Thai Airways faces safety enquiry in Australia

An investigation is underway after a Thai Airways jet allegedly flew too low over central Melbourne,

Two similar incidents led to Tiger Airways being grounded this month.

The Age is reporting that a Boeing 777, carrying passengers from Bangkok, descended below the minimum permitted altitude, about 11km south of Melbourne Airport, at 8.19pm on July 24, according to Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) data.

It is understood the aircraft flew at about 1000 feet when the permitted height was just less than 2000 feet.

“During the approach, the aircraft descended below minimum altitude.” The ATSB called it a “serious incident”.

The 777 went on to land safely at Melbourne Airport a short time later.

Aviation safety authorities are yet to clear Tiger Airways to resume flight operations, and the airline has denied media speculation that it will restart operations August 6.

In a statement, Tiger Airways said it “continues to work constructively with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia, and the two parties are in ongoing discussions to resolve the issues.

“There is no information available yet as to when Tiger Airways Australia may resume services, but it is committed to do so as soon as possible.”