ISTANBUL- Turkish Airlines Cargo (TK) Airbus A330-200F operating from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Istanbul Airport (IST) and Flydubai (FZ) Boeing 737 MAX 9 operating from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Calicut International Airport (CCJ) were involved in an airprox event inside Mumbai’s flight information region.
The two aircraft came within less than 1,000ft separation during the incident.
Turkish Airlines Cargo Airbus A330-200F and Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 9 were operating at adjacent cruise levels when an unauthorized climb created a loss of separation event.
Indian investigators later identified communication misinterpretation and absence of required cross-verification as key contributing factors.
AAIB Investigation Into Turkish A330F Airprox Event
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found that the flight crew of a Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 freighter initiated a climb without receiving air traffic clearance, resulting in a loss of separation with a Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 9.
The incident took place on 30 August 2025 at approximately 05:17 local time along Route P574. Both aircraft were operating in opposite directions within Mumbai’s flight information region.
The Turkish Airbus A330-200F, registered TC-JOO, was operating a cargo flight from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Istanbul Airport (IST).
The Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 9, registered A6-FKR, was operating a passenger service from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Calicut International Airport (CCJ).
At the time of the event, the Flydubai aircraft carrying 173 passengers and crew members was cruising at 35,000ft (10,680m). The Turkish cargo aircraft was maintaining 34,000ft.
Sequence Of Events Inside Cockpit
The AAIB stated that after reaching cruise altitude, the pilot-in-command of the Turkish aircraft proceeded for controlled rest. The first officer subsequently became the pilot flying.
The first officer requested clearance to climb from 34,000ft to 36,000ft. Air traffic control denied the request and responded, “Unable due to traffic.” The aircraft then continued maintaining its assigned flight level.
The first officer later observed an illuminated blue ATC message indicator light and incorrectly assumed that climb approval had been issued.
The message light functioned only as a notification indication and did not represent confirmed air traffic clearance.
Based on that interpretation, the first officer initiated the climb.
Traffic Advisory Triggered On Multiple Aircraft
The AAIB stated that the Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 9 was positioned approximately 3nm ahead of the Turkish aircraft and 2nm offset to the right.
The reduced separation triggered Traffic Advisory (TA) indications on both aircraft.
The pilot-in-command of the Turkish freighter then resumed control and reviewed the aircraft communication display.
He found that the only available message was the original climb request and that no additional instruction had been transmitted.
The captain attempted to confirm the climb clearance using voice communication but initially received no response.
During a second attempt, air traffic controllers confirmed that the climb had not been approved and instructed the Turkish aircraft to reduce speed.
Both aircraft later continued to their destinations without further incident.
Similar Incidents
The AAIB investigation identified additional consequences from the unauthorized climb.
Investigators found that the Turkish Airbus A330F also experienced loss of separation events involving a Qatar Airways Airbus A320 and an Emirates Boeing 777-300ER.
Reported by Flight Global, the investigation identified two probable causes behind the incident. The report cited the “absence of required cross-verification” and “misinterpretation of the message light” as the primary contributing factors.
Safety Recommendations Issued
The AAIB recommended that Turkish Airlines strengthen controller-pilot communication procedures and place additional emphasis on verification of message content before executing instructions.
Investigators also recommended amendments to the airline’s operations manual. The agency specifically advised that significant flight path changes, flight level changes, or other requests requiring cross-check should be avoided during controlled rest periods unless operationally necessary.
These recommendations focus on reducing communication errors and strengthening flight deck coordination procedures.
Aircraft Service Background
According to data from aviation analytics company Cirium, the Airbus A330-200F involved in the incident entered service with Turkish Airlines in 2018. The aircraft previously operated with Malaysia Airlines between 2012 and 2017.
The Flydubai Boeing 737 Max 9 involved in the incident entered service in 2023.
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