Congress MP K C Venugopal Demands Inquiry Over Air India Safety Concerns

Congress Member of Parliament K C Venugopal on Monday accused Air India of deceit regarding a potential safety breach at Chennai airport. The Delhi-bound AI 2455 flight, carrying Venugopal and other MPs, was forced to divert due to severe weather conditions, leading to his call for a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) investigation.

Reflecting on the incident, Venugopal described the journey as 'harrowing,' with turbulence compelling a precautionary landing in Chennai. He alleged that another aircraft was on the runway during their landing attempt, forcing the pilot to make a last-minute decision that potentially saved lives. However, Air India countered these claims, asserting there was no other aircraft present and that the diversion was a standard precautionary measure.

Venugopal further emphasized the gravity of the situation in an online post, urging a thorough investigation and accountability from aviation authorities. Air India responded by reiterating their pilots' training and adherence to safety protocols while apologizing for the inconvenience caused, maintaining that passenger safety remains their top priority.

(With inputs from agencies.)