Air India Express flight lands in Kochi after mid-air technical snag
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Kochi: A major aviation mishap was averted on Thursday after an Air India Express flight bound for Kozhikode made an emergency landing at Kochi in Kerala following a technical issue detected mid-air.
The flight, AIE 398, which originated from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, was carrying around 160 passengers when the pilot noticed a problem related to the aircraft’s landing gear while en route. Acting swiftly, the pilot sought permission for an urgent diversion and made a precautionary landing at Cochin International Airport.
Upon receiving the distress call, airport authorities immediately activated full emergency protocols. Fire and rescue teams, medical staff and security personnel were deployed along the runway as a precautionary measure. The aircraft landed safely at around 9.07 a.m.
A detailed post-landing inspection revealed that two tyres of the aircraft had burst, confirming the seriousness of the malfunction and underscoring the timely decision taken by the flight crew to divert the aircraft to Kochi.
Officials of Cochin International Airports Limited coordinated the emergency response and post-landing procedures, ensuring that all passengers were safely escorted to the terminal. Airport sources said all emergency systems were operational and functioned as planned.
All passengers have been accommodated in the airport lounge while arrangements are being made for their onward journey. Air India Express officials said efforts are underway to operate an alternative flight to Kozhikode at the earliest. In case of delays or cancellations, passengers will be transported by road to Kozhikode, which is approximately a seven-hour drive from Kochi. The airline is also coordinating refreshments and assistance for passengers during the waiting period.
In a separate statement issued in New Delhi, Air India Express said the diversion was due to suspected damage to the aircraft’s tyre, likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah Airport.
“Our Jeddah–Kozhikode flight was diverted to Kochi and 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,” the airline said.
An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft landed safely in Kochi and that all passengers are being connected to Kozhikode by road. “We regret the inconvenience caused and reiterate that safety remains our highest priority in every aspect of our operations,” the spokesperson added.
As reported earlier, the pilot’s prompt response and the readiness of airport emergency systems played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of all on board and preventing what could have been a serious accident.
With IANS inputs