Latest news with #AirIndia
Mint
38 minutes ago
- Mint
Ahmedabad plane crash: 215 DNA samples matched, 198 bodies handed to their families
In the recent Ahmedabad plane crash tragedy, 241 people out of 242 onboard died. DNA matches identified 215 victims in the Air India AI-171 plane crash while mortal remains of a total of 198 deceased were handed over to their respective families, ANI reported. Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent Rakesh Joshi on June 20 said, "215 DNA samples have been matched, of which the mortal remains of 198 deceased have been handed over to their the 198 deceased, 149 are Indian nationals, seven Portuguese, 32 British and one Canadian." As per the report, the mortal remains of 183 victims were dispatched by road through ambulances while the bodies of remaining 15 victims were dispatched by air. Earlier on Thursday, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik informed ANI that 222 victims of the Air India plane crash have been identified. According to GS Malik, DNA samples were used to identify 214 individuals while eight were identified without DNA matching. The devastating Air India crash took place on June 12 when a London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner set off for its journey from Gujarat's Ahmedabad. Moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, the aircraft rammed into a hostel complex of BJ Medical College.
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Morning news wrap: Netanyahu warns Iran again; Bengaluru doctor threatens to crash plane over lost bag, and more
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to strike all nuclear facilities in Iran, declaring that he won't wait for US approval as tensions escalate in the Middle East. A bizarre scene unfolded at Bengaluru airport when a doctor threatened to crash an Air India flight if his bag wasn't found, causing delays and forcing crew to deboard him. Down south in Chennai, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran has accused his brother Kalanithi, head of Sun Group, of massive financial fraud, stirring up a family-business feud. On the sports front, Lionel Messi has once again made headlines by leading Inter Miami to a historic win over a European club, marking a first for the MLS. The match showcased Messi's enduring brilliance on the field. Here are the top five stories of the morning: Netanyahu threatens strikes on Iran nuclear sites Israeli PM Netanyahu said Israel is prepared to strike 'every nuclear site in Iran' and 'eliminate Khamenei' without waiting for US approval. The remarks come amid soaring regional tensions. Read full story Chinese hackers spying on Russia for Ukraine war intel: Report A US-based cybersecurity firm says Chinese hackers have targeted top Russian government agencies to steal classified data related to the Ukraine conflict. The motive appears to be Beijing's strategic positioning. Read full story Bengaluru doctor threatens to crash plane over lost bag An Air India flight from Bengaluru to Surat was delayed after a doctor allegedly threatened to crash the aircraft if his bag wasn't located. Crew had to deboard him for security reasons. Read full story DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran accuses brother of fraud Chennai MP Dayanidhi Maran has filed a complaint against his brother Kalanithi, accusing him of defrauding him of ?100 crore through forged signatures and false agreements. Read full story Messi leads Inter Miami to MLS history Lionel Messi starred in Inter Miami's latest victory, this time against a visiting European side, helping the club secure a historic milestone in the MLS. Read full story
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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Air India flew Airbus jets with overdue checks days before fatal 787 crash
India's civil aviation regulator had warned Air India about multiple safety violations just days before the deadly crash of one of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft in Ahmedabad. According to official documents reviewed by Reuters, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had flagged serious lapses involving overdue inspections of emergency equipment on several aircraft. The warnings were issued prior to the June 13 crash that killed 271 people, including at least 30 on the ground. However, the DGCA clarified that the cited violations were not linked to the cause of the crash. Still, the timing of the findings has deepened scrutiny of the airline, which was acquired by the Tata Group in 2022. Emergency slide checks missed on multiple aircraft A DGCA inspection report revealed that spot checks in May found three Airbus aircraft had operated flights despite missing mandatory inspections of their emergency escape slides—equipment vital for passenger evacuation during emergencies. One Airbus A320 continued flying international routes to Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah even though its escape slide inspection was overdue by over a month. Another aircraft, an A319 on domestic routes, had not undergone required checks for more than three months. A third aircraft had missed its inspection by two days. 'Operating aircraft with expired or unverified emergency equipment constitutes a breach of standard airworthiness and safety norms,' the DGCA report stated. It further said that Air India failed to submit timely compliance responses, indicating 'weak procedural control and oversight'. The regulator warned that aircraft missing mandatory safety inspections are deemed to have suspended airworthiness certificates. Warning notices were issued to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson and senior officials responsible for airworthiness, quality, and planning. The report also cited an incident where an AI Engineering Services engineer accidentally deployed an escape slide during maintenance, which led to the discovery of one of the missed inspections. Air India accelerates verification of maintenance logs Air India responded by saying it is reviewing all maintenance records—particularly those related to escape slide inspections—and expects the process to be completed shortly. The DGCA also found that several aircraft had outdated registration paperwork. While Air India claimed all but one aircraft were compliant and that the discrepancy posed no safety risk, the regulator criticised 'inadequate internal oversight' and called it a 'systemic control failure'. Air India, subsidiaries received most safety notices in 2024 India's junior aviation minister said regulators had issued 23 safety-related warnings or penalties to airlines in 2024—more than half involving Air India and its low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express. Among them was a $127,000 fine, the largest so far, for insufficient oxygen supply on a San Francisco-bound flight. Another incident involved unauthorised entry into the cockpit. Crash becomes world's deadliest in a decade The June 13 crash is now considered the deadliest plane crash globally in the past ten years. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, hitting a medical college hostel near the airport. The sole survivor, 40-year-old Viswashkumar Ramesh, was seated near an emergency exit. Among the 242 people on board, 241 died—including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, one Canadian, and 12 crew members. At least 30 others were killed on the ground. Investigators are examining possible issues with engine thrust, flap deployment, and the aircraft's landing gear, which reportedly remained extended during take-off. Both black boxes have been recovered and are under analysis.
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
Lady doctor deplaned from Air India flight at KIA
BENGALURU: A 36-year-old lady doctor from Shivanahalli in Yelahanka was deplaned from an Air India flight from Bengaluru to Surat on Tuesday afternoon on charges of Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act 1982. The doctor was deplaned from the flight at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) due to security concerns. The incident occurred before the flight was scheduled to depart to Surat. It is said that the woman was offloaded before takeoff. The doctor has been identified as Vyas Hiral Mohan Bai. Agnimitra Bahinipati (39), Associate Manager, Security, of KIA, has filed a complaint in the BIAL police station on Tuesday around 6.30 pm. According to the complaint, Vyas after boarding the flight had reportedly left her baggage in the first row. When the cabin crew questioned her, the doctor is said to have told the crew to keep her baggage at her seat number 20F. She also allegedly threatened to 'crash' the aeroplane if her orders were not followed. She is said to have displayed violent behaviour despite the captain's request. As her act was risking the lives of those present in the flight, she was deplaned. 'The woman who was arrested was produced before the court and she was granted bail,' said an officer. Along with the safety of civil Aviation Act, the woman is also booked for criminal intimidation by anonymous communication (BNS 351(4)) and another section of BNS.
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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Vietnam-bound Air India flight returns to Delhi as 'precautionary measure'
'Air India flight AI388 to Ho Chi Minh City returned to Delhi as a precaution. All passengers are safe and will depart on an alternate aircraft with a fresh crew at 1800 hrs today,' the airline said ANI An Air India flight (AI388) from Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, returned to the national capital on Thursday evening as a precautionary measure shortly after takeoff. Air India said that the aircraft landed safely and all passengers were disembarked without incident. "Air India flight AI388 from Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City has air returned to Delhi as a precautionary measure. The flight landed safely back in Delhi and all passengers have been disembarked and served refreshments while an alternative aircraft with fresh crew has been arranged to fly the passengers to Ho Chi Minh City at 1800 hrs today," the airline said in a statement. "The inconvenience caused to passengers is sincerely regretted. At Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority," it added. Earlier in the day, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu convened a detailed video conference with all Airport Directors across the country to review ground-level preparedness and passenger support mechanisms in the light of rescheduling of flights happening due to multiple reasons like post-accident checks, weather changes, closing of certain airspaces due to geopolitical tensions, etc. During the meeting several directives were issued including close liaison with airlines was emphasized to ensure passenger issues are addressed swiftly and on the spot. Availability of food, drinking water, and adequate seating facilities at terminals must be ensured, particularly during flight delays or congestion. Sufficient personnel must be deployed at key touchpoints to manage passenger grievances proactively, Civil Aviation Ministry said in a release on Thursday. Airport Directors were requested to extend all possible assistance to airlines facing operational disruptions, including gate reassignments and logistical support. To maintain a safe and secure airport environment, Airport Directors were directed to reinforce wildlife hazard management, including the deterrence of birds and stray animals, it added. The Minister of Civil Aviation held a high-level meeting with the Chairman & Managing Director of Air India and the discussions focused on three critical aspects like maintaining operational continuity, supporting transparent and accountable communication with the public and passengers' safety and convenience, release said. The meeting noted that due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, enhanced safety checks, and a ban on night flying in Europe, Air India is facing reduced aircraft availability, release stated. "As a result, they will temporarily scale down operations, restructure flights, and announce changes through the media. Affected passengers will be rebooked or offered full refunds. Air India was urged to strengthen their ground-level coordination at airports, improve communication with passengers regarding cancellations/delays, and ensure that customer service teams are sensitised and equipped to handle increased passenger concerns with empathy and clarity," Civil Aviation Ministry said. As per an official release, meetings were also held with the senior managements of Spice Jet, Indigo and Akasa on 18th and 19th June. The Minister reviewed the fleet performance, safety oversight, passengers experience & convenience and the airline communication strategy. It was also decided that the practice of periodical review with the airlines on operational matters will be institutionalised for better monitoring and coordination. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has commenced a formal inquiry into the Air India flight crash near Ahmedabad, an official release said. A multi-disciplinary team from AAIB has commenced an investigation on June 12, 2025. The investigation has been ordered by DG, AAIB. NTSB and OEM teams have arrived to assist AAIB as per ICAO protocols. A combined unit of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) has been recovered from the crash site on 13 June 2025 and another set was found on 16 June. This model of aircraft has two Blackbox sets. The AAIB investigation is progressing steadily with all necessary support from local authorities and agencies. Key recovery work, including site documentation and evidence collection, has been completed, and further analysis is now underway. The Ministry remains committed to full transparency relating to the ongoing investigation and will follow all mandated protocols and norms, in the larger interest of the highest standards of Passenger Safety and convenience. The Minister emphasised the importance of working together as a cohesive and responsive team to uphold passenger trust and bring operational stability, which has been the cornerstone of Indian aviation over the years. It has been reported in certain media outlets that the CVR/DFDR from the ill-fated AI171 flight is being sent abroad for retrieval and analysis. 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, ministry further added. The Ministry of Civil Aviation also urged all stakeholders to refrain from speculation on such sensitive matters and to allow the investigative process to proceed with the seriousness and professionalism it warrants.
