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Indian airlines reroute flights due to Israel-Iran conflict

In response to escalating tensions following Israel's pre-emptive strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Indian airlines have begun rerouting several flights to avoid Iranian airspace. Iran's closure of its airspace has prompted Air India to divert flights typically operating over the region, affecting routes to North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Notable diversions include flights from London to Mumbai, New York to Delhi, and others redirected to cities such as Vienna and Sharjah. Air India is accommodating affected passengers with refunds and rescheduling options, while IndiGo has also announced delays and rerouting for its Istanbul flights. The Israeli airstrike, which targeted nuclear and missile sites, has raised fears of a broader conflict, with Iran threatening to retaliate with long-range missile strikes against Israel. The situation remains fluid, with Iraq also closing its airspace amid the rising tensions. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 11 am

India, China to expedite direct air service resumption

In a significant development for bilateral relations, India and China have agreed to fast-track the resumption of direct air services, as confirmed by the Indian foreign ministry on Friday. This agreement follows a meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, who is currently visiting India. The two nations had previously committed in January to address their trade and economic differences, a move anticipated to enhance cooperation and provide a substantial boost to their aviation sectors. The renewed focus on stabilizing ties comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen economic collaboration between the two countries, which have historically had complex relations. The resumption of direct flights is expected to facilitate greater connectivity and foster closer ties in various sectors. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 10 am

Expert: Co-pilot retracted flaps, not gear, in Air India crash

Podcaster Ryan Bodenheimer, a former F-16 fighter pilot, has analyzed the recent crash of Air India Flight 171, attributing it primarily to a potential error by the co-pilot. He observed that shortly after take-off, the aircraft's landing gear remained down while the flaps, which should have been extended for lift, were retracted. Bodenheimer speculates that the co-pilot may have mistakenly retracted the flaps instead of the gear, a critical error he describes as a "death sentence." He raises concerns about the absence of alarms for flap position during take-off in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. While he considers other factors, such as bird strikes or maintenance issues, he notes that the crash site’s alignment with the runway suggests simultaneous engine failure. Despite the incident, Bodenheimer reassures the public that air travel remains the safest mode of transportation. His podcast, Max Afterburner, delves into technical aviation details, including recent India-Pakistan air skirmishes. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 10 am

Garuda Aerospace launches agri-drone facility in Chennai

Garuda Aerospace has launched India's first dedicated agri-drone facility in Chennai, inaugurated by Union Minister Kamlesh Paswan. Spanning 35,000 square feet, the facility focuses on the design, manufacturing, and testing of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), aiming to produce seven subsystems and 33 parts to support the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The event also saw the introduction of 300 Centres of Excellence (CoE) to provide after-sales support and train future drone pilots through a new Train-the-Trainer (TTT) program. Garuda's founder, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, announced the delivery of 4,000 drones to date, with plans to meet a target of 2,000 additional units under the Namo Drone Didi scheme. The company has received dual DGCA certifications for manufacturing and training, positioning itself as a leader in India's burgeoning drone industry. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 9 am

Fatal accident at Chennai metro rail construction site

In a tragic incident in Chennai, one motorcyclist has died following the collapse of two girders during the construction of the metro rail's second phase in Ramapuram. The accident occurred late Thursday when the girders, erected just a week prior, fell after a supporting A-frame slipped. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) confirmed the fatality and is investigating the cause of the collapse, while also working to clear debris to restore traffic flow. Authorities are assessing whether additional individuals were trapped under the fallen structures. The ongoing construction is part of Corridor 4, which stretches 26.1 km from Poonamallee to Light House, with the initial segment expected to open by December. The incident has caused significant traffic congestion, prompting police to divert vehicles until the area is cleared. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 8 am

PM Modi visits Ahmedabad to meet aircraft crash victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday to assess the aftermath of a tragic Air India crash that claimed 241 lives, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which took off from Ahmedabad, crashed shortly after departure, impacting a residential area near BJ Medical Hospital. Of the 242 individuals on board, only one survivor, a British national of Indian descent, is currently hospitalized in stable condition. Modi is expected to visit the crash site and meet with the injured and Rupani's family in Gandhinagar. The Gujarat government has reported that 50 individuals are receiving treatment. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that over 1,000 DNA samples will be collected for victim identification. In response to the tragedy, Tata Group pledged ₹1 crore to each victim's family and will cover medical expenses, while Air India established assistance centres to support affected families. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 8 am

Air India Boeing 787 crashed after minimal ascent

Air India flight 171, a Boeing 787 en route to London, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad on Thursday, reaching a maximum altitude of just 625 feet before descending rapidly. Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft lost signal less than a minute into its ascent, with experts suggesting a potential loss of engine thrust as the cause. Notably, a video captured before the crash showed the landing gear still extended, which could have increased drag and hindered the aircraft's climb. Investigators will examine various factors, including weather conditions and aircraft weight, while the possibility of a bird strike affecting engine performance is also being considered. General Electric, which manufactures the aircraft's engines, expressed condolences and confirmed the activation of their emergency response team to assist with the investigation. The incident has raised significant concerns within the aviation community regarding engine reliability and safety protocols. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 10 pm

Air India plane insured for $120 million

In a tragic incident on June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, with wreckage landing on a nearby building. The aircraft was insured for approximately $120 million as part of a broader $20 billion insurance policy finalized by Air India in April, with Tata AIG as the lead insurer. This policy covers damages from accidents and includes separate provisions for passenger and third-party liabilities, which will be activated following the crash. Insurance surveyors are set to assess the damage and gather information to determine the cause of the incident. While the airline is expected to receive full claims under the hull loss policy, compensation for passengers will adhere to the Montreal Convention, which outlines minimum compensation for injured individuals and the families of those deceased. The overall liability remains uncertain at this stage, according to industry experts. sources

Published:
Jun 12 2025, 10 pm

Air India: 241 confirmed dead in flight crash

In a tragic incident on June 12, 2025, an Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of 241 individuals on board. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which departed at 1:38 PM, was carrying 242 passengers and crew, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. Air India confirmed that the sole survivor is a British national of Indian origin, who is currently receiving medical treatment. The airline expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and stated that a team of caregivers has been dispatched to support those affected. Air India is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation and has established a dedicated hotline for inquiries, emphasizing its commitment to assist the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 6 am

Boeing supports Air India crash; CEO speaks to N Chandrasekaran

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg expressed condolences following the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport. In a statement, Ortberg conveyed his sympathies to the families of the passengers and crew, emphasizing Boeing's commitment to support the investigation led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which crashed into a medical college complex, was carrying 242 individuals, including 12 crew members. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. Ortberg confirmed that a Boeing team is prepared to assist the investigation while adhering to protocols set by the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization. This incident marks one of the deadliest air disasters in India’s history, with reports suggesting a high fatality rate among those on board. sources

Published:
Jun 13 2025, 12 am

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