Air India addresses runway object report

Air India has clarified that the Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi flight AI2455 was diverted to Chennai on August 10 as a precautionary measure after the pilot suspected a technical issue and adverse weather conditions.

While attempting to land at the Chennai airport, the pilot was asked to initiate a go-around as there was a 'foreign object' on the runway. Despite the suspected issue, the flight could not make an immediate landing due to overweight and was asked to hold over Chennai to reduce weight.

Here is the full statement from the airline:

Air India clarifies that flight AI2455 of 10 August operating from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi was diverted to Chennai as a precautionary measure after the pilot detected a suspected

technical issue and in view of the weather conditions en route to Delhi. It was decided to divert to Chennai instead of Bengaluru as the weather in Chennai was clear. As the aircraft was overweight for an immediate landing the pilot had to hold over Chennai to reduce weight and no emergency was declared. During the first landing approach, the ATC asked the pilots to initiate a go-around as another aircraft that had taken off from the same runway had reported a suspected foreign object debris (FOD) on the runway. After following a standard go-around, the flight made a normal and safe landing. We would like to reiterate that the decision to divert to Chennai was taken in the best interest of the safety of our passengers and crew. Our crew are well trained to handle such situations, and in this case, they followed the protocols during the entire flight. All the affected passengers were accommodated on alternative flights to Delhi and the said aircraft has also resumed commercial operations. Air India deeply regrets any inconvenience caused by the diversion and consequent delay.

Senior

Congress leader KC Venugopal, who was onboard the flight along with several other MPs, claimed that the aircraft avoided a serious accident after facing severe turbulence and a technical issue mid-air.

Venugopal, who is also Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, shared his account on social media, describing the journey as "harrowing". He said the flight experienced strong turbulence shortly after takeoff, and about an hour later, the captain reported a technical fault and changed course to Chennai.

Venugopal said the plane circled Chennai airport for nearly two hours. During the first attempt to land, the pilot reportedly had to abort the landing due to another aircraft being on the runway.

"What began as a delayed departure turned into a harrowing journey. Shortly after take-off, we were hit by unprecedented turbulence. About an hour later, the Captain announced a flight signal fault and diverted to Chennai. For nearly two hours, we circled the airport awaiting clearance to land, until a heart-stopping moment during our first attempt

- another aircraft was reportedly on the same runway. In that split second, the Captain’s quick decision to pull up saved every life on board. The flight landed safely on the second attempt," he posted on X.

The Lok Sabha MP asked the DGCA and the Civil Aviation Ministry to investigate the incident. "We were saved by skill and luck. Passenger safety cannot depend on luck. I urge DGCA and the Civil Aviation Ministry to investigate this incident urgently, fix accountability, and ensure such lapses never happen again," he added.

Flight tracking data showed that the aircraft took off shortly after 8 pm from Thiruvananthapuram and landed in Chennai around 10:35 pm. The number of passengers on board has not been disclosed.

This incident comes amid growing concerns over recent technical snags reported on Air India flights.