may have contributed to the accident. The statement of the lone survivor, Vishwash Kumar, has also been recorded, according to Malik. Viswash recounted to HT that shortly after takeoff, he heard a loud sound and felt the aircraft lose balance, moments before the crash. According to an official of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), CISF personnel stationed near the emergency exit close to the Instrument Landing System (ILS) area on the runway heard a loud sound as the aircraft took off. The investigation involves multiple agencies, with teams from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing assisting the AAIB under International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) protocols. A separate committee headed by the home secretary and involving civil aviation ministry officials was also announced to look into larger questions about regulations and safety standards in the aftermath of the crash. On Thursday, 215 victims have been identified through DNA matching, with 198 bodies handed over to their families so far, the Ahmedabad civil hospital said. The victims included 149 Indians, 32 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. The crash has had significant operational impact on Air India, which announced a 15% reduction in international widebody services. Enhanced surveillance checks ordered by the DGCA on Air India's Boeing 787 fleet found no issues in 26 out of 33 aircraft inspected. As an added precaution, Air India will also undertake enhanced safety checks on its Boeing 777 fleet. The airline said flights will therefore be reduced on 16 international routes and suspended on 3 overseas destinations between June 21 and July 15. Services will be suspended on Delhi-Nairobi, Amritsar-London (Gatwick) and Goa (Mopa)-London (Gatwick) till July 15. The curtailments include 16 international routes connecting cities in North America, Europe, Australia and the far East.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
PVR INOX multiplex at Chennai airport's Aerohub faces closure due to legal dispute
The five-screen PVR INOX multiplex operating at the Aerohub, a commercial space attached to the multi-level car park (MLCP) in Chennai airport, is facing a threat of closure since the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had taken a stand that operation of a cinema hall is not a permissible activity under the AAI Act of 1994. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court has, however, directed the AAI to maintain status quo until the authority considers and disposes of, in accordance with law, a representation made to it by PVR Inox on May 29, 2025 seeking permission to continue its operations at the Aerohub. The direction was issued after Additional Solicitor General AR.L. Sundaresan, assisted by AAI standing counsel Ramaswamy Meyyappan, told the court that AAI would certainly a take decision in line with Articles 41 and 42 of the MLCP development agreement and convey it to the multiplex chain. The orders were passed while disposing of a writ petition filed by PVR INOX to restrain AAI from interfering with the operation of the multiplex. Senior counsel P.S. Raman, representing the petitioner, told the court that AAI had invited tenders in 2017 for development of the MLCP with integrated commercial infrastructure at the Chennai airport. The dispute Olympia Techpark (Chennai) Private Limited turned out to be successful bidder and it floated a special purpose vehicle titled Meenambakkam Realty Private Limited which, in turn, entered into a development agreement with AAI in 2018 to develop, build, operate and maintain the facility for a period of 15 years. Thereafter, AAI obtained environment clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in December 2018 and the application for environment clearance specifically included the area earmarked for the multiplex. Therefore, AAI was fully cognizant of the construction of cinema halls even as early as in 2018, Mr. Raman said. He added that AAI had also sanctioned the construction plans in 2019 and 2021 which had explicit mention about the cinema halls in the Aerohub and that in 2021, the authority had sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) too from the Greater Chennai City Commissioner of Police for the cinema halls. It was only on the basis of all these documents, PVR INOX had entered into a sub-licencing agreement with Meenambakkam Realty in November 2022 for operating the multiplex and commenced screening movies from February 1, 2023. The sub-licencing tenure was for a period of 13.5 years. However, on July 21, 2023, the AAI wrote a letter to Meenambakkam Realty stating it had been decided to close down the multiplex since running of cinema halls was not permissible under the AAI Act. The letter had been signed by Joint General Manager (Commercial) M. Selvanayagam on behalf of the Airport Director. Immediately, Meenambakkam Realty approached the Delhi High Court and obtained an interim order. Thereafter, an arbitral tribunal was constituted to resolve the dispute and the tribunal, in February 2024, stayed the operation of the July 2023 letter thereby providing interim protection to the developer. Premature termination Thereafter, the interim order was vacated and Meenambakkam Realty conveyed a startling information to PVR INOX on May 15, 2025 that its 2018 development agreement with AAI had been terminated prematurely and that AAI had decided to maintain the entire 2,47,202 square feet complex constructed on 4.5 acres of land on its own. However, since Articles 42 and 43 of the development agreement empowers AAI to permit sub-licencees to continue on mutually negotiable terms and conditions, PVR INOX had given a representation to the authority on May 29 to permit the operation of the multiplex dehors the termination of the agreement with Meenambakkam Realty.
News18
2 days ago
- News18
Lost Your Luggage At The Airport? Follow These Simple Steps to Get It Back
Published By : Nishad Thaivalappil Last Updated: If your luggage goes missing, don't panic—airports follow a standard protocol to trace and return lost items. Losing personal belongings while flying can be a stressful experience, but there are procedures in place to help you recover them. If your luggage goes missing, don't panic—airports follow a standard protocol to trace and return lost items. Here's what you should know about the steps involved in reclaiming lost baggage, according to the Airport Authority of India (AAI). Following the right process promptly can greatly improve your chances of recovering your items. Step 1: Check the Lost and Found Inventory Online Instead of stressing out, head straight to the official AAI website and navigate to the Lost and Found section. Select the relevant terminal and date—say, Terminal 3 for June 8, 2025—to browse a detailed list of recovered items like luggage, electronics, ID cards, and personal belongings. This is the quickest way to find out if your lost item has already been located. Each item is listed with basic details such as colour, brand, or type, which makes it easier to spot something that might be yours. If you think you've found a possible match, be sure to note the reference number, terminal, and item description—you'll need them when filing a claim. Step 2: Report the Loss Without Delay Acting quickly can significantly improve your chances of recovering a misplaced item. If it's been less than 24 hours since you lost your belongings, contact the Duty Terminal Manager at the terminal where you last had the item. They can check current records and assist in tracking it down. If more than 24 hours have passed, visit the AAI Lost & Found office located in the AAI Stores section. This office handles items moved from the terminal's temporary storage to long-term safekeeping. It operates Monday to Friday, from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and is your next point of contact for reclaiming items that haven't been claimed promptly. Step 3: Keep Your Documents Handy When you're ready to claim your lost item, proper documentation is essential. Make sure to carry a valid government-issued ID, like an Aadhaar card for Indian nationals or a passport if you're a foreign traveller. You'll also need travel documents such as your boarding pass or baggage tag. In addition, be ready to describe the item in detail. Share specifics like the brand, colour, size, or any unique features that distinguish your item. This helps airport staff verify ownership and ensures a smoother, quicker handover process. Step 4: Understand Where Lost Items Are Stored Initially, any lost item is kept at the terminal for up to 24 hours. After that, it is transferred to the central Lost & Found office maintained by the AAI, where it is securely stored for a few weeks based on airport policy. If an item remains unclaimed for an extended period, it may be handed over to customs officials, local police, or donated to approved NGOs. In some cases, items may be discarded following formal procedures. To avoid losing your belongings permanently, it's best to initiate the claim process as soon as possible. Step 5: Arrange a Courier Pickup if You Can't Go in Person If you're unable to visit the airport personally, you can authorise a courier service to collect your lost item on your behalf. Several logistics companies at Delhi Airport offer this service for convenience. To initiate the pickup, provide the courier with an authorisation letter, a photocopy of your valid ID, your boarding pass, and the reference ID mentioned in the AAI lost-and-found list. Ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid any hold-ups. Once picked up, delivery typically takes between 1 to 3 business days, depending on your location and the courier's schedule. Step 6: Follow Up and Stay Prepared for the Future Once you have filed a request, be sure to follow up regularly. Keep a record of all interactions with airport staff, including dates, names, and contact numbers. If your item isn't listed online right away, don't lose hope—some recovered belongings are added to the system after a delay. For future trips, consider using smart luggage tags or digital trackers like Apple AirTags. These devices can help you locate your belongings quickly and even send live updates to your phone, giving you peace of mind beyond the airport gates. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : airport authority of India baggage lifestyle lost luggage travel Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: June 19, 2025, 09:25 IST News lifestyle Lost Your Luggage At The Airport? Follow These Simple Steps to Get It Back
India Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
'Chronic' safety staff shortage: Parliamentary panel flagged before Air India crash
Nearly three months before the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, a parliamentary panel flagged 'chronic' understaffing in government bodies responsible for aviation safety and regulatory oversight in a March 2025 report, the standing committee on transport, tourism, and culture said over 53 per cent of posts were lying vacant in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the agency responsible for the safety of every flight that takes off or lands in the widespread, understaffing only begins to disrupt operations when critical roles are left committee expressed 'serious concerns' over a 'chronic' understaffing across key aviation regulatory and operational bodies, particularly in the DGCA, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). 'The committee is deeply concerned that chronic understaffing in these institutions could undermine safety, security, and service delivery standards, particularly as air traffic volumes continue to rise,' the report produced in the 375th Report on Demands for Grants (2025–26) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation reveals a gross staff shortage: more than 53% of positions are vacant in the DGCA, which oversees aviation safety; 35% in the BCAS, responsible for airport security; and 17% in the AAI, which manages airport infrastructure. Over 53% of DGCA (aviation safety), 35% of BCAS (airport security), and 17% of AAI (airport infrastructure) positions are vacant. advertisementTo understand the extent of the staffing crisis, India Today's OSINT team further looked into year-wise data from the Sansad records over the last five years. In a written response in April 2025, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, provided a year-wise breakdown of sanctioned strength, occupied positions, and vacancies across key aviation bodies. Vacancies in AAI increased to 9502 in 2025 from 8804 in 2024. As of March 31 this year, the AAI reported 9,502 vacant positions or nearly one-third of 25,730 sanctioned posts. The AAI is solely responsible for the development and maintenance of airport infrastructure, as well as Air Traffic Management (ATM) services. Data showed 8,804 vacancies in 2023, 9,057 in 2022, and 11,309 in 2021. At least 814 positions vacant in DGCA as of March, 2025 The most alarming trend, as highlighted by the standing committee report, relates to the DGCA. With over 53% of its positions vacant, the parliamentary standing committee report raises 'fundamental concerns about its capacity to enforce aviation safety standards effectively.'advertisementA serving commercial pilot told India Today, "The DGCA has two bodies overseeing safety - the flying staff and ground engineers, with each undergoing mandatory training every six months'.The report also flags underutilisation of funds by the DGCA, which spent Rs 205.6 crore out of the revised allocation of Rs 278 crore as of January isn't a one-off issue. Over the past five years, even as air passenger traffic has tripled and fleet size has almost doubled, the number of personnel in aviation safety has increased by barely 100. Year-on-year data reveals a slight increase in the number of vacancies at the DGCA in 2025. Year-on-year data shows a rise in vacant positions at BCAS, increasing from 187 in 2024 to 224 in 2025. A similar pattern is seen in the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which is responsible for maintaining aviation security. Nearly 35% of its sanctioned posts remain unfilled, raising concerns about the effectiveness and robustness of security oversight at Indian data shows a rise in vacant positions at BCAS, increasing from 187 in 2024 to 224 in per the civil aviation ministry, the Indian aviation sector received 999 hoax bomb threats in 2024, nearly 10 times higher than the previous year's InMust Watch
