SHANGHAI: China’s aviation regulator will cut Air China’s flight hours for its Boeing 737 fleet by 10 percent and cancel the licenses for the pilot and co-pilot involved in an emergency descent incident last week, Chinese state television said.
The regulators also would launch a safety crackdown on Air China for three months and fine the airline 50,000 yuan ($7,460), China Central Television said on its WeChat account.
An Air China Boeing 737 aircraft was flying to the Chinese city of Dalian from Hong Kong on July 10 when it dropped to 10,000 feet (3,048 m), with oxygen masks deployed. Then it climbed again to continue to its destination.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China said the incident was linked to a co-pilot smoking an e-cigarette during the flight. ($1 = 6.7018 Chinese yuan renminbi)
China cuts Air China’s flight hours, launches safety review after incident
China cuts Air China’s flight hours, launches safety review after incident
- An Air China Boeing 737 aircraft was flying to the Chinese city of Dalian from Hong Kong on July 10 when it dropped to 10,000 feet (3,048 m), with oxygen masks deployed
King Abdulaziz Airport among world’s busiest after record-breaking 2025
RIYADH: King Abdulaziz International Airport has achieved a new historical milestone, reaching 53.4 million passengers in a single year.
This is the highest number ever recorded at a Saudi airport since the beginning of air travel in the Kingdom, placing it among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger traffic, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The airport handled a total of 310,000 flights and 60.4 million bags, representing a 12 percent increase compared to 2024. It also handled 9.57 million Zamzam water containers and 2,968 cargo flights.
This achievement reflects the airport’s qualitative transformation and its position as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world. It also highlights its role in facilitating the movement of visitors and pilgrims, promoting tourism in line with the goals of Vision 2030, diversifying the economy, and providing a distinguished travel experience.
For his part, CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. Mazen Johar, affirmed that reaching 53.4 million passengers confirms the airport’s high operational readiness and represents a pivotal milestone for moving to the next phase, in preparation for doubling this number, God willing, in the coming years.
He pointed out that this national achievement would not have been possible without the grace of God Almighty, followed by the directives of the wise leadership and the continuous follow-up from the minister of transport and logistics, the president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the CEO of Airports Holding Co.
He explained that King Abdulaziz International Airport is strengthening its position as a major aviation hub in the region through expansions, increased capacity, and improved services, supporting the objectives of the aviation program and aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. expressed his gratitude to the partners in success from various government and private sectors for their fruitful cooperation through a collaborative work system that contributed to providing the best services.
