Air India flight makes emergency landing in Delhi after engine fire; no injuries
An Air India flight bound for Indore returned to Delhi on Sunday morning after one of its engines caught fire shortly after take-off, the airline said. All passengers and crew were safe. Flight AI2913 departed Delhi for Indore when cockpit crew noticed flames in the right engine minutes after take-off. The pilots shut down the affected engine and turned the aircraft back to Delhi, where it landed safely, an Air India spokesperson said. The aircraft, which has two engines, continued flying on the left engine until it made its return. Passengers were unharmed, though the incident caused alarm on board. Air India said the aircraft is being inspected to determine the cause of the malfunction and that an alternative flight was arranged for passengers to continue their journey to Indore. The carrier apologised for the disruption. The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of Air India’s safety record. In June, an Ahmedabad-to-London Gatwick service crashed shortly after departure, killing all 260 people on board and several residents on the ground, raising concerns about the airline’s operational safety.
Air India’s low cost subsidiary Air India Express Expands to 58 Destinations in Major Post-Crash Revival
After June’s deadly crash in Bengaluru cast a long shadow over its operations of Air India , its low cost subsidiary, Air India Express is in expansion mode, signalling a robust revival with the addition of three new cities to its network — Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun. From September 1, 2025, the airline will connect Ahmedabad and Chandigarh to its Bengaluru hub with twice-daily flights, while Dehradun will join the network from September 15 with daily services. The additions will take the carrier’s footprint to 41 domestic and 17 international destinations, its largest network to date. The low-cost arm of Air India, now operating a fleet of 116 aircraft, is positioning itself as India’s fastest-growing airline. The expansion marks a turnaround from the turbulence that followed the Bengaluru crash, in which dozens lost their lives, sparking safety concerns and operational reviews. Industry analysts say the carrier’s rapid return to growth reflects both a strategic push by the Tata Group and increased post-pandemic demand for domestic and regional connectivity. “With our fleet now exceeding 115 aircraft, we continue to build a robust network focusing on connectivity between metros and emerging cities,” said Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh. He promised passengers “a warm, reliable flying experience” with enhanced in-flight services and competitive fares, starting from ₹4,100. The new routes cater to both business and leisure travellers: Ahmedabad offers a gateway to Gujarat’s industrial heartland and cultural heritage; Chandigarh serves as the capital of two states and a symbol of post-independence modernism; and Dehradun opens direct access to Uttarakhand’s spiritual centres and Himalayan trekking circuits. Air India Express is also betting on its ‘Xpress Holidays’ platform to drive ancillary revenue, offering bundled packages of flights, hotels, and local experiences. The airline’s fleet features the Tales of India livery, with each aircraft showcasing designs inspired by regional crafts such as Gujarat’s Bandhani, Punjab’s Phulkari, and Uttarakhand’s Aipan art — a branding strategy aimed at deepening its cultural connection with passengers. From Bengaluru alone, Air India Express now operates over 405 weekly flights to 34 domestic and three international destinations, with one-stop connections to an additional 19 cities worldwide. For survivors and families affected by the Bengaluru crash, the expansion is a poignant reminder of how far the airline has come. For the company, it’s a calculated step towards reclaiming market share and restoring public trust — a journey from tragedy to transformation that continues to play out in India’s highly competitive aviation market.
Air India Express launches ‘Freedom Sale’ with 5 million discounted seats
Air India Express has announced a major discount campaign to mark India’s 79th Independence Day, offering five million seats at reduced fares across its domestic and international network. The airline – which has been expanding rapidly in the wake of a previous Air India accident – says fares start from ₹1,279 ($15) for domestic routes and ₹4,279 ($51) for international flights. Tickets will be on sale on the airline’s website and mobile app from 10 August, and across other booking channels between 11 and 15 August. Travel under the offer will be valid from 19 August 2025 to 31 March 2026, covering India’s festive season including Onam, Durga Puja, Diwali and Christmas. Air India Express says it aims to “redefine affordable air travel” through a range of fare types. Its zero check-in baggage “Xpress Lite” option is priced from ₹1,279 domestically, while the standard “Xpress Value” fare with baggage starts from ₹1,379. Business class-style “Xpress Biz” seats – with up to 58 inches of legroom – are now available on over 40 new aircraft added as part of the airline’s expansion. Loyalty programme members will get extra benefits including 25% off Xpress Biz fares, 20% off additional baggage, discounted hot meals, seat selection, and priority services. Special fares remain in place for students, senior citizens, armed forces personnel and their dependents. With a fleet of 116 aircraft operating more than 500 flights daily, the carrier serves 38 domestic and 17 international destinations, with a strong focus on routes linking India and the Middle East. The airline’s “Tales of India” campaign sees each aircraft tail painted with indigenous textile patterns such as Bandhani, Ajrakh, Patola and Warli, which it says reflects both India’s traditions and its “vibrant modern spirit”.
Air India Express marks Raksha Bandhan with in-flight rakhis
Air India Express marked the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan on Friday by presenting passengers with limited-edition rakhis during flights across India, the airline said. Cabin crew handed out the traditional decorative threads, symbolising the bond between siblings, to passengers on domestic and international services. The carrier said the gesture aimed to connect travellers with cultural traditions even when separated by distance. The Tata Group-owned airline has marked Raksha Bandhan with in-flight rakhis for several years, calling it part of its focus on “meaningful connections” and celebrating Indian culture. This year, it also ran a social media contest inviting passengers to share their festival moments, with winners receiving flight vouchers. Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India, operates more than 500 daily flights to 38 domestic and 17 international destinations with a fleet of 116 aircraft, according to the company.
Air India Flight to London Aborts Takeoff at Delhi Airport Due to Technical Glitch
An Air India Dreamliner en route to London was forced to abort takeoff at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday due to a suspected technical issue, the airline confirmed. Flight AI2017, scheduled to depart for London on July 31, was operated with a Boeing 787-9 aircraft. As the plane began its takeoff run, the cockpit crew detected a potential technical anomaly and decided to return the aircraft to the bay for precautionary checks. “Following standard operating procedures, the cockpit crew discontinued the takeoff and brought the aircraft back for technical inspection,” an Air India spokesperson said in a statement. The exact nature of the technical fault has not yet been disclosed. An alternative aircraft is being arranged to operate the flight, the airline added. “Our ground staff is providing all necessary assistance to passengers to minimise inconvenience,” the spokesperson said. There has been no official word on the number of passengers onboard at the time of the incident. The latest disruption adds to a string of recent issues involving Air India aircraft. The airline has faced increasing scrutiny from India’s aviation regulator over safety and maintenance protocols. Earlier this summer, on June 12, another Air India Dreamliner — a Boeing 787-8 operating a flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick — tragically crashed into a building shortly after takeoff, killing all 260 people on board. The incident sent shockwaves through the aviation community and led to a full-scale investigation. As regulators continue to examine Air India’s operational safety, the airline has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and service continuity.
NSCBI Kolkata Airport launches “New DigiYatra” facility for domestic transfers passengers
A dedicated New DigiYatra facility for domestic transfer passengers—those arriving at Kolkata and taking another domestic flight has been launched today. The facial recognition-based system for domestic flight passengers was inaugurated by passengers themselves, in the presence of Dr. P.R. Beuria, Airport Director, Airports Authority of India (AAI), alongside senior AAI officials and key aviation stakeholders. Located adjacent to Arrival Baggage Belt No. 1, the facility is designed specifically for domestic transfer passengers. It enables quicker movement through terminal checkpoints by eliminating the need for physical boarding passes and ID verifications, reducing overall processing time and enhancing security protocols. “DigiYatra is a pivotal initiative aligned with the Government of India’s vision of a digitally empowered transportation ecosystem,” Dr. Beuria said. “Its integration at Kolkata Airport reinforces our commitment to technology-enabled efficiency and a seamless passenger experience.” The DigiYatra system uses facial recognition technology to authenticate a passenger’s identity and travel credentials. Once registered on the DigiYatra app, passengers can pass through designated gates using biometric verification alone. Kolkata becomes one of several Indian airports rolling out DigiYatra services, as the civil aviation sector accelerates efforts to adopt smart technology and improve operational efficiency amid rising passenger volumes. The launch event drew enthusiastic participation from travelers and industry representatives, underlining growing public support for innovation in air travel. With this addition, NSCBI Airport continues to upgrade its infrastructure and digital capabilities, aiming to establish itself as a modern, passenger-friendly hub in eastern India. India’s DigiYatra programme was first introduced in 2022 and is gradually being implemented across major domestic airports to ensure faster, paperless, and more secure air travel.
Indian Pilots’ Union Slams Report Blaming Crew for Air India Ahmedabad Incident, Alleges Boeing Being Shielded
India’s leading pilots’ union has criticized a U.S. media report that appears to blame the crew for a recent Air India incident in Ahmedabad, alleging an attempt to shield aircraft manufacturer Boeing from scrutiny. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) on Thursday expressed “strong dissatisfaction” over The Wall Street Journal’s coverage, which cited unnamed U.S. officials claiming the Air India pilots were responsible for the near-disastrous incident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on June 15. According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report, the aircraft experienced a critical loss of thrust during takeoff after both engines suddenly lost fuel flow. The incident occurred when the fuel control switches shifted from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ mode, effectively shutting off fuel supply to the engines. While the flight crew managed to restore power to one engine within seconds, the second engine failed to reignite, causing a rapid descent before the aircraft stabilized. No injuries were reported. The Wall Street Journal, citing black box data, reported that the captain manually switched off the fuel supply—an assertion the pilots’ union strongly disputes. “We are deeply concerned about the way the AAIB’s initial findings are being portrayed in international media,” the FIP said in a statement. “Attributing blame to the cockpit crew without a thorough, science-based investigation is not only premature but grossly irresponsible.” The union emphasized the extensive experience of the crew involved: Captain Sumit Sabharwal logged over 8,200 flight hours, while First Officer Clive Kundar had more than 1,100 hours. “It is implausible that such experienced professionals would inadvertently shut off fuel to both engines during takeoff. Mechanical malfunction must not be ruled out,” the statement added. Air India has stated there is currently no indication of technical issues with the Boeing 787-8’s fuel control switches, although the matter remains under investigation. The FIP has called for an independent, transparent probe and cautioned against what it described as “media trials” that deflect attention from possible manufacturing or system faults. Boeing has not commented on the incident or the FIP’s statement.
No Technical Fault in Crashed Air India Jet, Preliminary Probe Finds; Pilot Body Raises Concerns
NEW DELHI, July 15: Air India CEO Campbell Wilson on Monday said that the preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the July 12 crash of a Boeing 787 jet found no evidence of mechanical or maintenance failure, raising questions over possible human error. Speaking on the findings of the AAIB’s initial report, Wilson stated, “There is no indication of any aircraft or engine malfunction in the crash involving the Air India flight. The report confirms that the aircraft was airworthy and well-maintained.” The aircraft was operating a scheduled international flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when it crashed just seconds after take-off, plummeting into a densely populated area. The accident claimed 260 lives, including both passengers and people on the ground, making it one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years. The AAIB released its preliminary findings on Saturday, ruling out mechanical failure as a cause. The focus has now shifted to human factors, including pilot error, which has triggered sharp reactions from pilot associations. The pilots’ union expressed concern over what it described as a “narrative push” implicating the crew without conclusive evidence. “It appears the investigation is prematurely pointing toward pilot error,” the association said in a statement, demanding that their representatives be allowed to participate in the inquiry process as observers. The union also questioned the transparency and objectivity of the probe, calling for a broader, multi-stakeholder review to ensure fairness. “This is a complex incident that requires comprehensive analysis, not speculation,” the statement added. The AAIB has not yet made any official comment on the pilot union’s concerns but has indicated that a full report will be published after a complete forensic and operational analysis. Meanwhile, Air India continues to cooperate with investigators and has assured full support to the families of the victims. “We remain committed to uncovering the full truth behind this tragedy,” Wilson said. Breaking news
