Although the Batik Air aircraft momentarily went off course, it made a safe landing.


Indonesia is currently looking into the original carrier Batik Air in response to an incident in which it was found that both pilots had slept off for 28 twinkles while in flight. 

The two pilots, both of whom have been temporarily suspended, dozed off on a flight from Sulawesi to Jakarta on January 25. The Airbus A320 briefly deviated from its course but eventually landed safely, ensuring the well-being of all 153 passengers and crew members on board.

The 32-year-old pilot had instructed his co-pilot to take control of the aircraft approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, citing the need for rest due to fatigue from caring for his newborn twins. The 28-year-old co-pilot agreed, unintentionally dozing off himself while assisting his wife in looking after their one-month-old twins.

Despite attempts by Jakarta air traffic control to contact the cockpit after the last recorded transmission, there was no response for 28 minutes. The lead pilot eventually woke up, realizing both pilots had been asleep, and that the aircraft had momentarily deviated from its intended course. The pilots promptly responded to Jakarta's calls and successfully landed the plane.

Pre-flight medical tests had cleared the pilots as physically fit to fly, with normal blood pressure and heart rates, as well as negative alcohol tests. However, the tests did not assess the quality of their rest, leaving uncertainties about their overall well-being, according to aviation expert Alvin Lie.

In response to the incident, Batik Air has received a "strong reprimand" from authorities. M Kristi Endah Murni, Indonesia's head of air transport, emphasized the importance of Batik Air paying closer attention to the rest time of its crew. Batik Air, in turn, asserts that it adheres to an "adequate rest policy" and is committed to implementing all safety recommendations.