AAIB Investigates Airprox Incident Over Arabian Sea Involving EL AL and Qatar Airways

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating a mid-air incident between planes from EL AL Israel Airlines and Qatar Airways over the Arabian Sea. The incident, which occurred on March 24, involved the planes being separated by only 9.1 nautical miles, rather than the standard 10 minutes. The AAIB is analyzing data from the aircraft and flight crews.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting a probe into a mid-air near-miss involving EL AL Israel Airlines and Qatar Airways over the Arabian Sea. The agency is currently analyzing data related to the aircraft and their respective flight crews.

An airprox or air proximity incident refers to two aircraft coming closer than the mandated separation requirements while in flight. According to AAIB's preliminary report, the two planes were separated by a lateral distance of 9.1 nautical miles, approximately one minute apart in the air, on March 24. The required standard separation is usually 10 minutes.

The incident occurred within the Mumbai Flight Information Region (FIR). The EL AL Boeing 777 was en route from Israel to Bangkok, and the Qatar Airways Boeing 777 was flying from Doha to Male. The AAIB's ongoing investigation includes an analysis of evidence gathered during a visit to the Mumbai ATS unit of the Airport Authority of India. Documents and data from both airlines are also under scrutiny.

(With inputs from agencies.)