The Air India Flight 171 crash has been the subject of investigation, with Richard Godfrey proposing a hypothesis that water ingress into an Electronic Equipment (EE) bay could have caused the tragedy. However, this theory has been disputed due to several flaws. One major issue is that the FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2025-09-12, which addresses water ingress in EE bays, does not apply to the aircraft in question, VT-ANB, as it was delivered to Air India in 2014, before the directive was issued. The directive specifically applies to 47 U.S-registered airplanes and is an addendum to a previous directive, AD 2016-14-04.

Furthermore, Boeing had already addressed the water ingress problem in the 787 series, including VT-ANB, by preventing potable water leaks, creating a barrier to leaks, and upgrading equipment protection against water ingress within EE bays. Even if water did enter an EE bay, the duplicated electronics on the left and right sides of the aircraft would have provided redundancy, making it unlikely that both systems would be affected in the same way.

Additionally, a serious fault causing smoke or dust to issue from the aircraft would not have self-rectified to allow the relighting of the engines. The investigation also cites a 2008 incident involving a Boeing 747-438, where water ingress caused a series of faults, but this incident led to design changes incorporated in the 787 series. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report on the 2008 incident recommended design changes, including protecting areas with vulnerable equipment, distributing redundant systems, and containing potential liquid sources.

In conclusion, while Richard Godfrey’s hypothesis is plausible, it is unlikely to be the cause of the Air India Flight 171 crash due to the lack of relevance of FAA AD 2025-09-12, the measures taken by Boeing to address water ingress, and the redundancy of the electronics systems. A more thorough investigation is needed to determine the root cause of the crash. The ATSB report highlights the importance of considering mitigation strategies, including protecting vulnerable equipment and distributing redundant systems, to reduce the risk of water ingress causing faults.

Air India Express has reversed its earlier decision to reduce flights from Kerala to the UAE, following backlash from the community and politicians. The low-cost airline had initially cancelled several services from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as from other airports in Kerala, including Kochi, Kozhikode, and Kannur, as part of its winter schedule. However, after facing criticism, the airline has agreed to reinstate flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Dubai starting from October 28 and to Abu Dhabi from December 3.

The news was confirmed by Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, who tweeted that Air India Express had promised to reinstate the flights during a meeting with him. UAE-based travel agents also received notifications about the continued operations of Kerala flights, citing pressure from the community and politicians as the reason for the airline’s change of heart. According to Sudheesh TP, general manager of Deira Travel and Tourist Agency, the airline had realigned its network based on demand, but reinstated the flights due to the backlash.

The decision is expected to bring relief to Malayali expats in the UAE, who were facing difficulties due to the reduced flight schedule, particularly with the upcoming holiday season of Diwali and Christmas. The reinstatement of flights will provide more options for travelers and help to ease the congestion at airports during the peak travel period. The move is seen as a victory for the community, which had come together to express their concerns and lobby for the reinstatement of the flights.

The reversal of the decision is also a testament to the power of community pressure and political intervention in shaping the decisions of airlines. The incident highlights the importance of listening to customer feedback and being responsive to the needs of the community. With the reinstatement of flights, Air India Express is likely to regain the trust of its customers and maintain its position as a major player in the Kerala-UAE route. Overall, the decision is a positive development for travelers and the airline, and is expected to have a positive impact on the travel industry in the region.

Air India and Airbus have announced a strategic joint venture to transform aviation training in India. The partnership will establish a state-of-the-art training center, offering simulation-based training programs and certification courses for pilots, technicians, and ground crew. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in aviation skills and provide training that meets international standards. The Indian aviation sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, driven by increasing demand for air travel and expanding airline fleets. As a result, the need for well-trained professionals is more critical than ever.

The new training facility will cater to a wide range of aviation needs, from commercial aircraft operations to technical maintenance and air traffic control. The center will be equipped with specialized equipment, including flight simulators, training modules for aircraft maintenance, and cutting-edge technology for air traffic management. This will not only help meet the rising demand for aviation talent in India but also position India as a leading exporter of skilled aviation professionals.

The venture is expected to create thousands of jobs and foster long-term career growth for individuals entering the aviation field. By investing in high-quality training, India will be able to meet the staffing demands of both its growing domestic aviation market and international aviation opportunities. The partnership between Air India and Airbus will complement these efforts, ensuring that India’s aviation workforce is well-equipped to handle future challenges.

The collaboration will also have a profound effect on the tourism sector, making India an even more attractive destination for international tourists. Improved training and operational efficiencies will contribute to a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable travel experience for tourists visiting India. As Indian airlines expand their international reach, the training venture will ensure that they have the necessary expertise to operate safely and efficiently across global routes, leading to increased global connectivity and driving tourism growth.

The establishment of the training facility is a significant milestone in India’s aviation industry, equipping the next generation of aviation professionals with the skills needed to power India’s aviation future. As the country continues to expand its aviation infrastructure and global connectivity, this venture will play an essential role in ensuring that India’s aviation workforce remains competitive on the world stage. With this partnership, India’s aviation future looks promising, with significant strides being made in both infrastructure and human resources development.

AeroGuard Flight Training Center, a global flight training group based in Arizona, USA, recently hosted Sunil Bhaskaran, CEO and Director of the Air India Aviation Academy, at its Phoenix campus. Bhaskaran met with Air India cadets enrolled in the airline’s Cadet Pilot Program, providing them with valuable insights into the airline’s training roadmap. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and consistency throughout their training journey.

AeroGuard CEO Joel Davidson also addressed the cadets, highlighting the center’s role in shaping future airline pilots through its structured, safety-first training approach. The meeting was an opportunity for the cadets to learn from the experienced leaders and gain a deeper understanding of the airline’s expectations and requirements.

AeroGuard is currently training four batches of Air India cadets, with a fifth batch having commenced ground school in India earlier this month. The center is committed to providing high-quality training to the cadets, using its state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors. With a growing fleet of aircraft, AeroGuard is well-equipped to meet the increasing demand for pilot training.

In fact, AeroGuard has recently surpassed 120 aircraft in its training fleet, with plans to expand further. The center has ordered 90 aircraft from Piper Aircraft, with five Piper Archers scheduled for delivery later this month. This will bring the fleet total to 130 aircraft by the end of 2025, making AeroGuard one of the largest flight training centers in the world.

The partnership between AeroGuard and Air India is a significant one, with the airline relying on the center to provide high-quality training to its cadets. The visit by Sunil Bhaskaran demonstrates the importance of this partnership and the commitment of both parties to producing well-trained and skilled pilots. With its focus on safety, professionalism, and consistency, AeroGuard is playing a critical role in shaping the future of the aviation industry.

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner experienced a rare malfunction on October 4, 2025, when its ram air turbine (RAT) deployed unexpectedly during its final approach to Birmingham Airport. The RAT is a last-resort emergency power system that kicks in when the aircraft’s main systems fail. Despite the unexpected deployment, the aircraft landed safely at 7:07 pm local time.

The incident occurred on flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham, which took off at 12:52 pm local time. According to Air India, the crew detected the RAT deployment during the final approach, but all electrical and hydraulic parameters were found to be normal. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft has been grounded for further checks, and the return flight, AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi, has been cancelled.

Senior pilots have downplayed the incident, suggesting that the RAT deployment was likely a system anomaly rather than a serious failure. They explained that the RAT typically deploys in response to one of three critical failures: dual engine failure, complete hydraulic failure, or complete electrical failure. In this case, the deployment appears to be an isolated incident, and it would be incorrect to draw parallels with a similar incident on June 12, when an Air India Boeing 787 experienced a RAT deployment shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.

Air India has emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority. The airline is making alternative arrangements to accommodate the affected passengers. The incident is a reminder of the importance of robust safety protocols and regular maintenance checks to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. While the incident is under investigation, it is reassuring to note that the aircraft landed safely, and no injuries or fatalities were reported.

A recent incident has caused disruptions for passengers traveling between Jaipur and Dubai, as Air India Express canceled an incoming flight. The cancellation has left many passengers stranded, causing inconvenience and frustration.

The flight in question was scheduled to arrive in Jaipur from Dubai, but due to unforeseen circumstances, Air India Express decided to cancel the flight. As a result, the outgoing flight from Jaipur to Dubai was also canceled, leaving passengers who were scheduled to travel on that flight without any alternative arrangements.

Passengers who were affected by the cancellation have expressed their disappointment and frustration, citing the lack of communication from Air India Express. Many passengers claimed that they were not informed about the cancellation until the last minute, which made it difficult for them to make alternative arrangements.

The airline has apologized for the inconvenience caused and has offered to provide accommodation and food to the stranded passengers. However, many passengers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the airline’s handling of the situation, citing the lack of communication and the inconvenience caused.

The cancellation of the flight has also raised concerns about the reliability of Air India Express and its ability to manage its operations effectively. The airline has faced criticism in the past for its poor service and lack of communication with passengers.

In response to the incident, Air India Express has stated that it is taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future. The airline has also offered to refund the tickets of the affected passengers and provide them with alternative travel arrangements.

The incident highlights the importance of effective communication and customer service in the airline industry. Passengers expect to be informed about any changes or disruptions to their travel plans, and airlines must be able to provide alternative arrangements in case of cancellations or delays.

In conclusion, the cancellation of the Air India Express flight from Dubai to Jaipur has caused significant disruptions for passengers, highlighting the need for effective communication and customer service in the airline industry. The airline must take steps to prevent such incidents in the future and provide better support to its passengers.

The Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikhism, has strongly censured Air India over the alleged discriminatory treatment of two Sikh advocates, Jeevan Singh and Neena Singh, at the New Delhi airport. The incident has hurt the sentiments of Sikhs across India and the globe. The officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj, stated that the email apology issued by Air India is inadequate and that only public disclosure of disciplinary measures taken against the staff involved will restore trust.

The incident has raised concerns over recurring affronts to Sikh identity across the country. Jathedar Gargaj noted that it is ironic that while the country is commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, who sacrificed his life for religious freedom, Sikhs in independent India are still facing humiliation. He demanded that Air India make the details of its inquiry into the incident public and clarify what disciplinary action has been taken against the staff involved.

The jathedar also highlighted a worrying trend of increasing incidents targeting Sikh Kakaars (articles of faith) and Sikh identity across the country. He cited several recent examples, including the Rajasthan judicial exam case, where an Amritdhari Sikh female candidate was allegedly prevented from sitting for a competitive examination due to her articles of faith. He also mentioned incidents where schoolchildren and candidates have been forced to remove their karras (iron bracelets).

Jathedar Gargaj took aim at the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security for its refusal to withdraw a circular that prohibits Amritdhari members of staff from carrying kirpans at airports. He argued that this circular is a clear violation of the constitutional rights of Sikhs, as the Constitution allows Sikhs to wear the kirpan. He concluded that the persistent actions demonstrate that governments are not taking issues related to Sikh identity and articles of faith seriously.

The Akal Takht’s strong censure of Air India and the demand for transparency and action reflect the growing concerns over the erosion of Sikh identity and the need for governments and institutions to take these issues seriously. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the need for greater understanding and respect for Sikh articles of faith and the importance of protecting the constitutional rights of Sikhs.

An Air India Express flight from Saudi Arabia to Mangaluru experienced a significant delay due to a technical issue with the aircraft’s braking sensor. Flight IX 886, a Boeing 737-800, was scheduled to depart from King Fahd International Airport at 9:35 pm on Friday but ended up leaving three hours later at 12:45 am on Saturday. The delay affected 186 passengers, including those with children, who were forced to wait in their seats until the issue was resolved.

The aircraft’s braking sensor plays a crucial role in facilitating safe landings by preventing overheating of the wheels and avoiding wheel lock-up using anti-skid systems. According to passenger Syed Mohammed Shakeel, the initial delay was announced as 20 minutes, but it soon became apparent that there was a more serious technical issue. The flight captain announced that aircraft engineers were on board to rectify the problem, and after a wait of over three hours, the issue was finally resolved.

The flight took off at 12:45 am and arrived at Mangaluru International Airport at 7:15 am, approximately three hours behind schedule. The scheduled arrival time was 4:25 am. Passengers, particularly those with children, were put to significant inconvenience due to the delay. Shakeel expressed that the delay was particularly frustrating for him, as he had traveled from Riyadh to Dammam to board the flight to his hometown of Mangaluru.

The incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and airworthiness of aircraft before departure. While the delay was undoubtedly inconvenient for passengers, it is reassuring that the issue was identified and rectified before the flight took off, prioritizing the safety of those on board. The Air India Express flight eventually completed its journey, albeit with a significant delay, and passengers were able to reach their destination safely.

Air India, backed by the Tata Group, has faced criticism over its new cabin crew uniform, designed by celebrity stylist Manish Malhotra. The uniform features a “saree pant” style, which combines a saree with pants and a boat-neck blouse. The look was intended to blend tradition and modernity, but many online have labeled it as confusing and ungraceful.

Mumbai BJP leader Pallavi CT commented on the viral post, saying “Yuck. It’s like trying to be on two boats & falling down. Neither the grace of a saree nor the smartness of pants.” Others have also expressed their dissatisfaction, with one user saying “A fashion-designing fresher could have done a better job at one-thousandth of the price.”

The uniform was introduced in September 2024, with Air India stating that it reflects the airline’s new identity. The design features a ready-to-wear ombre saree with intricate patterns, reminiscent of Indian heritage architecture, and a comfortable blouse and blazer. The sarees can be optionally worn with comfortable pants, providing greater flexibility to female cabin crew.

However, the public response has been largely mixed, with many calling the combination “weird” and “unprofessional.” One user commented, “It’s not designed for Indian sensibilities nor for a globe-faring traveller. It’s most likely just a mashup he came up with, probably taking inspiration from mythical hybrids.” Another user said, “I think Manish Malhotra is either trolling Air India and its customers, or he has disdain for the Saree. Either way this is atrocious to say the least.”

Manish Malhotra had stated that his aim was to create uniforms that capture the essence of India’s diverse culture and traditions while also embodying a modern and sophisticated look. However, it seems that his design has not resonated with the public, with many expressing their disappointment and criticism online. The controversy surrounding the uniform has sparked a debate about the importance of cultural sensitivity and traditional attire in modern design.