Indonesian authorities are investigating Batik Air, a local carrier, following an alarming incident where both pilots fell asleep mid-flight for approximately 28 minutes. The incident occurred during a flight from Sulawesi to Jakarta on January 25th. Both pilots, who have been temporarily suspended, reportedly dozed off due to fatigue; one was exhausted from caring for his newborn twins, while the other was assisting with childcare after his wife gave birth to twins.

During the episode, the Airbus A320 briefly deviated from its course but ultimately landed safely, with all 153 passengers and crew members unharmed. According to reports, the 32-year-old pilot had instructed his co-pilot to take control of the aircraft so he could rest about half an hour after takeoff. Unfortunately, the co-pilot also fell asleep unintentionally. Jakarta air traffic control attempted to contact the cockpit during the radio silence that ensued but received no response until the lead pilot woke up and realized the situation. The aircraft had briefly veered off course during this period.

Although medical tests prior to the flight indicated that both pilots were physically fit to fly, they failed to assess the quality of their rest. Aviation experts have pointed out the importance of ensuring the crew's rest is of good quality. Consequently, authorities have issued a strong reprimand to Batik Air, emphasizing the need for the airline to prioritize its crew's rest time. Batik Air has asserted that it operates with an adequate rest policy and is committed to implementing all safety recommendations.

This incident is not the first for Batik Air; in 2019, the airline had to make an emergency landing due to a pilot fainting mid-flight.