Dhaka: Italy’s air safety regulator has launched an investigation after an Air Arabia Maroc Airbus A320 descended dangerously close to the sea shortly after departing Catania Airport in Sicily on September 20.

According to the Italian National Agency for Flight Safety (ANSV), the aircraft received a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) alert just 11 seconds after takeoff while en route to Amman, Jordan.

Flight data shows the jet descended to approximately 200 feet above the water before regaining altitude. The flight continued without further incident.

There were no passengers onboard at the time. Two pilots and four cabin crew members were operating the aircraft as part of a ferry flight.

ANSV has classified the occurrence as a “serious incident” and is conducting a safety investigation. Air Arabia Maroc confirmed its cooperation with authorities and said safety remains its top priority.

The aircraft involved, registered CN-NML, is operated by Air Arabia Maroc, a subsidiary of the UAE-based low-cost carrier Air Arabia.

-B