In Indonesia, an investigation was initiated after a Batik Air flight veered off course when both pilots fell asleep from Kendari to Jakarta on January 25.
The National Transportation Safety Committee of Indonesia revealed that the Airbus A320, carrying 153 passengers, strayed from its route nearly two hours into the journey as the pilots, one after another, succumbed to sleep.
The co-pilot, aged 28, reportedly dozed off due to exhaustion from caring for his newborn twins. Initially, he maintained communication with Jakarta’s air traffic control amidst light turbulence but eventually fell asleep. Air traffic control’s repeated attempts to contact the cockpit went unanswered for 28 minutes until the co-pilot awoke to discover the deviation.
Upon realizing the situation, he promptly alerted the 32-year-old commanding pilot, and the aircraft safely reached its destination in Jakarta without any injuries to passengers or damage to the plane.
Batik Air has since temporarily suspended the pilots, as per The New York Times. Medical evaluations had previously affirmed the pilots’ fitness to fly, raising questions about the incident’s circumstances.
Indonesia’s aviation authority, led by M Kristi Endah Murni, suggested that Batik Air reassess its crew rest policies. As reported, Batik Air affirmed its commitment to safety and adherence to rest guidelines.
