An Air India Express flight bound for Kozhikode made a precautionary landing at Cochin International Airport on Thursday, carrying 160 passengers. The flight, originating from Jeddah, was diverted after the crew identified a potential tyre issue.
The spokesperson for Air India Express confirmed that the Jeddah–Kozhikode flight (IX 398) safely touched down in Kochi after concerns over possible damage to the aircraft’s tyres emerged. “The aircraft made a precautionary landing due to suspected damage to the tyre, likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport,” the spokesperson elaborated.
Importantly, the airline clarified that only the tyres were affected and there was no issue with the landing gear. This information was critical in distinguishing the incident from a more severe emergency situation.
“It was not an emergency landing,” the spokesperson explained, adding, “The flight was diverted as a precautionary measure since Kozhikode’s Karipur airport is a tabletop airport.” The precautionary nature of the landing underscored Air India’s commitment to safety.
Upon landing safely at Kochi, all passengers remained 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 stated.
In a further statement, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) confirmed that it facilitated the safe landing of the aircraft at 9.07 am. The flight was redirected due to technical issues involving the right main landing gear and tyre failure.
Advance measures ensured that all emergency services were prepared. “There were no injuries to passengers or crew. A post-landing inspection confirmed that both tyres on the right side had burst,” said a spokesperson from CIAL.
The airport authority conducted thorough inspections of the runway, which was subsequently cleared and returned to normal operations. This incident highlights the effectiveness of emergency preparedness in aviation safety.