An Air India flight from Singapore with 180 passengers on board had a close call while attempting to land at Chennai airport on Wednesday morning. The pilots were forced to abort the landing due to an unstable approach and crosswinds, descending to as low as 200 feet before initiating a go-around. The flight eventually landed safely on the second attempt after circling the airport, but the ordeal resulted in a delay of nearly 30 minutes.
According to Airport Authority of India (AAI) officials, the aborted landing was due to an “unstabilised approach” at the St Thomas Mount end of the runway. Sources familiar with the matter explained that a safe landing requires a controlled descent rate, correct speed, and alignment, but in this case, the descent was too steep and there was a sudden shift in wind speed.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over recent landing-related events at Chennai airport. In October last year, an Indigo flight from Jaipur had to make a touch-and-go due to similar issues, while in March this year, a Mumbai-Chennai flight suffered tail damage during touchdown. These incidents have highlighted the need for increased vigilance and safety measures to ensure the well-being of passengers.
The Air India flight’s narrow escape is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in aviation. The pilots’ decision to abort the landing and initiate a go-around likely prevented a potentially disastrous outcome. The incident will likely be investigated to determine the causes of the unstable approach and to identify measures to prevent similar events in the future.
The Chennai airport has experienced a number of landing-related incidents in recent months, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols and procedures. The airport authorities and airlines must work together to ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place to protect passengers and prevent accidents. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety in the aviation industry, and the need for continued efforts to improve safety standards and prevent accidents.