A political storm has erupted following the diversion of an Air India flight AI2455 from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi to Chennai on August 10, 2025. The incident has triggered a war of words between the Congress party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Air India, with allegations of misinformation and demands for investigation flying thick and fast.
The controversy began after senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal, who was onboard the flight along with other Members of Parliament (MPs), described the journey as "harrowing" on social media platform X. Venugopal claimed that shortly after takeoff, the flight encountered unprecedented turbulence, and about an hour later, the captain announced a technical fault, leading to the diversion to Chennai. He further alleged that while attempting to land in Chennai, the flight came dangerously close to a tragedy when "another aircraft was reportedly on the same runway". Venugopal credited the pilot's quick decision to pull up as the reason every life on board was saved. He also stated that Air India was lying about the incident and urged the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to investigate the matter.
Air India has refuted Venugopal's claims, stating that the diversion to Chennai was a precautionary measure due to a suspected technical issue and poor weather conditions. The airline clarified that the Air Traffic Control (ATC) in Chennai had instructed a "go-around" during the first landing attempt, but this was not due to the presence of another aircraft on the runway. Air India asserted that its pilots are well-trained to handle such situations and followed standard procedures throughout the flight. An Air India spokesperson confirmed the diversion and reiterated the technical issue as the reason. They also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers, assuring that the airline was providing support and making alternative arrangements to fly them to their respective destinations.
The BJP has seized upon the incident to attack the Congress party. BJP leader Amit Malviya has strongly criticized Venugopal, calling his claims "irresponsible" and demanding that he be placed on a no-fly list if found to be spreading falsehoods about air safety. The BJP has accused Venugopal of creating a "flight scare" and demanded accountability, emphasizing the seriousness of the alleged safety violation.
Several reports indicate that five Members of Parliament were on the diverted flight. Following the incident, the aircraft underwent necessary checks in Chennai. While Air India maintains that safety protocols were followed and there was no near-miss, Venugopal insists on an inquiry, alleging that the airline is not being truthful about the events that transpired. He claims that the pilot announced the presence of another aircraft on the runway.
