Latest news with #ChicagoConvention
Indian Express
6 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Air India plane crash: Why are US investigators probing an air crash on Indian soil?
When Air India flight 171 crashed on Thursday, killing all 241 passengers and crew, the immediate response followed a predictable pattern. Emergency services rushed to the scene. Families gathered at airports. Media crews descended on Ahmedabad. But on Sunday (June 15), something that might puzzle casual observers was also happening: several international aviation agencies arrived in Ahmedabad to participate in the investigation of the tragedy. Among those who reached India were representatives of the United States' National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), its top transport accident investigation agency, as well as officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US civil aviation regulator, and the United Kingdom's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This raises the obvious question: Why are foreign agencies, particularly from the US and the U.K., involved in investigating the crash of an Indian airline on Indian soil? The answer lies in a 78-year-old international agreement that governs nearly every aspect of how we fly. The Convention on International Civil Aviation, better known as the Chicago Convention, was signed in 1944 as World War II was drawing to a close. Its framers understood that aviation would connect the world in unprecedented ways, and that ensuring air safety would require shared global responsibility. Today, the Convention's technical standards are overseen by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a UN agency based in Montreal. All 193 member countries—including India, the United States, and the United Kingdom—have agreed to follow its rules. One of the most important of these is Annex 13, which lays out the international protocols for investigating aircraft accidents and serious incidents. Chapter 5 of Annex 13 outlines the core responsibilities for conducting such investigations. It clarifies that the goal is not to assign blame or liability, but to improve aviation safety by uncovering causes and preventing future accidents. Who can participate in the investigation? According to Chapter 5, the responsibility to investigate an aircraft accident lies with the 'State of Occurrence' — the country where the accident took place. In addition, other countries connected to the aircraft have a formal right to participate. These include the 'State of Registry' (where the aircraft is registered), the 'State of the Operator' (which operated the flight), the 'State of Design', and the 'State of Manufacture' (of the aircraft in question). Since the AI 171 air crash occurred on Indian soil, India holds the State of Occurrence right. The investigation into the accident is thus led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the government agency under India's Ministry of Civil Aviation responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and serious incidents. The 'State of the Operator', which refers to the country where the airline's principal place of business is located, is also India, as Air India operated the aircraft. The 'State of Registry' is India as well; Air India's Boeing aircraft carry Indian registration markings that begin with VT, following national regulations. However, both the 'State of Design' and the 'State of Manufacture' in this case are the United States. The aircraft was manufactured by Boeing and has engines made by General Electric, both American firms. Thus, US agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are entitled to participate in the investigation, under ICAO Annex 13. The manufacturer, such as Boeing, may also send its own experts as part of the NTSB's accredited team. The UK's representatives have joined the investigation since 53 British nationals were on board AI 171, all of whom died. All participants in the investigation are entitled to visit the crash site, examine the wreckage and evidence, make technical submissions, and receive the final report. A practical necessity, with a precedent This isn't overreach—it's a practical necessity. The aim is to ensure a thorough, technically sound investigation, with all relevant stakeholders contributing to uncover the root cause and enhance global aviation safety. It reflects the principle that air safety is a shared international responsibility, especially in an era where aircraft design, technology, and manufacturing are deeply globalised, and a single aircraft model flies for dozens of airlines across six continents. A lesson learned from a crash in India might prevent an accident in Indonesia. A design flaw discovered in Delhi could save lives in Detroit. This is why foreign investigators pack their bags and rush to crash sites around the world—not because they're interfering, but because modern aviation safety depends on sharing knowledge across borders. India has seen this protocol in action before. When Air India Express Flight 812 crashed in Mangalore in 2010, the NTSB provided technical assistance at the request of Indian authorities. Ritika Chopra, an award-winning journalist with over 17 years of experience, serves as the Chief of the National Bureau (Govt) and National Education Editor at The Indian Express in New Delhi. In her current role, she oversees the newspaper's coverage of government policies and education. Ritika closely tracks the Union Government, focusing on the politically sensitive Election Commission of India and the Education Ministry, and has authored investigative stories that have prompted government responses. Ritika joined The Indian Express in 2015. Previously, she was part of the political bureau at The Economic Times, India's largest financial daily. Her journalism career began in Kolkata, her birthplace, with the Hindustan Times in 2006 as an intern, before moving to Delhi in 2007. Since then, she has been reporting from the capital on politics, education, social sectors, and the Election Commission of India. ... Read More
Jordan News
15-06-2025
- Jordan News
Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission Decides to Reopen Jordanian Airspace - Jordan News
Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission Decides to Reopen Jordanian Airspace Captain Haitham Misto, Chief Commissioner of the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC), announced on Sunday that Jordan has reopened its airspace to civil aviation traffic following a risk assessment conducted by the Commission. اضافة اعلان He emphasized that the closure decisions taken since the onset of the recent events were tactical and temporary, aimed at addressing specific short-term concerns. In a statement to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Misto noted that the Commission continues to closely monitor developments in the region and assess their potential risks to civil aviation, in order to make informed decisions regarding the continued opening or possible closure of the airspace. He added that airlines have been notified of the decision to reopen the airspace so they can resume scheduled flights and redirect those previously diverted to alternate destinations back to Amman. Misto stressed that the Commission will make appropriate decisions regarding air traffic based on ongoing developments and their impact on civil aviation, prioritizing the safety of travelers. The Commission had temporarily closed Jordan's airspace on Saturday evening, suspending all incoming, outgoing, and transiting flights as a precaution due to the escalating regional tensions. Misto explained that the closure decision aligns with international civil aviation safety agreements, including the Chicago Convention, which governs rules of air navigation and flight safety. He reaffirmed that airspace safety and the safety of passengers remain top priorities for the Commission, and that all decisions are made within its precautionary protocols. — (Petra)
See - Sada Elbalad
13-06-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Jordan Temporarily Closes Airspace
Israa Farhan Jordan has temporarily closed its airspace to all incoming, outgoing, and transiting flights in response to rising security concerns across the region, the Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) announced. The suspension, described as a precautionary measure, is aimed at ensuring the safety of civil aviation operations amid growing instability in the Middle East. The move aligns with international civil aviation safety protocols, including the Chicago Convention, which governs air navigation standards worldwide. Haitham Misto, Chairman of the CARC Board of Commissioners, confirmed that the closure was made in strict adherence to global aviation agreements and is intended to mitigate potential risks associated with the current escalation in regional tensions. The decision underscores Jordan's commitment to maintaining aviation safety and protecting passengers and air traffic amid volatile geopolitical developments. The closure is expected to be temporary, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to determine when it is safe to resume normal air traffic operations. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
Roya News
13-06-2025
- Roya News
Jordan closes airspace amid regional escalation
Jordan's Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) has announced the temporary closure of the kingdom's airspace, suspending all inbound, outbound, and transit flights as a precautionary measure in response to rising regional tensions. CARC Chief Commissioner Haitham Misto said the decision was made in line with international aviation safety agreements, including the Chicago Convention, which governs air navigation and safety protocols. Misto explained that the measure is part of a broader set of precautions taken by the authority to safeguard air travel and passenger safety amid the ongoing escalation in the region. He noted that the decision will be reviewed regularly based on evolving developments and risk assessments. The aviation authority is actively coordinating with airlines to keep travelers and stakeholders informed of updates related to the suspension of air traffic.
The Print
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Air India plane crash: Trump offers India support, US probe team to assist in investigation
He added: 'It was a horrific crash. Looks like most are gone. Actually they may have a couple of survivors…Nobody has any idea what it might be. I gave them a couple of pointers. We saw the plane. It looked like it was flying pretty well, it did not look like there was an explosion. It looked like the engines maybe lost power, but boy that is a terrible crash. It is one of the worst in aviation history.' 'The plane crash was terrible. I have already told them [India] anything we can do, it is a big country, a strong country, they will handle it I am sure, but I let them know that anything we can do, we will be there immediately,' Trump said. New Delhi: Calling the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad 'one of the worst in aviation history', US President Donald Trump Thursday said he has offered 'immediate' support to India if needed. The US National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) will be leading a team of investigators to assist India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in its investigation into the crash. A couple of hours before Trump's comments, the NTSB in a statement said it will be leading a team of American investigators to assist India in investigating the crash of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was scheduled to travel from Ahmedabad to London. .@POTUS on the Air India plane crash: "The plane crash was terrible. I've already told them, anything we can do… we'll be over there immediately." — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 12, 2025 'Per international protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organization's Annex 13, all information on the investigation will be provided by the Government of India,' added the NTSB in its statement. The NTSB is empowered to participate in the investigation of aviation accidents and serious incidents outside of the US in accordance with the Chicago Convention, which established the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)—a specialised agency under the United Nations, which governs the Convention on International Civil Aviation. India is a founding member of the ICAO. The Chicago Convention, signed in 1944, is a cornerstone of the modern aviation system. Under Annex 13 of the Convention, if any serious incident involving an American registered, American operated or American manufactured civil aircraft occurs outside of the US, a foreign state must notify the NTSB. As the Air India plane that crashed Thursday afternoon with 242 on board was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—Boeing being an American manufacturer—the NTSB has a role in participating in the investigation of the aviation accident. 'The following are the key objectives of our participation in international aviation accident investigations: Identify safety deficiencies affecting US aviation interests, capture safety lessons learned to prevent accidents in the US and facilitate credible and comprehensive accident investigations where US interests are concerned,' the NTSB notes on its website. The British Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has also formally offered its assistance to India's AAIB in its investigation into the crash. Air India Flight 171 took off from Ahmedabad at roughly 1.38 pm Thursday, and crashed into an area adjacent to the airport shortly after take-off. Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers. Of the 230 passengers on board, 53 were British nationals. The only known survivor, Ramesh Vishwakumar, is a British national. India's AAIB has formally instituted an investigation into the accident, while the government has also set up a high-level committee to examine the matter in detail. (Edited by Gitanjali Das) Also Read: Divided by conflict, 2 Manipur families now bound by grief—a Kuki & a Meitei were among AI 171 crew
