Flydubai Boeing 737 Diverts After Dramatic Cockpit Incident

A routine flydubai flight from Dubai Airport (DXB/OMDB) to Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV/LLBG) turned into a terrifying mid-air emergency after a reported physical confrontation between the two pilots sent the aircraft into a dramatic descent and triggered emergency transponder codes.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, eventually diverted to Tabuk Airport (TUU/OETB) in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely with all passengers and crew accounted for. Flydubai confirmed that an "incident" had occurred during the flight but said it was working with the relevant authorities and would provide further information when confirmed.

One of the most alarming aspects of the incident was the aircraft's sudden loss of altitude. Flight-tracking data showed the Boeing 737 descending extremely rapidly from its cruising altitude. It has been reported that the aircraft dropped almost 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before the first emergency signal was transmitted. Other tracking reports showed the aircraft descending from approximately 34,000 feet to around 14,000 feet during the incident.

The aircraft subsequently regained control and continued towards Saudi Arabia before landing safely at Tabuk. The aircraft transmitted 7700, the internationally recognised transponder code indicating a general emergency.

More concerning was the reported transmission of 7500. Code 7500 indicates unlawful interference and is commonly associated with a suspected hijacking or other serious security incident. The aircraft later transmitted 7700 again as it approached Tabuk. The combination of the rapidly changing altitude, emergency transmissions and the aircraft changing course towards Saudi Arabia triggered a major security response, including heightened concern in Israel.
What happened inside the cockpit?

This is where the story becomes particularly disturbing — but also where caution is required.

Israeli officials told the media that the two pilots became involved in a physical altercation inside the cockpit. Passenger accounts reported hearing shouting and described a violent confrontation near the front of the aircraft. One passenger's family member said that she had been told a man carrying a knife had forced one of the pilots to the floor and that there was blood present. 

For passengers onboard, what began as a normal flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv suddenly became an extraordinary aviation emergency — involving a reported cockpit confrontation, a rapid loss of altitude, emergency transponder codes and an unscheduled international diversion.

The fact that the Boeing 737 MAX ultimately landed safely at Tabuk meant the situation ended without a reported loss of life. Investigators will now have to establish exactly what happened inside the cockpit, why the aircraft descended so rapidly, who transmitted the emergency codes and whether the reported physical confrontation directly caused the aircraft's change in altitude.

The cockpit voice recorder, flight-data recorder, crew interviews and passenger statements will be crucial in establishing the full sequence of events.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Flydubai

Code: FZ/FDB

Aircraft: Boeing 737 Max 8

Registration: A6-FKF

Serial Number: 61013

Engines: CFMI CFM LEAP-1B

First Flew: November 2022

Age: 3.11 Years

United Airlines declared an emergency after its windshield shattered

A United Express regional flight traveling from Houston-George Bush Intercontinental Airport, TX (IAH/KIAH) to El Paso International Airport, TX (ELP/KELP) was forced to make an emergency landing at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Sunday when its windshield was shattered after takeoff. An Embraer E175 operated by Mesa Airlines was performing the flight.

Several layers of the windshield reportedly shattered, sending pieces of glass into the cockpit. The crew stopped the aircraft's climb at around 13,000 feet and returned to Houston, landing safely approximately 35 minutes after departure. Passengers were transferred to another plane and landed in El Paso later that afternoon, according to flight tracking data.

According to a report released to the media no cause has been given as to why the plane's windshield broke soon after takeoff. There was no report of depressurization or a bird strike that caused the glass on the first officer's side of the cockpit to completely fail. The use of improperly sized bolts has previously caused windshield failure at high altitude in past mishaps. Additionally, commercial airplane windows are heavily heated to prevent icing and fogging. If moisture leaks into the window laminates, it can degrade the electrical wiring and cause a short circuit or electrical arc. That power malfunction can cause heating to the glass and degrade its strength over time.

The Houston Fire Department responded to the aircraft distress call and met the plane on the tarmac. First responders cleared the plane safely to continue to the terminal area, where it is waiting for inspection and maintenance.

An investigation will follow by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and potentially the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as well. 

Aircraft Information:

Airline: United Express

Operator: Mesa Airlines

Code: UA/UAL

Aircraft: Embraer E175LR

Registration: N87360

Serial Number: 17000705

Engines: General Electric CF34-8E

First Flew: December 2017

Age: 8.9 Years

In recent years, there have been a few accidents linked to such causes, the most notable being Sichuan Airlines Flight 8633 in 2018. While cruising at 32,000 feet (9,750 meters), the Airbus A319’s right-side cockpit windshield shattered, partially pulling the co-pilot out of the cockpit. Investigations later revealed that a manufacturing defect had caused the glass to fail.

In 2015, a Frontier Airlines Airbus A319 lost its windshield mid-flight while heading to New Orleans. The crew saw arcing and sparks at the base of the glass, quickly followed by spreading cracks. Two years earlier, a private jet near Fiji in the Pacific Ocean experienced a similar incident. The 2013 accident involved a Cessna 750 Citation X flying at 45,000 feet (13,716 meters).

Top 10 Largest Air Force in the World by Fleet Size

Here is a list of the top 10 largest air force in the world by fleet size in 2026, published by World Population Review.

Air power remains one of the clearest indicators of military strength in the modern era. While total military aircraft numbers include naval aviation, army helicopters, and other branches, pure air force fleet size gives a sharper look at a nation’s dedicated aerial combat capability.

In 2026, the global balance of air power continues to reflect both historic military dominance and rapid modernisation efforts, particularly across Asia.

Here are the top 10 largest air forces in the world by active aircraft fleet size.

10. Saudi Arabia
Air Force Aircraft: 706

The Royal Saudi Air Force operates a well-equipped fleet largely composed of modern Western aircraft. Significant defence spending allows continuous upgrades and training programmes. Its air power plays a central role in regional security dynamics across the Middle East, particularly in coalition operations and deterrence strategies.

9. Japan
Air Force Aircraft: 737

Japan’s air force prioritises technological excellence and defensive posture. Operating primarily advanced Western aircraft, Japan focuses heavily on homeland defence and maritime airspace monitoring. Despite having fewer aircraft than many above it on this list, Japan’s modernisation pace and strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region keep it among the world’s top air forces.

8. Pakistan
Air Force Aircraft: 802

Pakistan maintains a sizeable and operationally active air force. Its fleet includes both Western and Chinese platforms, reflecting diversified defence partnerships. The Pakistan Air Force has historically emphasised pilot training and tactical proficiency. Though smaller than India’s fleet, it remains strategically significant within South Asia.

7. South Korea
Air Force Aircraft: 821

South Korea fields a modern and highly capable air force, though smaller in number compared to some regional neighbours. Unlike North Korea, however, South Korea’s fleet includes advanced Western aircraft and cutting-edge systems. Given its security environment, the South Korean Air Force prioritises rapid response, precision strike, and air superiority missions. Its technology level arguably outweighs its numerical disadvantage in regional comparisons.

6. North Korea
Air Force Aircraft: 861

North Korea maintains a large but ageing fleet. Much of its air force consists of older Soviet and Chinese-built aircraft. While technologically outdated compared to regional competitors, the sheer numerical strength remains notable. The country’s strategy emphasises air defence and asymmetric capability rather than power projection. Its ranking reflects fleet size rather than operational sophistication.

5. Egypt
Air Force Aircraft: 1,093

Egypt holds one of the largest air forces in the Middle East and Africa. Its fleet includes a mix of American, French, and Russian aircraft, reflecting diversified procurement strategies. Egypt’s geographic position, bridging Africa and the Middle East, places significant emphasis on rapid-response capabilities and regional deterrence. While not as technologically advanced as top-tier powers, its fleet size secures it a firm spot in the global top five.

4. India
Air Force Aircraft: 1,695

India operates one of the largest air forces in Asia. Its fleet combines domestically produced aircraft with imports from Russia, France, and other partners. India’s air doctrine is shaped largely by its strategic environment, requiring readiness across multiple borders. Modernisation remains a priority, with emphasis on multirole fighters, air defence systems, and indigenous manufacturing. The Indian Air Force continues to balance legacy platforms with next-generation acquisitions.

3. China
Air Force Aircraft: 2,014

China’s rapid military expansion over the past decade has firmly established it as a global air power. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force has invested heavily in indigenous fighter programmes, long-range bombers, and advanced drone systems. Though still behind the U.S. and Russia in sheer numbers, China’s steady modernisation trajectory and expanding defence budget make it the most closely watched air force globally. Its focus remains on regional security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
Representative Photo: Indian Air Force (IAF)

2. Russia
Air Force Aircraft: 3,944

Russia holds the second position with a substantial air fleet. Historically built around strong air defence and strategic bomber capabilities, the Russian Air Force maintains a large number of combat aircraft, including interceptors and multirole fighters. While some platforms are legacy Soviet-era aircraft, Russia continues upgrading its fleet with newer-generation jets. Its doctrine emphasises homeland defence, regional dominance and long-range strike capacity, particularly across Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

1. United States
Air Force Aircraft: 4,875

The United States remains far ahead of every other nation in sheer air force size. The U.S. Air Force operates a vast mix of fighter jets, strategic bombers, transport aircraft, surveillance platforms, and aerial refueling tankers. Beyond numbers, its strength lies in technological superiority with fifth-generation fighters, stealth bombers, and a highly integrated global command network. Its fleet allows it to project power across continents, maintain overseas bases, and sustain operations simultaneously in multiple theatres. Even with modernisation and retirements underway, no other air force currently matches its scale or operational reach.

Full story sourced from here

Top 10 Largest Air Force in the World by Fleet Size - Aviation A2Z

IndiGo Airbus A321 Suffers Tail Strike During Landing at Bengaluru

An IndiGo Airbus A321 has suffered a tail strike while attempting a second landing at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, with all passengers and crew safely disembarking following the incident. 

The aircraft was operating IndiGo flight 6E 6542 from Guwahati (GUA/MGGT) to Bengaluru (BLR/VOBL) on Sunday when the incident occurred during what was reported to be very gusty weather conditions. According to IndiGo, the aircraft experienced what the airline described as an “abnormal runway contact” while landing at Bengaluru. Reports indicate that the crew had to discontinue the initial approach and conduct a go-around before making another approach to the airport. The aircraft subsequently landed safely. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among passengers or crew.

Following the incident, the aircraft was taken out of service and is undergoing detailed maintenance inspections. IndiGo said the aircraft will return to service only after the necessary inspections and clearances have been completed. India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has also begun investigating the incident.

So, what is a tail strike?
A tail strike occurs when the rear underside of an aircraft makes contact with the runway during take-off or landing. Although aircraft are designed to withstand certain levels of contact, a tail strike can potentially cause structural damage to the aircraft's rear fuselage or other components. For that reason, an aircraft involved in a suspected tail strike is normally removed from service and thoroughly inspected before flying again.

The Airbus A321, being the longest member of the A320 family, has a relatively small margin between its normal landing attitude and the angle at which the rear fuselage can contact the runway. Tail strikes can also occur during a go-around, when an aircraft rapidly changes its attitude and begins climbing after the crew has decided that a landing cannot safely be completed.

Airbus has previously highlighted the increased risk of a tail strike when a go-around is initiated close to the ground. The Bengaluru occurrence also comes after another IndiGo A321 was involved in a tail-strike incident at Gorakhpur approximately only a month earlier. That aircraft had conducted a go-around during its approach before landing safely. Subsequent inspection reportedly found minor damage around the tail area. 

Another reminder that even a routine landing can involve a highly demanding sequence of decisions and actions by an airline's flight crew.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: IndiGo

Code: 6E/IGO

Aircraft: Airbus A321-251NX

Registration: VT-NHP

Serial Number: 12895

Engines: 2 x CFMI LEAP-1A32

First Flew: November 2025

Age: 10 Months

Vietjet registers first aircraft in Australia

Vietjet has registered an aircraft in Australia, in the strongest sign yet that it is planning to launch a domestic subsidiary.

VH-T8A, (MSN 63879) a Boeing 737 MAX 8– owned by VietJet Aviation – has appeared on the CASA register as of the 23rd of September, with a registered operator based in Melbourne under the name “Cherrie Aviation”. CASA data indicates that the aircraft is a 737 MAX 8 manufactured this year.

In a statement, a Vietjet spokesperson told Australian Aviation that the airline has “agreed to lease the registered aircraft to an Australian entity”.

“The Australian entity is currently seeking regulatory approval to operate aircraft in Australia,” the spokesperson said.

Speculation has swirled around VietJet’s possible entry into the Australian domestic market following reports in The Australian Financial Review earlier this year that the Vietnamese low-cost carrier had applied for an air operator’s certificate.

According to anonymous sources cited by the masthead, Vietjet has an eye to operate in Australia with a fleet of 10 aircraft. The carrier had reportedly previously considered buying Bonza after the failed domestic airline collapsed into administration in 2024.

Speaking to Australian Aviation for a recent feature, Steve Leib, associate professor of aviation at CQ University, said a tilt by Vietjet would “resolve a lot of the threats to a new entrant establishing themselves and growing”.

“We’re talking about a new entrant with a new AOC. It’s an Australian airline, but it is backed by Vietjet, and perhaps its design is a product of VietJet’s model,” he said.

Industrial Unrest Grows Across Virgin Australia and Jetstar

Australia’s aviation industry is experiencing increasing industrial tensions, as employees at Virgin Australia and Jetstar push back over wages, poor working conditions, and scheduling issues.

At Virgin Australia, cabin crew have increasingly been declining requests to work on their scheduled days off, with the union representing flight attendants raising concerns about long duty periods, fatigue, rostering and the compensation offered for additional work.

The dispute has already had an impact on passengers, with around 30 Virgin Australia flights reportedly cancelled each week after the airline was unable to find enough cabin crew to operate some services.

Cabin crew representatives are calling for shorter duty limits and better compensation, arguing that repeatedly asking exhausted crew to give up their days off is placing additional pressure on an already demanding job.

Virgin Australia disputes the characterisation of the disruption as industrial action and says discussions with unions over a new enterprise agreement are continuing.

Meanwhile, Jetstar is facing its own industrial dispute involving around 1,000 airport and customer-service workers.

Workers have taken targeted industrial action, including refusing to collect certain passenger fees such as excess-baggage weight, seat-change charges and flight changes. Their union is seeking improved wages, penalty and overtime rates, leave provisions and other workplace conditions.

Jetstar says it has offered improvements to pay and allowances and has measures in place to minimise disruption to passengers. While the disputes at the two airlines involve different groups of employees, they highlight a common issue facing the aviation industry: keeping aircraft flying requires thousands of people working demanding and often unpredictable hours — and those workers are increasingly demanding that their pay and conditions reflect the pressures of the job.

For passengers, the concern is simple. If these disputes continue to escalate, the effects could eventually be felt through more cancelled flights, changed schedules and delays.

The coming weeks will be closely watched as airlines and their employees attempt to reach agreements without further disruption to the travelling public.

Both airlines have achieved record-breaking profits, and the staff feel their hard work and dedication played a major role in this success. They are now demanding better pay and incentives.

Cathay Pacific Drops Cairns - Hong Kong Route

Cathay Pacific has just announced it won’t be returning to Cairns this year, dropping its seasonal flights to Hong Kong that typically operated during the busy December to February period.

The airline has cited “commercial” reasons for dropping the route.

“Cathay Pacific regularly reviews its schedule and network to best align with market demand,” said Tom Kennedy, Cathay’s Regional Head of Sales for Southeast Asia & Oceania.

"We remain committed to the Australian market and will continue to offer direct services to Hong Kong from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.”

When announcing the route’s return for December 2025 to February 2026, the airline said it was expected to inject an estimated $18 million into the local economy in visitor expenditure alone and would also bolster valuable direct export channels from Queensland.

“Our Cairns seasonal service saw close to 16,000 customers travel between the two cities and beyond, including the UK, the Chinese mainland and elsewhere in Asia,” noted the airline.

“Equally as important is our freight support for local businesses where we proudly transport live seafood, fresh produce and more.”

Cairns Airport chief Richard Barker said that “while disappointing, we respect and understand this tough commercial decision by Cathay Pacific.”

“Airlines around the world are being impacted by volatility and uncertainty in global markets, particularly in relation to fuel.”

Likewise, Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said, “we’re seeing the rising cost of aviation fuel globally, we understand the pressure and Cathay have been an incredible partner over a very long time, particularly over the last two years.”

“They are our valued partner, and we will continue to collaborate with them to explore future opportunities for our region.”