Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 11: A social media post by senior Congress leader KC Venugopal about a near-miss incident involving an Air India flight at Chennai airport has triggered a political controversy after the airline refuted his version of events.

Venugopal, Alappuzha MP and Congress general secretary, described the AI 2455 flight from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi as facing severe turbulence and a technical fault, leading to a diversion to Chennai. He alleged a terrifying moment during the first landing attempt when another aircraft was reportedly on the same runway, forcing the captain to abort and try again. The MP called for an urgent investigation by aviation authorities.

Air India responded, stating the diversion was precautionary due to suspected technical issues and poor weather. It denied any runway conflict, clarifying that the go-around was ordered by Chennai ATC because of debris on the runway. The airline assured passengers of pilot professionalism and adherence to safety protocols.

Venugopal dismissed the airline’s explanation as a lie, insisting the captain’s announcement supported his claim. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the aircraft was diverted due to a radar malfunction, conducted fuel-burning orbits, and safely landed after a go-around prompted by debris, with no safety deficiencies found.

The incident drew sharp political reactions, with BJP leader Amit Malviya demanding that Venugopal be placed on a no-fly list if proven to have spread false information. He stressed the seriousness of aviation safety and the need for accountability in public statements.

The debate comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny of air travel safety in India following the June crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives and has led to ongoing investigations into airline safety and maintenance standards.