A political storm has erupted after an Air India flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi faced multiple landing attempts and diverted routes, prompting Congress leader K.C. Venugopal to demand a thorough investigation. The MP accused the airline of downplaying safety risks and misleading passengers, calling the incident a ‘serious lapse.’ The flight, AI 868, reportedly circled Delhi for over an hour amid adverse weather before making a harrowing landing attempt, leaving travelers traumatized.
According to passenger accounts, the aircraft abruptly ascended during its initial descent, with oxygen masks deploying as it struggled to navigate stormy conditions. Venugopal slammed Air India’s statement terming the event a ‘standard operation,’ alleging it falsely claimed the plane diverted to Mumbai due to low fuel. Instead, he asserted the flight rerouted to Indore, leaving passengers uninformed and anxious. ‘This is a blatant lie,’ he said, urging aviation authorities to hold the airline accountable.
The incident has reignited concerns over Air India’s safety protocols and transparency under Tata Group’s management. Venugopal emphasized that such ‘recklessness’ could have turned fatal, stressing the need for immediate corrective measures. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is yet to comment, but sources indicate the regulator may scrutinize cockpit communications and operational decisions.
Passengers recounted chaotic scenes as the aircraft swayed violently, with children screaming and luggage tumbling from overhead compartments. One traveler described it as ’15 minutes of terror,’ criticizing the crew’s delayed communication. Air India acknowledged turbulence but defended its pilots’ actions as precautionary. However, critics argue the airline’s handling reflects deeper systemic issues in crisis management.
Venugopal also highlighted previous near-misses involving Air India flights, urging the government to prioritize passenger safety over corporate interests. The incident comes amid rising complaints about airline service quality, putting renewed pressure on regulators to enforce stricter oversight.
