Flight TU-718 (Operated by Avion Express for Tunis Air) | Registration: LY-NVJ
Date: 2 April 2025 | Location: Near Ajaccio, France
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Introduction
On 2 April 2025, an Airbus A320-200 operated by Avion Express on behalf of Tunis Air, registration LY-NVJ, was conducting scheduled flight TU-718 from Tunis-Carthage International Airport (DTTA) in Tunisia to Paris Orly Airport (LFPO), France. While cruising at FL340 over the Mediterranean Sea, the crew experienced a significant electrical malfunction that necessitated a diversion.
The aircraft safely landed at Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (LFKJ), Corsica, approximately 25 minutes after the issue was declared. A replacement aircraft later completed the journey to Paris with a delay of over 7 hours. No injuries were reported.
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Flight Details
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A320-214
• Engines: 2 × CFM56-5B4/3
• Operator: Avion Express (on behalf of Tunis Air)
• Tail Number: LY-NVJ
• Flight Number: TU-718
• Departure Airport: Tunis-Carthage International Airport (DTTA)
• Scheduled Destination: Paris Orly Airport (LFPO)
• Diversion Airport: Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport (LFKJ)
• Date of Incident: 2 April 2025
• Phase of Flight: Cruise (FL340)
• Occupants: 158 (Passengers and Crew)
• Weather Conditions: VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions)
• Runway Used for Landing: Runway 02
• Time from Diversion to Landing: ~25 minutes
• Ground Time Since Landing: ~30 hours (as of 3 April 2025)
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Sequence of Events
In-Flight Electrical Failure
Approximately 20 nautical miles southwest of Ajaccio, while cruising at 34,000 feet, the flight crew identified anomalies related to the aircraft’s electrical systems. The nature of the electrical fault has not been fully disclosed; however, standard Airbus procedures dictate a diversion in the event of degraded power system redundancy or risk to critical avionics.
The flight crew coordinated with Marseille ACC and declared their intent to divert to the nearest suitable airport—Ajaccio, located on the island of Corsica.
Descent and Diversion
The aircraft initiated a descent from cruise altitude and was vectored for a visual or instrument approach into Ajaccio’s runway 02. There were no reports of additional technical difficulties during the descent and landing phases. Emergency services were placed on standby, though their intervention was not required.
The aircraft landed without further incident, and all passengers disembarked normally. The aircraft was subsequently towed to the stand for inspection.
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Technical Assessment
A320 Electrical Systems Overview
The Airbus A320 is equipped with multiple sources of electrical power:
• 2 × Integrated Drive Generators (IDGs) connected to each engine
• Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) generator
• Emergency RAT (Ram Air Turbine) generator (for backup hydraulic/electrical supply)
• Batteries (for temporary power support during failures)
The precise nature of the electrical fault (e.g., generator failure, bus bar short, avionics power dropout) has not been made public. However, any degradation affecting flight instruments, communications, or flight control interfaces would justify the crew’s decision to divert.
Post-Landing Status
As of 3 April 2025, the aircraft remains grounded at Ajaccio while maintenance personnel investigate the root cause of the malfunction. No timeline has been provided for return to service.
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Replacement Flight and Passenger Handling
• Replacement Aircraft: Airbus A320neo (F-HXKB, operated by Air Corsica)
• Alternate Flight Number: XK-800
• Arrival at Paris Orly: ~7 hours and 45 minutes delay
• Passenger Support: Passengers were provided with refreshments and rebooked onto the replacement aircraft. No injuries or medical issues were reported.
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Summary & Safety Outlook
The diversion of flight TU-718 underscores the operational risks posed by electrical failures at cruise altitude, particularly in ETOPS-like environments over water or remote terrain. While the aircraft’s redundant electrical architecture allowed for a safe continuation to an alternate airport, such failures highlight the importance of crew training, system monitoring, and timely decision-making.
Tunis Air and Avion Express are cooperating with French aviation authorities and Airbus technical advisors to determine the cause of the fault. Pending further inspection, the aircraft will remain out of service.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available data and operational updates as of 3 April 2025. All information is subject to revision pending the outcome of official investigations. If you are the licensed rights holder of any referenced content and wish for it to be removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
