On a recent evening, passengers aboard Air India Flight AI2455’s Detour faced a frightening experience when the aircraft, bound for Delhi, diverted to Chennai due to a suspected issue. The incident immediately raised safety concerns and sparked calls for a thorough investigation.
Congress MP K Suresh, who was among the passengers, recounted how the flight left Trivandrum at 7:45 PM on Monday. An hour later, the pilot announced a radar communication problem, forcing the diversion. However, tension escalated when the plane attempted to land in Chennai but suddenly ascended again, leaving the 160 passengers panicked and fearing for their lives.
Despite the chaos, the pilot successfully landed the aircraft in Chennai. Passengers, although shaken, felt relieved after the ordeal and later reached Delhi around 4:30 AM the next day. Air India explained that the diversion was a precautionary step, citing both a suspected technical issue and adverse weather conditions. The airline apologized for the inconvenience and reaffirmed its commitment to passenger and crew safety.
MP K Suresh has since demanded an investigation by Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). He emphasized the need to understand the radar communication failure and ensure accountability in aviation operations.
The incident also brings attention to India’s growing air travel, especially in Punjab. Chandigarh has experienced a 45% increase in flights in recent years, reflecting a rise in passenger demand. Similarly, Mohali’s Punjab International Airport ranked among the top 10 in customer satisfaction in a 2022 survey by the Airports Authority of India, highlighting its significant progress.
Air India, too, has grown in Punjab, recording a 30% increase in passenger loads since launching new routes in 2021. This demonstrates the airline’s expanding footprint and the public’s trust in its services.
The event surrounding Air India Flight AI2455’s Detour underscores the importance of safety in aviation. As air traffic rises, ensuring secure and reliable flights becomes even more critical. The investigation demanded by MP K Suresh will be key in clarifying what happened and in reassuring passengers that safety remains the highest priority.
