An Air India Express Jeddah–Kozhikode flight with 160 passengers made an emergency landing at Kochi airport after a tyre burst and landing gear failure. The aircraft landed safely at 9:07 a.m. under full emergency conditions, with no injuries reported. Authorities swiftly reopened the runway after inspection and debris clearance.
In a dramatic turn of events, an Air India Express flight (IX 398) from Jeddah to Kozhikode carrying 160 passengers was forced to make an emergency landing at Cochin International Airport (CIAL) on December 18, 2025. The aircraft was diverted after encountering a technical snag involving the right main landing gear and tyre failure, prompting authorities to declare a full emergency.
Key Highlights
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Incident Details: The flight, originally bound for Kozhikode, reported a tyre burst and landing gear malfunction mid-air, necessitating diversion to Kochi.
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Emergency Response: CIAL activated full emergency protocols, deploying fire and rescue teams, medical staff, and ground support well before the aircraft’s arrival.
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Safe Outcome: The plane landed safely at 9:07 a.m., with no injuries reported among passengers or crew. Post-landing inspection confirmed that both right-side tyres had burst.
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Operational Impact: The runway was temporarily closed for inspection and debris clearance but was swiftly reopened, minimizing disruption to other scheduled flights.
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Passenger Care: All passengers were safely deboarded and provided assistance, with arrangements made for onward travel to Kozhikode.
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Airline Statement: Air India Express acknowledged the incident, commending the crew’s professionalism and CIAL’s swift emergency handling.
Why It Matters
This incident underscores the critical importance of robust emergency preparedness at Indian airports. The safe landing highlights the coordination between airline crew and airport authorities, ensuring passenger safety despite technical failures. It also raises questions about aircraft maintenance and operational checks, especially on high-traffic international routes.
Sources: Financial Express, Telegraph India, The Hindu