An Air India Express flight bound for Kozhikode was forced to make an emergency landing at Cochin International Airport on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, following a reported tyre failure. The aircraft, operating as flight IX-384, was carrying 179 passengers and crew from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Timeline of the Emergency Incident
The flight departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah as scheduled. During the flight, the pilots received an indication of a potential issue with one of the aircraft's tyres. In a display of caution and adherence to safety protocols, the crew decided to divert the aircraft to the nearest suitable airport, which was Cochin International Airport (COK). The authorities at Kochi were immediately alerted about the developing situation.
The pilot skillfully executed the emergency landing at Kochi at approximately 7:40 AM local time. Upon touchdown, the suspected tyre failure was confirmed. Emergency services, including fire tenders and medical teams, which were placed on full alert, rushed to the runway as a standard precautionary measure. Their swift deployment is a mandatory part of airport emergency response plans for such scenarios.
Safe Evacuation and Passenger Care
Following the safe landing, all 179 individuals on board, including the crew, were evacuated from the aircraft without any reports of injury. The airline and airport authorities swiftly took charge of the situation to ensure the well-being of the passengers.
Air India Express confirmed that all passengers were safely disembarked and were being provided with necessary assistance. The airline has made arrangements for alternate travel plans for the affected passengers to reach their final destination in Kozhikode. The incident led to a temporary disruption on the runway, but airport officials worked efficiently to manage operations and minimize the impact on other flights.
Investigation and Aftermath
The aircraft involved in the incident has been moved to a remote bay for a thorough technical inspection. Aviation regulators and the airline's engineering team will conduct a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the tyre failure. Such probes are standard procedure to prevent future occurrences and to maintain the highest safety standards in Indian aviation.
This incident highlights the critical importance of robust safety procedures and pilot training in handling in-flight emergencies. The calm and professional response from the flight crew and ground staff ensured that a potentially hazardous situation was resolved without harm to anyone on board. Passengers are advised to stay in contact with Air India Express for updates regarding their rescheduled travel.
