Air India Express Flight Makes Precautionary Landing in Kochi

An Air India Express flight heading to Kozhikode made a precautionary landing at Cochin International Airport on Thursday due to suspected damage to its tyres. The aircraft carried 160 passengers, and landing occurred without incident.

The flight, identified as IX 398, was en route from Jeddah to Kozhikode when the crew noticed a potential tyre-related issue, prompting the decision to reroute to Kochi.

According to an Air India Express spokesperson, “The aircraft made a precautionary landing due to suspected tyre damage, likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport.” He assured that only the tyres were affected and emphasized that there was no issue with the landing gear.

It is important to note that while the landing was precautionary, it was not labeled an emergency. The official stated, “The flight was diverted as a precautionary measure since Kozhikode’s Karipur airport is a tabletop airport.” This decision highlights the airline’s commitment to passenger safety.

The aircraft landed safely at Kochi at approximately 9:07 am, and all passengers were reported unharmed. “All guests are being connected to Kozhikode by road. We regret the inconvenience caused and reiterate that safety remains our highest priority,” the spokesperson added.

In a statement, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) confirmed its role in facilitating the safe landing of the aircraft due to a technical issue related to the right main landing gear and tyre failure.

A CIAL spokesperson noted, “All emergency services were activated in advance, and there were no injuries to passengers or crew. Post-landing inspection confirmed that both right-side tyres had burst.” This indicates a thorough response and adherence to safety protocols by airport authorities.

Following the incident, CIAL conducted a complete inspection of the runway, which was cleared and returned to normal operations shortly thereafter. Such measures reinforce the commitment to ensuring passenger safety and operational efficiency.

This incident raises awareness about aircraft safety protocols and the importance of precautionary measures in aviation. As travellers, it reassures them that airlines prioritize the well-being of their passengers above all.