Air India Express Flight Diverted to Kochi After Landing Gear Issue, Makes Safe Emergency Landing

An Air India Express flight traveling from Jeddah to Kozhikode had to make an emergency landing at Cochin International Airport on Thursday due to a technical problem with the landing gear and tires but not with the operation of the aircraft.

The flight IX 398 was close to landing and had around 160 passengers when the crew became aware of a problem with the aircraft's right main landing gear. The crew decided to go to Kochi as a safety measure; the airport authorities were very prompt in starting emergency procedures.

Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) reported that the plane came down at 9:07 am with total emergency situations and was able to land safely. The entire range of emergencies, from the fire and medical teams, was ready well ahead of time so that the landing would be, both, smooth and safe.

"No injuries reported among passengers nor crew," quoted a CIAL representative.The post-landing inspection confirmed the technical problem which caused the diversion, as it revealed that the right-side wheels of the airplane had been punctured.

The terminal executives viewed the synchronized operations of air traffic control, airline staff, and emergency units as the principal factor that made the incident safe for the passengers. Later on, the airline staff looked after the passengers, and new arrangements as per operational procedures were made.

The incident happened at a period when the weather was affecting air traffic so badly that a nationwide disruption occurred. Heavy fog on that very day had already made a large number of flights at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport either cancellations or diversions.

Air India reported that in Delhi about 40 flights were canceled because of poor visibility and many more flights were rerouted on the ground to other airports. "Safety is our top priority.Flights will be restored once the situation improves,” the airline posted on X.

The Indian airports have weather and technical conditions under close monitoring by the authorities to reduce the disruption as much as possible and to keep passenger safety as the main concern.