An Air India Express flight bound for Kozhikode made a precautionary landing at Cochin International Airport on Thursday morning after suspecting tyre damage. The aircraft, carrying 160 passengers, diverted safely to Kochi due to concerns raised by the crew about the aircraft’s tyres.
The flight (IX 398), which was traveling from Jeddah to Kozhikode, experienced issues related to the tyres shortly after takeoff. An Air India Express spokesperson confirmed that a preliminary assessment indicated the damage likely resulted from a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport.
“The aircraft made a precautionary landing due to suspected damage to the aircraft’s tyre,” the spokesperson stated. “We want to clarify that there was no issue with the landing gear and only the tyres were affected.”
The official explained that the flight’s diversion was necessary because Kozhikode’s Karipur airport operates as a tabletop airport, which can pose additional risks for landing in adverse conditions. “It was not an emergency landing. The decision was made purely as a precautionary measure,” the spokesperson added.
Upon landing at Kochi at approximately 9.07 am, all passengers were reported safe. The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and satisfaction, stating, “All guests are being connected to Kozhikode by road. We regret the inconvenience caused and emphasize that safety remains our highest priority.”
The Airport Authority of India responded promptly to the situation. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) released a statement detailing the coordinated efforts taken to ensure a safe landing. They confirmed that all necessary emergency services were activated and that no injuries occurred among passengers or crew members.
“Post-landing inspections revealed that both tyres on the right side had burst,” a CIAL spokesperson remarked. “Our team quickly inspected the runway, cleared it, and confirmed it was safe for normal operations shortly after.”
As the airline attends to the passengers’ needs, they continue to assure that stringent safety protocols remain in place to handle such incidents effectively. The safe management of the flight demonstrates the preparedness and responsiveness of airport and airline staff during emergencies.
With the aviation sector recovering from previous disruptions, this incident underscores the importance of vigilance regarding aircraft maintenance and operational safety practices. Air India expresses gratitude to the passengers for their understanding and cooperation during the inconvenience.
