An Air India Express aircraft carrying 160 people was forced to execute an emergency landing at Cochin International Airport on Monday morning following a serious technical issue with its landing gear.
Precautionary Landing Following Suspected Tyre Failure
The flight, identified as IX 398 and operating from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to Kozhikode (Karipur) in India, was diverted to Kochi. The decision came after the pilot reported a technical issue suspected to be caused by tyre failure. Air India Express later indicated that the damage was likely due to a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport.
Upon receiving information about the impending emergency landing at 8:35 am, the airport authorities at Kochi swiftly activated their full-scale emergency response plan.
Full-Scale Emergency Response Activated
Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) mobilized all critical units to handle the situation. The coordinated effort involved:
- Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (ARFFS)
- Ground handling teams
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- External response units
- State fire and rescue services department
- Local police
With all emergency services on high alert, the aircraft made a safe precautionary landing at 9:08 am. A post-landing inspection confirmed that both tyres on the right-side main landing gear had burst.
Swift Normalization of Airport Operations
The airport management acted quickly to minimize disruption. The runway was inspected, cleared, and declared operational again by 9:45 am. The first flight took off just three minutes later, at 9:48 am.
However, the incident did cause some travel delays. Six incoming flights were delayed, with three being diverted to alternate airports. Furthermore, five departure flights had to be rescheduled.
CIAL Managing Director S Suhas praised the professional handling of the crisis, stating that excellent coordination among all stakeholders ensured the safe outcome. He expressed relief that all passengers and crew were safe and were being transported to their destination.
An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed that all 160 passengers and crew members are safe. The airline arranged road transport to take the guests from Kochi to their original destination, Kozhikode. The airline reiterated that safety remains its highest priority.
Following the incident, airport operations, including arrivals, departures, and ground handling, have resumed their normal schedules.
