A Thiruvananthapuram-Delhi Air India flight, carrying several Members of Parliament (MPs), was compelled to make an emergency landing at Chennai International Airport on Sunday. The flight, identified as Air India AI 2455, experienced a suspected radar malfunction shortly after taking off from Thiruvananthapuram.

Among the passengers were prominent political figures, including Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, UDF Convenor Adoor Prakash, senior Congress leader Kodikunnil Suresh, and K. Radhakrishnan, all Members of Parliament from Kerala, along with Tamil Nadu MP Robert Bruce. According to reports, the incident occurred approximately one hour into the flight.

The sudden diversion caused considerable concern among the passengers. K.C. Venugopal described the incident as a narrow escape. Preliminary reports suggest the radar malfunction prompted the emergency landing, but the exact nature of the issue is still under investigation.

Airport authorities in Chennai were immediately alerted, and necessary preparations were made for the unscheduled landing. Emergency services were on standby as the aircraft approached, ensuring the safety of all those on board. The flight landed safely, and all passengers disembarked without incident.

Following the landing, engineers and technicians began inspecting the aircraft to determine the cause of the radar malfunction. The airline is working to provide alternative travel arrangements for the stranded passengers to reach their final destination in Delhi.

This incident has raised concerns about the safety and maintenance protocols of Air India flights. While emergency landings are not uncommon, the involvement of prominent political figures has amplified the attention surrounding this particular event. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to launch a thorough investigation into the incident to ascertain the precise cause of the malfunction and to recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The incident also highlights the crucial role of air traffic control and airport emergency services in ensuring passenger safety during unforeseen circumstances. The swift response and coordination of the Chennai airport authorities were instrumental in managing the situation effectively and preventing any potential harm to passengers.

As of now, the aircraft remains grounded in Chennai, awaiting necessary repairs. Air India has yet to release a detailed statement regarding the incident, but passengers have been assured that the airline is taking all necessary steps to address the situation and minimize any inconvenience caused. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.