Italian aviation authorities have initiated a safety probe following a concerning incident involving an Air Arabia flight that descended perilously close to the Mediterranean Sea shortly after takeoff. The event, classified as a ‘serious incident’ by Italy’s Agenzia Nazionale Per La Sicurezza Del Volo (ANSV), occurred on September 20, 2025, when the Airbus A320 aircraft, operated by Air Arabia Maroc, departed from Catania Airport in Sicily, bound for Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan. The aircraft’s Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) alerted the pilots as it neared the sea surface, prompting immediate corrective action. The flight continued without further issues, and no passengers were onboard, though two pilots and four cabin crew members were present. Air Arabia Maroc has confirmed its full cooperation with the investigation, emphasizing its commitment to safety and transparency. This incident comes amid Air Arabia’s recent expansion, having received its first Airbus A320neo aircraft from a 120-plane order placed in 2019. The airline operates from six hubs across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. The investigation highlights ongoing concerns in aviation safety, particularly following a recent Air India crash near Ahmedabad in June 2025.
Air Arabia flight plummets close to sea after takeoff; investigation launched
