India investigates air proximity incident involving El Al and Qatari 777 | News

Indian investigators have begun investigating a separation loss involving El Al and Qatar Airways Boeing 777s.

The incident occurred on March 24 over the Mumbai flight information region, India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said.

The El Al 777-200ER (4X-ECB) operated flight ELY081 from Tel Aviv to Bangkok, while the Qatar 777-300ER (A7-BOB) operated flight QTR8E from Doha to Male in the Maldives.

The AAIB notes that both aircraft were “on their intended flight paths” and were at a cruising altitude of 35,000 feet. The two aircraft suffered a loss of separation near the GOLEM waypoint in the Mumbai flight information region.

According to the investigators, the minimum lateral distance measured was 9.1 nm, or about 1 minute. This is well below the standard distance of 10 minutes sideways at the same altitude, the office said.

It adds that none of the crew members received a warning from the traffic collision avoidance system.

The AAIB did not disclose how many passengers and crew each aircraft was carrying.

Investigators have collected air traffic control records as well as statements from involved officials and representatives of the Airport Authority of India.

According to Cirium Fleets, the El Al 777 (MSN30382) was delivered to the Israeli operator in 2001 and is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 895 engines.

The Qatar 777 (MSN36161) was delivered to the airline in 2021 but first operated for Cathay Pacific in 2009. The aircraft is powered by a pair of GE Aerospace GE90-115BL2 turbofans.