Airliner transporting multiple members of parliament narrowly avoids a runway disaster through an unexpected landing in Chennai
Air India flight AI 2455, carrying several MPs including Congress secretary KC Venugopal, was diverted from its original route (Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi) on August 10, 2025, due to a suspected weather radar malfunction and moderate turbulence[1][4]. The flight made an emergency landing at Chennai after a delay in departure and a technical issue during flight[1][3][4].
Venugopal described the incident as extremely dangerous, alleging that during the first landing attempt at Chennai airport, another aircraft was reportedly on the runway, forcing a sudden abort or "go-around" maneuver by the pilot[1][2][3][5]. He credited the pilots’ skill and luck for the safe outcome and urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Ministry of Civil Aviation to investigate, fix accountability, and ensure passenger safety does not depend on luck[1][2][3][5].
However, Air India and the DGCA clarified that: - The go-around was ordered by Chennai Air Traffic Control (ATC) due to instructions related to debris clearance or safety protocols, not because of another aircraft occupying the runway[2][4]. - The flight diverted to Chennai as a precaution because the weather radar was suspected to be malfunctioning based on inaccurate weather information, and to avoid an overweight landing, the aircraft orbited for 43 minutes before safely landing on the second attempt[1][4]. - Turbulence and delay were also contributing factors, but there was no confirmed runway incursion by another plane[1][4].
Passengers onboard reported a tense situation with the aborted landing and circling before the safe landing, raising concerns about air traffic coordination and safety oversight[3].
The Air India spokesperson expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the affected passengers and is providing support to minimize inconvenience[6]. The flight crew's quick decision saved every life on board[7]. The flight landed safely in Chennai, where the aircraft will undergo necessary checks before the flight is flown to the passengers' respective destinations at the earliest[1][4].
Venugopal, who took to social media to express his concerns, has called for an investigation into the incident to fix accountability[5]. The DGCA has been urged to investigate further to enhance passenger safety protocols.
- The incident involving Air India flight AI 2455, carrying Indian politician KC Venugopal, was deemed extremely dangerous by Venugopal himself, who alleged a potential runway incursion during an emergency landing at Chennai.
- Venugopal, citing luck and the pilots' skill, urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Ministry of Civil Aviation to investigate the incident, fix accountability, and ensure passenger safety does not solely depend on such external factors.
- The DGCA later clarified that the aborted landing was due to instructions related to debris clearance or safety protocols, not because of another aircraft on the runway, as initially reported by Venugopal.
- The incident has raised concerns among passengers regarding air traffic coordination and safety oversight, with Venugopal leading calls for a further investigation to enhance passenger safety protocols in the Indian aviation industry.
