Air Arabia Maroc jet escapes near-sea plunge after Catania take-off, Italy launches investigation

Air Arabia Maroc jet escapes near-sea plunge after Catania take-off, Italy launches investigation
Thursday 23 October 2025 - 19:24

Italian aviation authorities opened a formal investigation into a serious incident involving an Airbus A320 operated by Moroccan-based airline Air Arabia Maroc, after the aircraft nearly descended into the sea shortly after taking off from Catania‑Fontanarossa Airport in Sicily. 

The jet, registered CN-NML, departed Catania on 20 September 2025 at roughly  bound for Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. 

Shortly after take-off the aircraft’s ground-proximity warning system triggered a “PULL UP” alert as the aircraft approached the Mediterranean surface at extremely low altitude.

 Italian regulator Agenzia Nazionale per la Sicurezza del Volo (ANSV) said the descent brought the plane within “a short distance” of the water before the flight crew regained control and climbed safely. 

There were no passengers on board, only two pilots and four cabin-crew members,  since the flight was operating in ferry mode. 

Air Arabia Maroc confirmed awareness of the investigation and stated it is fully cooperating with Italian authorities, emphasising its commitment to safety and transparency. 

The ANSV has not yet released conclusive findings; possible contributory factors under review include take-off configuration, autopilot setting, or bird strike, although weather conditions at the time were reported to be benign. 

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