What Happened on Air India Flight AI2455? A Close Call for Passengers and MPs!
A Harrowing Experience for Passengers
New Delhi: K C Venugopal, a senior leader of the Congress party and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, reported a near-tragic incident involving Air India flight AI2455, which was transporting him and other Members of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi.
According to the airline, the flight was redirected to Chennai on Sunday evening due to a technical malfunction.
In a post shared on X, Venugopal expressed, "The flight AI 2455 from Trivandrum to Delhi, carrying myself, several MPs, and hundreds of passengers, came frighteningly close to tragedy today."
He recounted that what started as a delayed departure escalated into a distressing experience. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence. Approximately an hour into the flight, the captain reported a flight signal issue and decided to divert to Chennai.
Venugopal described a tense moment when the plane circled the airport for nearly two hours awaiting landing clearance. During the first landing attempt, another aircraft was reportedly on the same runway, prompting the captain to make a split-second decision to pull up, averting disaster. The flight ultimately landed safely on the second attempt.
"We were fortunate to be saved by skill and luck. Passenger safety should not rely on luck. I urge @DGCAIndia and @MoCA_GoI to investigate this incident promptly, ensure accountability, and prevent such occurrences in the future," he stated.
In response, Air India clarified that the diversion to Chennai was a precautionary measure due to a suspected technical issue and adverse weather conditions.
The airline further explained that the go-around during the first landing attempt was directed by Chennai ATC, not due to another aircraft's presence on the runway. Air India emphasized that their pilots are well-trained for such situations and adhered to standard procedures throughout the flight.
The airline expressed regret for the unsettling experience and any inconvenience caused, reiterating that safety remains their top priority.
Flight AI2455, operated by an Airbus A320, was in the air for over two hours, as per data from flight tracking services.
Air India confirmed that the flight landed safely in Chennai, where the aircraft would undergo necessary inspections.
The airline is arranging alternative travel for passengers to reach their destinations as soon as possible and apologized for the disruption.
The flight departed Thiruvananthapuram shortly after 8 PM and arrived in Chennai around 10:35 PM, according to flight tracking data.
Recently, there have been several reports of technical issues affecting Air India's aircraft.