An Air India Express flight carrying 160 passengers made a precautionary landing at Cochin International Airport on Thursday morning. The flight, designated IX 398, was headed from Jeddah to Kozhikode when crew members detected potential issues with the aircraft’s tyres.
A spokesperson from Air India Express confirmed that the flight diverted to Kochi after the crew observed signs of possible tyre-related damage. “The aircraft made this precautionary landing due to suspected damage, likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport,” the spokesperson stated.
They emphasized that only the tyres were affected and assured that the landing gear was not compromised. “It was not an emergency landing,” they clarified. “The flight diverted as a precautionary measure since Kozhikode’s Karipur airport is a tabletop airport.”
The aircraft successfully landed in Kochi at 9:07 AM without incident, and all passengers were confirmed safe.
To address passenger transport, the spokesperson added, “All guests are being connected to Kozhikode by road. We regret the inconvenience caused and reiterate that safety remains our highest priority.”
Meanwhile, the Airport Authority of India and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) reported on the coordinated response during the situation. They confirmed, “All emergency services were activated in advance, and there were no injuries to passengers or crew.” Post-landing inspections revealed that both right-side tyres had burst due to the runway incident.
CIAL reassured the public by stating that the runway was thoroughly inspected and subsequently cleared for normal operations. This incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols in aviation.
The quick decision-making of the crew ensured the safety of everyone on board, reaffirming the commitment of Air India Express to passenger safety. Observers note that teachable moments like this reinforce rigorous maintenance and safety inspections for all airlines, especially prior to long-haul international flights.
As travel continues to rebound post-pandemic, incidents such as this remind all stakeholders in the aviation sector of their responsibility towards passenger safety. Air India Express has now resumed normal operations and continues to operate across its extensive domestic and international network, demonstrating resilience in overcoming technical challenges.
