Fear is in the air: Numbers explain Indian passengers' flying anxiety
In 2021, Indigo reported the highest number of technical defects, followed by SpiceJet. This trend continued in 2022, with Indigo leading with 215 cases and SpiceJet following with 143. In 2023, Indigo's defect count rose to 246.However, the trend shifted in 2024. Air India Ltd, which includes both Air India and Air India Express, topped the list with 253 reported cases. Indigo's numbers, in contrast, dropped significantly to just 46. In 2025, Air India remained at the top with 85 technical defect cases reported so far, while Indigo came second with 62. But technical defects are not the only reason for flight cancellations.Reasons for cancellationsWhile technical issues used to be one of the leading causes of flight cancellations, that's no longer the case. In 2023, about 29 per cent of cancellations were due to technical problems. But by 2025, that dropped to 19 per cent.Other factors have since taken the lead. Weather remains a major cause, accounting for 44 per cent of cancellations in 2023 and 35 per cent in 2025. Operational issues such as crew shortages, baggage delays, and scheduling conflicts contribute consistently, making up around 10–12 per cent of cancellations each year. Meanwhile, cancellations due to miscellaneous reasons have risen sharply from 17 per cent in 2023 to 34 per cent in 2025.Complaints from passengersDespite improvements in aircraft maintenance and a decline in technical faults, passenger dissatisfaction hasn't gone away. The number of complaints hit a five-year-high in 2023, when 5,513 grievances were filed. That number came down in 2024 to 4,016, but 2025 has already seen 3,925 complaints in just six months. If the trend continues, the total for this year may again cross the 5,000 mark.In response to growing safety concerns and violations of aviation guidelines, the DGCA has taken enforcement action against several airline companies. In 2023, airlines received 56 warnings, 203 suspensions, and 26 penalties for regulatory breaches. The number of enforcement actions increased significantly in 2024, with 203 warnings, 329 suspensions, and 112 penalties issued. Already this year, the DGCA has already issued 65 warnings, 61 suspensions, and 79 penalties.- EndsTune InMust Watch
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Study Destinations Compared: Which Country Is Growing Fastest for Students?
Which countries are winning Indian student interest in 2025—and why? From shifting visa policies to student-friendly environments, this video dives deep into how destinations like the US, Canada, Ireland, and Australia stack up. While the US and Canada lead in volume, Ireland is gaining ground fast with welcoming policies and quality education. It's not just about popularity anymore—it's about capacity, policy, and opportunity. Watch for insights and real numbers as we deep dive with Mr. Piyush Kumar, Regional Director for South Asia, Canada and Latin America, IDP Education for the latest shift that is happening. #StudentMobility #EducationTrends2025 #StudyDestinations #IndianStudentsAbroad #HigherEdInsights Read More
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
2 hours ago
- First Post
Why were 10 Indians denied entry into Malaysia despite the visa-free provision?
Ten Indian nationals were denied entry at Kuala Lumpur Airport by Malaysia's Border Control despite the country offering a visa-free entry. They were part of a larger group of 99 foreign nationals, including those from Pakistan and Bangladesh, who were blocked from entering. What went wrong? read more The refusal to let the Indian nationals enter wasn't random, it was part of a targeted seven-hour operation by Malaysia's Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), aimed at screening passengers from 'high-risk' flights. Image for Representation Ten Indian nationals were turned away at Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) this week, even though the country currently allows visa-free entry for Indian passport holders. According to a report by Malay Mail, the Indians were part of a larger group of 99 foreign nationals who were blocked from entering the Asian country by immigration authorities on Monday at KLIA Terminal 1. So, what exactly went wrong? Here's what we know so far. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why were Indians denied entry into Malaysia? The refusal to let the Indian nationals enter wasn't random, it was part of a targeted seven-hour operation by Malaysia's Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), aimed at screening passengers from 'high-risk' flights. During this special drive, immigration officers screened over 400 travellers. Out of these, 99 people were denied entry, including 80 Bangladeshi nationals, 10 Indians, and 9 Pakistanis. All of them were men. In a statement, Malaysian authorities explained the reason behind the move: all 99 travellers failed to clear immigration checks. 'They were denied as they failed to meet immigration checks, including having suspicious reasons for visiting and travel records,' the officials said. Malaysian authorities explained the reason behind the move to deny entry to Indian citizens, saying that they all failed to clear immigration checks. File image Before being deported, each individual was subjected to additional documentation procedures, including background verification, travel document checks, and personal interviews. The AKPS added that all deportations were carried out in accordance with Malaysia's legal framework. The agency also made it clear that this wasn't a one-time exercise. Operations like these, they said, will be conducted regularly to clamp down on the misuse of social visit passes and to curb potential human trafficking. What is Malaysia's visa-free entry policy for Indians? Despite the recent deportations, Malaysia continues to offer visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, a policy that has been extended until December 31, 2026, under the country's broader visa liberalisation plan. The initiative is aimed at boosting tourism and economic activity, especially in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and the country's ASEAN chairmanship in 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'This is a golden opportunity for the people of Tamil Nadu and across India to explore Malaysia's rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities without the hassle of applying for a visa,' said Saravana Kumar Kumaravasagam, Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai, in a statement to The Hindu. Despite the recent deportations, Malaysia continues to offer visa-free entry for Indian passport holders. The initiative is aimed at boosting tourism and economic activity. File imagw/AFP However, the visa-free facility comes with specific entry requirements. To be eligible, Indian travellers must: -Hold a passport valid for at least six months -Carry a return or onward flight ticket -Show proof of accommodation or a detailed itinerary -Have sufficient funds for the duration of the stay -Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days prior to travel. The MDAC is a mandatory online pre-arrival declaration that streamlines the immigration process The relaxed visa norms appear to be working in Malaysia's favour. According to Tourism Malaysia, the country welcomed over 1 million Indian tourists between January and November 2024, a 47 per cent jump compared to the same period in 2019 (pre-pandemic) and a 71.7 per cent rise over 2023. This surge, the tourism board said, is largely attributed to the visa-free policy introduced in 2023. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Malaysia's tourism board hopes this upward trend will continue, as it works toward making tourism one of the top contributors to the country's GDP. With input from agencies
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
Which Are Bengaluru's Best Cocktail Bars? 6 Places For That Much-Needed Break
There's a nip in the air as you take in the views from one of Bengaluru's rooftop bars. Even as the mercury rises through summer and beyond in most Indian metros, it's still possible to chill outdoors in Bengaluru. Bang at The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore is one such hotspot that allows you to take advantage of Bengaluru's balmy weather as you sip on a craft cocktail. The city's well-heeled travellers and Gen Z audience are fueling a cocktail wave backed by new cocktail bars and rejigged cocktail menus at some of the city's established bars. Whether it's a classic Negroni at The Polo Club at The Oberoi, the Vesper Martini at Bar Spirit Forward, or a range of locally-inspired cocktails at Soka, there's never been a better time to hop bars in Bengaluru. Here Are 6 Must-Visit Bars In Bengaluru: 1. Bang, The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore There's probably no better spot for a sundowner in Bengaluru. Perched atop the 15th floor, Bang is in the heart of the Bengaluru CBD and offers sweeping views of the city. Bang is just back after a transformative revamp with a cocktail program curated by Nitin Goyal that blends both timeless classics and cocktails rooted in the city's heritage. We're partial to their infused gins and whisky cocktails. One of our favourites is Kappi, a whisky-based cocktail that captures the quintessential Bangalore filter coffee experience. Head there for Sunday Sundowners and watch the city skyline transform at dusk. Where: The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore, Residency Road 2. Bar Spirit Forward The brainchild of seasoned bar professionals Arijit Bose and Pankaj Balachandran, Bar Spirit Forward remains one of Bengaluru's most popular new bars and has also won global accolades. Bar Spirit Forward is among many of India's newer stellar bars that have opted for a Japanese-style, omakase approach that allows guests to interact with mixologists. This 60-seater, cocktail-forward bar exudes a vibrant vibe and offers an array of craft cocktails. Bestsellers include the 3 Gin Vesper Martini and Southern Star, which seeks inspiration from the cocktail classic the Hotel Nacional. This one includes tequila with plum, guava, and pickled jalapeno. Where: Hotel Southern Star, Lavelle Road 3. Copitas, Four Seasons Bengaluru Copitas has been one of the key drivers of Bengaluru's cocktail culture this decade. Copitas borrows its name from the Spanish term for a slim-stemmed cocktail glass and sits on the 21st floor with 360-degree views. Yes, this one's a great spot for sundowners and is one of the city's most progressive cocktail bars. Copitas created a niche with its low-waste cocktails from its 'Greener Future' menu. We're also partial to the Asian small plates that complement the extensive cocktail menu. Where: Four Seasons Bengaluru, Bellary Road 4. Monkey Bar One of the first gastropubs in town, the first avatar of Monkey Bar was a popular cocktail destination through the 2010s with favourites like the Manga cocktail. Version 2.0 of Monkey Bar is an urban tropical landscape of sorts. Exposed brick walls, a pool table, and great music create a fun atmosphere. The cocktail menu draws heavily on indigenous ingredients and local flavours with a dash of theatrics. Where: Museum Road, Shantala Nagar 5. Soka Soka Fronted by Bartender Avinash Kapoli and Chef Sombir Choudhary, Soka has redefined the city's bar scene with its cleverly imagined cocktail program. Located in one of the city's popular F&B hotspots, Soka's interiors are accentuated by art deco elements. Some of Soka's cocktails stay rooted in Bengaluru. Our favourites include Black Cadillac, crafted with Old Monk and clarified Coke that celebrates one of the city's OG nightspots from the 90s. Also, check out Made in Heaven with aged and coconut rums that incorporate ingredients like frozen strawberries and pineapple. Where: 1st Main Road, Indira Nagar 6. The Polo Club, The Oberoi Bengaluru The Polo Club remains one of our favourite spots in Bengaluru for classic cocktails. This versatile space combines indoor seating with an elegant verandah that is enveloped by the hotel's gardens. It swings from a laidback spot to a lively nightspot when their live band takes over. We like the intimate green booths in the indoor section, arguably the best spot in the house to sip on the best Negroni in town. Where: The Oberoi Bengaluru, MG Road
