A Kozhikode-bound Air India Express flight carrying 160 passengers faced a precautionary situation on Thursday, landing at Cochin International Airport due to suspected damage to the aircraft’s tyres. The flight, designated as IX 398, was on its route from Jeddah to Kozhikode when the crew detected a potential tyre-related issue.
An official from Air India Express confirmed that the landing was precautionary. The spokesperson explained in a statement, “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.”
The spokesperson emphasized that only the tyres were affected during the flight and reassured that there was no issue with the landing gear.
“It was not an emergency landing. The flight was diverted as a precautionary measure since Kozhikode’s Karipur airport is a tabletop airport,” the representative added, showing commitment to passenger safety.
The aircraft landed safely at Kochi, and reports confirmed that all 160 passengers were unharmed during the ordeal. The airline promptly arranged alternate transportation for passengers heading 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 Air India Express spokesperson stated.
In a related update, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) reported that it successfully facilitated the safe landing of the aircraft at 9.07 am. The airport authorities acted swiftly after receiving information regarding a technical issue related to the right main landing gear and tyre failure.
The officials of CIAL proclaimed, “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.”
Furthermore, the airport authority asserted that they conducted a full inspection of the runway after landing, which was cleared and reverted back to normal operations shortly after.
