The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating an air proximity incident involving EL AL Israel Airlines and Qatar Airways over the Arabian Sea that occurred in March of this year. The agency is currently analysing data related to the aircraft and flight crews involved.
What does Airprox mean?
Airprox, or air proximity, refers to a situation where two planes are closer together in the airspace than the mandated separation requirement.
According to the AAIB’s preliminary report, on March 24, the minimum separation between the two aircraft was 9.1 nautical miles—approximately one minute apart—while the standard separation should have been ten minutes.
Qatar Airways Boeing 777
The incident occurred within the Mumbai Flight Information Region (FIR). The EL AL Israel Airlines Boeing 777 was en route from Israel to Bangkok, while the Qatar Airways Boeing 777 was flying from Doha to Male.
The AAIB is investigating this incident specifically because it took place in the Mumbai FIR. The preliminary report indicates that evidence collected during the visit of the Airport Authority of India and the Mumbai ATS unit is currently under analysis.
The AAIB also stated that documents and data from both EL AL Israel Airlines and Qatar Airways regarding the involved aircraft and flight crews are being examined.