An Air India Express flight, carrying 160 passengers, made a precautionary landing at Cochin International Airport on Thursday morning. The Jeddah–Kozhikode flight (IX 398) diverted to Kochi after crew members detected potential damage to the aircraft’s tyres.
According to an Air India Express spokesperson, the precautionary landing occurred after the airline identified a possible tyre-related issue. The spokesperson remarked, “The aircraft made a precautionary landing due to suspected damage to the aircraft’s tyre, likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport.”
It is important to note that only the tyres were affected, and there was no issue with the landing gear itself. The official emphasized that while the landing was precautionary, it was not an emergency situation. The flight diverted due to safety concerns, as Kozhikode’s Karipur airport is a tabletop airport.
Upon landing safely at Kochi, all passengers were reported to be unharmed. The airline has arranged for alternate transport to Kozhikode. “All guests are being connected to Kozhikode by road. We regret the inconvenience caused and reiterate that safety remains our highest priority,” the spokesperson said.
The airport’s operations remained smooth following the incident. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) confirmed that they facilitated the safe landing of the aircraft at 9.07 am after the flight was redirected due to a technical issue involving the right main landing gear and tyre failure.
A CIAL spokesperson added, “All emergency services were activated in advance, and there were no injuries to passengers or crew. Post-landing inspections confirmed that both right-side tyres had burst.” This swift response ensured passenger safety during the incident.
Following the emergency landing, CIAL also conducted a thorough runway inspection. The airport authority confirmed that the runway was cleared and subsequently released for normal operations.
This incident highlights the airline’s commitment to safety and proactive measures taken during technical malfunctions. As airlines frequently adjust to ensure passenger safety, the timely actions taken by Air India Express exemplify the heightened safety protocols now in place.
Passengers flying with Air India Express or any major airline should remain informed and prepared for potential diversions, as safety protocols remain the utmost priority. Travelers can stay updated through the airline’s official channels regarding any travel status updates.
