AirlineRatings.com has released its list of the top 25 safest airlines for 2026, with Etihad Airways taking the top spot among full-service carriers. HK Express led low-cost airlines for a second time, driven by a modern fleet and exceptionally low incident rate.
An investigation has been launched by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) after a tool was discovered in the left wing of a Qantas Airbus A380-800 following flights between Australia and the US. The aircraft, registered VH-OQK, had flown two sectors prior to the discovery.
The US Pentagon has withdrawn its support for the ROTOR Act, a bipartisan aviation safety bill aimed at preventing similar midair collisions. The legislation was passed unanimously by the Senate in December 2025 but faces uncertainty ahead of a scheduled House vote this week.
The US Federal Aviation Administration has finalized a rule requiring 25-hour cockpit voice recorders on new aircraft, starting from 2027. For newly produced passenger planes, this will be the standard baseline rather than an optional upgrade.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended the RNAV (GPS) Z approach to Runway 32 at Steamboat Springs Airport in Colorado after a fatal crash involving an Epic E1000. According to AeroTime, the agency issued a Notice to Airmen declaring the procedure 'NA' for 'not available' with restrictions extending to October 1, 2026.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive for all MD-10 and DC-10 aircraft following the recent UPS MD-11 crash in Louisville, Kentucky. The directive requires inspection and repairs due to similarities with the UPS MD-11 model.
A Cessna Citation X skidded off the runway at Telluride Regional Airport in Colorado on January 14, 2026, prompting an airport closure. All three people on board escaped injury.
Cirrus Aircraft has successfully achieved Transport Canada Civil Aviation validation of Safe Return Emergency Autoland by Garmin for the new SR Series G7+ aircraft. This certification enables Canadian Cirrus owners to take delivery of their new aircraft with this advanced safety feature.
Cirrus Aircraft has introduced a new Instrument Rating Program, designed for pilots interested in obtaining an Instrument Rating in a Cirrus aircraft. The program combines self-study content with in-person flight training and emphasizes safe best practices for pilots operating Cirrus aircraft.
Cirrus has introduced the SR Series G7+, featuring Safe Return Emergency Autoland, an autonomous emergency landing system certified by FAA, EASA, CAA, and ANAC. The aircraft offers advanced avionics and safety features, elevating flight instructor experience and student safety.
A Bombardier Challenger 650 with eight people on board crashed while departing from Bangor International Airport, Maine, amid winter storms in the US. According to reports from a government official, the crash occurred at 19:45 on January 25, 2026, and resulted in a significant fire onboard the aircraft.
The director of AOG Technics has pleaded guilty to operating a fraudulent parts scheme that compromised aviation safety globally. Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala falsified documentation for CFM56 engine components between 2019 and 2023, affecting major airlines including Delta, American, Southwest, and Ryanair.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) is criticizing the US House's ALERT Act for not mandating ADS-B In technology with a cockpit traffic display for pilots. ALPA argues that this would have saved 67 lives in the January 2025 tragedy near Washington Reagan National Airport.
AirJet Angola Embraer ERJ-145 charter flight carrying a delegation from the DRC Ministry of Mines made an emergency landing at Kolwezi Airport on November 17, 2025. The aircraft was destroyed by fire after leaving the runway during landing roll.
Air India has grounded a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner after a pilot reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch on a London-bound flight. The aircraft was operating as Air India Flight AI132 from London Heathrow to Bengaluru when the issue was observed, Breaking Defense reports.
Asia Pacific aviation leaders gathered at the AAPA 69th Presidents Assembly, projecting continued growth despite mounting headwinds from trade tensions and supply chain bottlenecks. The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines reported robust performance metrics for 2025, with international passenger traffic climbing 10% and cargo demand expanding 7%.