A stunning incident in which both the pilot and co-pilot fell asleep during a flight with 153 passengers on board has raised serious concerns about aviation safety. Indonesian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident that occurred on January 25, 2024, when an Airbus A320 operated by Batik Air was en route from Southeast Sulawesi province to Jakarta.
According to the findings of the civil aviation regulator, the pilots napped for around 28 minutes during the flight, which led to a series of navigational errors. Despite the alarming situation, all passengers and crew members remained unharmed. However, the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Indonesia condemned Batik Air for the incident, urging the airline to prioritize the welfare of its pilots, co-pilots and cabin crew.
In response to the incident, Batik Air assured the public that it adheres to appropriate security protocols and is committed to implementing all recommended security measures. The airline announced the temporary suspension of the pilots involved in the incident pending further investigation.
The investigation showed that one of the pilots did not rest enough before the flight. The captain requested permission to rest approximately 90 minutes before takeoff, leaving the co-pilot to do so. Unfortunately, the co-pilot, who recently became a parent of twins, succumbed to exhaustion during the flight.
The pilots involved in the incident are 32 and 28 years old, which sheds light on the challenges facing aviation professionals, particularly in managing fatigue and work-life balance.