Flight Safety Information - March 16, 2026 No. 053 In This Issue : Incident: India A359 over Atlantic on Mar 16th 2026, unidentified noise in cabin : Incident: Swiss A343 at Zurich on Mar 14th 2026, flaps problem : Aircraft Cabin Air International Conference - 22-23 September 2026 (London) : Incident: TUI B738 at Manchester on Mar 13th 2026, flaps problem : Incident: American A321 at Aruba on Mar 12th 2026, tail scrape on takeoff : Incident: Swiss BCS1 at Zurich on Mar 13th 2026, brakes problems : Major U.S. Airlines Send a Clear Message to Congress : United Express passenger jet makes emergency landing at ATW during Blizzard : European aviation body flags lapses in Air India planes : All Southwest Passengers Forced Off Airplane Right Before Takeoff After Taser Was Found by Crew : Calendar of Events Incident: India A359 over Atlantic on Mar 16th 2026, unidentified noise in cabin An Air India Airbus A350-900, registration VT-JRF performing flight AI-102 (dep Mar 15th) from New York JFK,NY (USA) to Delhi (India) with 240 people on board, was enroute at FL330 over the Atlantic Ocean about 270nm southwest of Shannon (Ireland) when the crew decided to divert to Shannon reporting an unusual, unidentified noise in the cabin, that was irritating to passengers. They had spent 30 minutes already trying to identify the noise without success including shutting down systems. The aircraft landed safely on Shannon's runway 24 about 50 minutes later. The aircraft is still on the ground in Shannon about 6 hours after landing. The airline reported a suspected technical snag prompted the precautionary diversion. Passengers reported the aircraft flew through a zone of turbulence when the noise started together with vibrations from the floor that started in the back of the aircraft and spread forward, the vibrations later also appearing from the upper cabin area. https://avherald.com/h?article=5367f215&opt=0 Incident: Swiss A343 at Zurich on Mar 14th 2026, flaps problem A Swiss International Airlines Airbus A340-300, registration HB-JMA performing flight LX-189 from Shanghai (China) to Zurich (Switzerland) with 209 people on board, was on final approach to Zurich's runway 14 when the crew initiated a missed approach descending through about 2300 feet due to a problem with the flaps. The aircraft climbed to 4000 feet, positioned for an approach to runway 16 and landed safely on runway 16 at a higher than normal speed about 30 minutes after the go around. The airline reported the flaps could not be extended. The aircraft is still on the ground in Zurich about 22 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5367b091&opt=0 Incident: TUI B738 at Manchester on Mar 13th 2026, flaps problem A TUI Airways Boeing 737-800, registration G-TAWB performing flight BY-2540 from Manchester,EN (UK) to Palma Mallorca,SP (Spain), was climbing out of Manchester's runway 23L when the crew stopped the climb at FL080 due to problems with the flaps, entered a hold to burn off fuel and returned to Manchester for a safe landing on runway 23L about 70 minutes after departure. A replacement Boieng 737-800 registration G-TUKR reached Palma Mallorca with a delay of about 4:15 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Manchester about 36 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=53675e53&opt=0 Incident: American A321 at Aruba on Mar 12th 2026, tail scrape on takeoff An American Airlines Airbus A321-200, registration N120EE performing flight AA-870 from Aruba (Aruba) to Philadelphia,PA (USA), was departing Aruba's runway 11 at 13:55L (17:55Z) when the tail contacted the runway surface for a number of seconds while rotating for takeoff. The aircraft climbed to 4000 feet and entered a hold to burn off fuel before returning to Aruba for a safe landing on runway 11 about 2:20 hours after departure. The aircraft is still on the ground in Aruba about 48 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=53675cbe&opt=0 Incident: Swiss BCS1 at Zurich on Mar 13th 2026, brakes problems A Swiss International Airlines Bombardier C-Series BCS-100, registration HB-JBI performing flight LX-2258 from Zurich (Switzerland) to Budapest (Hungary), was climbing out of Zurich when the crew stopped the climb at FL250 and decided to return to Zurich due to problems with the brakes. The aircraft landed safely back on Zurich's runway 14 about 35 minutes after departure. The airline reported a technical problem with some of the brakes, the passengers were rebooked onto the next flight. https://avherald.com/h?article=53670093&opt=0 Major U.S. Airlines Send a Clear Message to Congress Travelers across the country are dealing with lengthy airport security lines due to the partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and, in turn, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Due to staffing shortages, airports across the United States are seeing airport security lines stretching for hours, and it seems like the problem is only going to get worse until Congress agrees on a funding plan. Now, the major airlines in the United States are getting involved. Long Airport Security Lines Though TSA workers receive back pay once a shutdown concludes, they must continue reporting to work without a paycheck until the shutdown ends. However, given how long the current shutdown has already stretched, hundreds of TSA agents are calling out and even quitting altogether, leading to staffing shortages. Those staffing shortages have led to extended waits at airport security checkpoints across the country. Some airports have already seen lines stretching beyond three hours, sparking a warning from the DHS as travelers face the possibility of missed flights. “Travelers are facing TSA lines of up to nearly three hours long at some major airports, causing missed flights and massive delays during peak travel,” the DHS said in a statement. Airlines Send a Message to Congress Given the disruption that this partial shutdown has caused to the airline industry, the CEOs of the major airlines in the United States sent an open letter to Congress this week, urging lawmakers to come to a deal and end the shutdown. "There are very few issues upon which 9 out of 10 Americans agree. However, in recent polling, 93 percent of your constituents across the country supported paying federal aviation workers during government shutdowns," the letter reads. "Furthermore, 88 percent of Americans said long lines and extended wait times at airport security checkpoints are likely to be repeated if TSA officers continue to work without pay during future shutdowns. "That comes as no surprise. Americans—who live in your districts and home states—are tired of long lines at airports, travel delays and flight cancellations caused by shutdown after shutdown." The CEOs accused Congress of using air travel as "political football," and claimed that the problem is solvable as long as Congress is willing to work together. "This problem is solvable, and there are solutions on the table. Now it’s up to you, Congress, to move forward on bipartisan proposals that will get federal aviation workers—including TSA officers, U.S. Customs clearance officers at airports and air traffic controllers—paid during shutdowns. First, leaders should immediately come together to reach an agreement to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Then they need to act so this problem never happens again. Specifically, Congress should pass the Aviation Funding Solvency Act and the Aviation Funding Stability Act, which would guarantee air traffic controllers are paid regardless of the government’s funding status, as well as the Keep America Flying Act, which would provide the same protections to TSA officers who are tasked every day with keeping Americans secure in the skies," the letter continues. The letter stressed the importance of getting a deal done before a busy travel season that includes spring break for many students across the country and the FIFA World Cup later this summer. "It’s past time for the government to make sure that TSA officers, U.S. Customs clearance officers at airports and air traffic controllers are paid for the job they do," the letter reads. "In these times when it’s hard to reach consensus on just about anything, it is significant that the vast majority of Americans want Congress to pay federal aviation workers, keep our National Airspace System secure and ensure travelers and packages can get to their destinations safely." https://www.yahoo.com/travel/news/articles/major-u-airlines-send-clear-061029186.html United Express passenger jet makes emergency landing at ATW during Blizzard GREENVILLE (WLUK) -- A small passenger jet made a successful emergency landing Sunday night at Appleton International Airport. Airport officials say everyone is safe. There were three people on board - all crew members. It was a United Express flight traveling from Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri to Rochester, New York. The plane's windshield cracked. While flights at the airport were canceled Sunday because of Blizzard Elsa, the airport is required to keep one runway open in case of emergency landings. "Even though the storm may rage on, just know the Appleton airport staff will be here around the clock making sure that the runways are clear and airplanes can land safely if the visibility allows," said Abe Weber, ATW Airport Director. https://fox11online.com/news/local/fox-cities/united-express-passenger-jet-makes-emergency-landing-at-appleton-international-airport European aviation body flags lapses in Air India planes European aviation safety authorities have raised concerns over Air India's safety standards. Surprise checks at European airports revealed numerous lapses. India's aviation regulator has stepped in, imposing corrective measures. The airline is working to improve its record, with recent inspections showing a decline in faults. Air India's fleet age is cited as a contributing factor. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has raised alarm about numerous safety lapses by Air India, discovered during surprise aircraft inspections at European airports, said people aware of the developments. The ratio of findings per inspection in Air India's planes reached 1.96 in January following which the Cologne-based agency flagged the concern with India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which subsequently intensified scrutiny of the Tata Group-owned carrier. If the ratio exceeds 2, it can impact Air India's operations in one of its key international markets, as its planes will face enhanced scrutiny by inspectors and in extreme cases, countries may impose a ban. "DGCA immediately stepped in imposing corrective measures on Air India to avoid potential consequences affecting its operations in European countries," said a senior official at the civil aviation regulator. Following the heightened inspections, the fault count declined, and as of last week, the ratio was at 1.76, the official said. Airlines possessing a high safety performance record consistently have a ratio of less than 1. Under the Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) programme, EASA inspectors conduct surprise inspections when a plane from any non-EU airline lands at a European airport. Inspectors check around 54 parameters to ensure safety equipment such as emergency exits and life jackets are in place, documentation like manuals are in order, and that the crew is licensed and fit to operate the aircraft. The findings are divided into 3 categories where Category 1 is minor and while Category 3 findings require immediate rectification. The ratio is a weighted average of the number of findings per inspection. Category 3 findings carry highest weightage while Category 1 has the lowest. Air India didn't respond to queries. A senior official blamed the carrier's ageing aircraft fleet for the high number of faults. Since its takeover by the Tatas, Air India started a $400 million venture to refurbish its older planes, but this has been delayed significantly as global vendors have been unable to meet deadlines due to supply chain constraints. "European standards are very high,” said the Air India official cited above. “A broken seat or a worn-out emergency marking are also recorded by EASA inspectors as a violation and that's a problem for us there are defects on the cabin side as many of our planes are older.” Besides its regular flights to 10 European cities, since June, Air India planes flying to North America have been increasingly stopping in Vienna for fuel stops as the routes have become longer as it has to avoid Pakistani airspace increasing the scope for such inspections. "The airline has carried out more than 100 checks while DGCA is also conducting inspections of Air India's aircraft scheduled for international operations,” the DGCA official said. “Only after rectification and satisfactory compliance are the aircraft being allowed for further operations.” Air India’s fleet reliability and engineering woes underscore struggles of conglomerate Tata Sons to turnaround the airline even after four years of ownership. DGCA has repeatedly flagged the carrier's engineering and maintenance processes. Air India's top engineering officials have been suspended, and CEO Campbell Wilson has been issued a show cause notice for multiple incidents of lapses including one recently where the airline operated eight scheduled flights using an Airbus aircraft without having the mandatory airworthiness permit. Air India is now relying on expertise from Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25.1% stake in the carrier. Earlier this month, Jeremy Yew, an official of Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC), was appointed as head of engineering. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/european-aviation-body-flags-lapses-in-air-india-planes/articleshow/129595288.cms?from=mdr All Southwest Passengers Forced Off Airplane Right Before Takeoff After Taser Was Found by Crew The incident took place on a flight from Houston to Dallas on March 10 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 29: A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 airplane approaches Los Angeles International Airport for landing from Chicago with downtown Hollywood sign in the background on January 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was contacted by airline staff, but passengers were eventually allowed to reboard the aircraft and continue with their travels No charges have been filed following the incident Southwest Airlines passengers were removed from a flight after a taser was allegedly found on the airplane. On Tuesday, March 10, Southwest Flight 28 was heading to the Dallas Love Field Airport from the William P. Hobby Airport when a crew member made the discovery, Click 2 Houston and The Independent reported. The Southwest Airlines employee discovered the taser on the plane before take-off and raised the security issue, according to the outlets. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was then contacted by airline staff, and all passengers were escorted off the plane. "Due to a potential security concern, the decision was made to re-screen the Passengers on Southwest Flight 28 from Houston to Dallas," a spokesperson for the airline said in a statement to PEOPLE. After all the passengers were escorted off the plane, the TSA conducted additional screenings of the travelers and their carry-on bags. It was eventually determined that the taser left on the aircraft was a civilian taser,The Independent and Click 2 Houston reported. The passengers were allowed to reboard the plane, and the aircraft took off two-and-a-half hours later, according to the outlets. No charges have been filed following the incident. "Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees," Southwest told PEOPLE in its statement. The airline deferred any requests for additional comment or information to the TSA and local law enforcement. Neither responded to PEOPLE's request for comment on Saturday, March 14. Our new app is here! Free, fun and full of exclusives. Scan to download now! Passengers who took a connecting flight at Dallas Love Field Airport were later re-screened at the airport before boarding their next aircraft, per The Independent. A spokesperson for the William P. Hobby Airport told PEOPLE in a statement that it “remained fully operational” following the incident. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents arrive to work at William P. Hobby Airport in Houston, Texas on March 10, 2026. Airports across the United States are feeling the strain of a partial government shutdown causing a shortage of travel safety agents, leading to extended travel delays for air passengers. Since February 14, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees US air travel security, has had funding frozen due to ongoing disagreements between Congressional Democrats and Republicans over another agency overseen by the department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Southwest travel incident took place amid ongoing issues caused by the partial government shutdown. In mid-February, Congress failed to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), sending the federal government into a partial shutdown. As a result, as many as 50,000 TSA workers across the country are currently working without pay. Wheelchair User with Severe Anxiety Disorder Sues Southwest for Allegedly Abandoning Her in Airport Bathroom Back view photo of mature female on disabled carriage in the lobby at airport opposite flight schedule The lapse in funding has caused a concerning rise in staffing shortages and absences as the busy spring break travel season begins. Recently, travelers across the country have experienced hours-long delays and lines going out the door at some airports. https://people.com/all-southwest-passengers-forced-off-airplane-before-takeoff-after-crew-found-taser-11926343 CALENDAR OF EVENTS . CANSO Global Safety Conference 2026 - 29 March – 1 April 2026 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) . 60th Annual SMU Air Law Symposium - March 31 - April 1, 2026 (Irving, TX) . 2026 ACSF Safety Symposium; April 7-9, 2026; ERAU Daytona Beach, FL . 2026 NBAA Maintenance Conference; May 5-7, 2026; New Orleans, LA . World Aviation Training Summit - 5-7 May 2026 - Orlando . BASS 2026 - 71st Business Aviation Safety Summit - May 5-6, 2026 | Provo, Utah . The African Aviation Safety & Operations Summit - May 19-20 | Johannesburg, South Africa . Safeskies Australia - Australia’s renowned Aviation Safety Conference - Canberra Australia 20 and 21 May 2026 : APSCON/APSCON Unmanned 2026 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL - July 13-17, 2026 : Aircraft Cabin Air International Conference - 22-23 September 2026 . IATA World Maintenance & Engineering Symposium (23-25 June, Madrid, Spain) . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis