An Air India Express flight carrying 160 passengers made a precautionary landing at Cochin International Airport on Thursday after suspicion of tyre damage was raised by crew members. The flight, identified as the Jeddah–Kozhikode flight (IX 398), diverted to Kochi amid concerns over a possible tyre-related issue.
The safety of passengers is always paramount, and an Air India Express spokesperson highlighted that the precautionary landing occurred due to suspected tyre damage, which might have been caused by 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 explained, adding, “only the tyres were affected, and there was no issue with the landing gear.” This clarification aims to alleviate concerns regarding passenger safety. This was not an emergency landing; instead, the flight diverted as a precaution since Kozhikode’s Karipur airport is classified as a tabletop airport, often requiring specific landing conditions.
At 9:07 AM, the aircraft landed safely at Kochi, ensuring the safety of all onboard. Affected passengers were quickly assisted and arrangements were made for their continued travel to Kozhikode by road. “We regret the inconvenience caused and reiterate that safety remains our highest priority,” emphasized the Air India Express spokesperson.
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) confirmed its role in facilitating the safe landing. An official statement noted that all emergency services were on standby and promptly activated. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among passengers or crew members.
Following the safe landing, a detailed inspection was conducted which confirmed that both right-side tyres had burst. The runway was subsequently inspected, cleared, and normal operations resumed shortly thereafter. A spokesperson for CIAL stated, “Safety protocols were upheld, and we appreciate the cooperation of all involved during the incident.”
This incident underscores the importance of maintenance and vigilance in aviation safety. Air India Express has always prioritized passenger safety and the swift response of the crew ensured a safe resolution to a potential crisis.
As air travel continues to recover from the global pandemic, incidents such as these remind passengers and airlines alike of the importance of proactive safety measures. With increasing travel demand, maintaining stringent safety protocols remains an essential aspect of operations for all airlines.
