An Air India Express flight, carrying 160 passengers, made a precautionary landing at Cochin International Airport on Thursday. The flight, heading from Jeddah to Kozhikode, was diverted after the crew detected a potential tyre-related issue.
The airline’s spokesperson indicated that the Jeddah–Kozhikode flight (IX 398) was redirected to Kochi due to concerns over possible damage to the aircraft’s tyres. Preliminary investigations suggested that a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport could have caused this issue.
“The aircraft made a precautionary landing due to suspected damage to the aircraft’s tyre, likely caused by an external object on the runway,” the Air India Express spokesperson remarked. They provided reassurance that only the tyres were affected, stating there was no issue with the landing gear.
It’s important to note that this was not categorised as an emergency landing. The flight’s diversion was primarily a precaution due to Kozhikode’s Karipur airport being a tabletop airport, making landings more complex under certain conditions.
The aircraft safely touched down in Kochi at approximately 9.07 am, and all passengers were reported safe. “All guests are being connected to Kozhikode by road,” the spokesperson added, expressing regret for the inconvenience. They reiterated the airline’s commitment to passenger safety as the utmost priority.
Officials from Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), which managed the diverting flight’s landing, further corroborated the event. They confirmed that they activated all emergency services ahead of the landing and reported no injuries among passengers or crew. A post-landing inspection uncovered that both right-side tyres had burst, underscoring the necessity of the precautionary landing.
Following this incident, the airport authority inspected the runway, ensuring it was safe and cleared for normal operations shortly after the aircraft’s landing. Although disruptions may temporarily inconvenience travelers, safety protocols were effectively executed, underscoring CIAL’s commitment to passenger protection.
In conclusion, this incident reflects the proactive measures taken by airlines and airport authorities to ensure the safety of air travel amid varying operational challenges. The swift response of the crew and airport management significantly mitigated what could have been a more serious situation.
