**Air India Flight AI 2455 Diversion Explained by DGCA**
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has provided clarity regarding the diversion of Air India flight AI 2455, which was rerouted from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi on August 10. The DGCA confirmed that the diversion was due to a suspected malfunction of the weather radar, rather than a runway incursion as claimed by Congress MP KC Venugopal.
The Airbus A320, registered as VT-TNL, was scheduled to depart Thiruvananthapuram at 7:15 PM but took off 49 minutes late due to the delayed arrival of its incoming flight. After takeoff, the crew experienced moderate turbulence and suspected that the weather radar display was not functioning correctly. As a precaution, they decided to divert to Chennai.
To prevent an overweight landing, the aircraft circled 25 nautical miles northeast of Chennai for 43 minutes with air traffic control (ATC) clearance. At 10:19 PM, while cleared to approach Runway 25, Chennai ATC instructed the flight to go around after a departing Gulf Air flight reported debris on the left side of the runway. An inspection by the apron control team found no debris, and the Air India flight landed safely at 10:39 PM. Post-flight engineering checks revealed no defects, although the weather radar transceiver was replaced as a precaution.
Venugopal, who was on board with four other MPs, alleged that another aircraft was on the runway during their initial landing attempt, describing it as a “narrow escape” and calling for an inquiry. He stated, “It was announced by the pilot that there was another aircraft on the runway. I spoke to DGCA as well. Let them have an inquiry. Air India is lying.”
In response, Air India refuted his claims, asserting that the diversion was a precautionary measure due to a suspected technical issue and adverse weather conditions, and emphasized that the go-around was unrelated to any runway incursion. This incident occurs amid increased scrutiny of the airline’s operations following a recent fatal crash in Ahmedabad.
**FAQ**
**What caused the diversion of Air India flight AI 2455?**
The diversion was due to a suspected malfunction of the weather radar, not a runway incursion, as clarified by the DGCA.