Introduction
On 24 March 2025, an Air India Airbus A320-200neo, registration VT-TNY, operating flight AI-2415 from Indira Gandhi International Airport (VIDP), Delhi to Kempegowda International Airport (VOBL), Bangalore, encountered operational challenges during descent when the flight crew elected to divert to Chennai due to a combination of airspace holding and runway availability constraints at the destination. The aircraft entered a hold at FL240 approximately 30 nautical miles northeast of Bangalore before diverting to Chennai International Airport (VOMM), where it landed safely.
The diversion raised questions regarding fuel state and runway access during the scheduled Monday maintenance closure at Bangalore Airport.
Flight & Aircraft Details
• Operator: Air India
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A320-251N (neo)
• Registration: VT-TNY
• Engines: 2 × CFM LEAP-1A26
• Flight Number: AI-2415
• Route: Delhi (VIDP) → Bangalore (VOBL)
• Diverted To: Chennai (VOMM)
• Date: 24 March 2025
• Occupants: 172 (Passengers and Crew)
• Initial Clearance: Runway 09L/27R unavailable due to scheduled maintenance
• Flight Crew Certification: Not certified for alternate runway 09R/27L
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise and Descent
• The aircraft departed Delhi without delay and cruised uneventfully towards Bangalore.
• During descent and while positioned about 30nm northeast of Bangalore, the flight was instructed to enter a holding pattern at FL240 due to operational restrictions affecting runway usage.
2. Runway Availability Issue at Bangalore
• According to Bangalore Airport’s NOTAM procedure, the southern runway (09L/27R) is closed every Monday for routine maintenance for one hour.
• Although the northern runway (09R/27L) remains operational during this period, it requires specific pilot qualification for usage.
• The flight crew of VT-TNY were not certified for operation on the northern runway at that time.
3. Holding Pattern and Fuel Considerations
• The aircraft remained in the holding pattern for approximately 25 minutes awaiting clarification or availability of a suitable runway.
• Due to increasing concerns about fuel endurance and diversion minimums, the crew made a proactive decision to divert to Chennai, approximately 140nm to the east.
4. Diversion to Chennai
• The aircraft exited the hold, turned east, and landed safely on Chennai’s runway 07 approximately 55 minutes after entering the holding pattern near Bangalore.
• Upon landing, the aircraft was refuelled, and the flight continued to Bangalore once the primary runway reopened.
Technical and Operational Considerations
1. Fuel Planning and Holding Protocols
• Aircraft are required under ICAO Annex 6 and DGCA CAR Section 8 to carry:
• Trip fuel
• Contingency fuel
• Alternate fuel (if required)
• Final reserve fuel (holding minimum)
• Additional fuel (based on operator’s SOPs and forecast delays)
• With holding exceeding 20 minutes, fuel margins would have begun to erode the final reserve fuel, particularly if no alternate or updated ATC arrival time was provided.
2. Runway Certification and Limitations
• Certain runways at major international airports are classified as Category C due to their narrower width, non-standard approaches, or obstacle clearance.
• Flight crew are required to hold specific certification for landing on such runways, which includes training and simulator checks.
• The northern runway at Bangalore meets these criteria, and pilots without such certification cannot legally or safely land during the primary runway closure.
3. Crew Decision-Making
• The flight crew followed standard safety protocols, prioritising fuel status, legal limitations, and passenger safety.
• The diversion to Chennai was made in accordance with Air India SOPs, ATC coordination, and DGCA guidelines.
Aftermath and Statements
• Air India clarified that the diversion was due to a “restriction at Bangalore” and that the aircraft resumed the flight to its intended destination after refuelling in Chennai.
• Bangalore Airport Authority confirmed the standard Monday maintenance schedule, stating that no airport-wide closure was in effect and the alternate runway remained operational.
• However, it was also noted that pilot certification limitations effectively rendered the northern runway inaccessible to certain flight crews during this period.
Conclusion
On 24 March 2025, Air India flight AI-2415, operating an Airbus A320neo (VT-TNY), was unable to land at Bangalore due to scheduled runway maintenance and crew limitations for alternate runway use. After a 25-minute holding pattern, the crew made a precautionary diversion to Chennai in light of fuel endurance and runway access restrictions.
The aircraft landed safely, refuelled, and proceeded to Bangalore without further incident. The event highlights the operational complexities that can arise from routine runway closures, crew certification limitations, and fuel management protocols.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of 25 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
