An Air India flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi, carrying several Members of Parliament, was forced to make an emergency landing in Chennai on Sunday night due to a suspected technical issue and adverse weather conditions, according to the airline. Congress MP KC Venugopal, one of the passengers, described the incident as a “frighteningly close to tragedy” in a post on X, highlighting the alarming sequence of events.
Flight AI2455, scheduled to depart Thiruvananthapuram at 7:15 p.m., took off at 8:17 p.m., per Flightradar24 data. The flight, originally set to arrive in Delhi by 10:45 p.m., encountered severe turbulence shortly after takeoff. Approximately an hour into the journey, the captain announced a signal fault, prompting the decision to divert to Chennai. The aircraft circled the Chennai airport for nearly two hours, awaiting clearance to land. During the first landing attempt, another plane was reportedly on the runway, forcing the captain to abort the maneuver in a critical moment. The captain’s swift action ensured a safe landing on the second attempt.
Venugopal, in his X post, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Passenger safety cannot depend on luck.” He urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to investigate the incident thoroughly, hold those responsible accountable, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences. The airline confirmed that the diversion was a precautionary measure due to the suspected technical issue and weather challenges. Air India’s spokesperson stated that the aircraft would undergo necessary inspections in Chennai, with ground staff assisting passengers to minimize disruptions and arrange alternative travel to their destinations. The airline reiterated that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority.
The incident has raised concerns about aviation safety protocols, particularly given the presence of high-profile passengers. Venugopal’s call for a prompt investigation underscores the need for transparency and accountability to ensure such incidents are not repeated.
