Kochi, 18 December. An Air India Express plane with about 160 passengers on board made an emergency landing in Kochi, Kerala on Thursday after a technical glitch, averting a major air disaster. Flight AIE-398 had departed from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and was headed to Kozhikode. On the way, the pilot experienced a problem with the landing gear of the plane. After this, taking immediate action, the pilot sought permission for emergency diversion and emergency landing at Cochin International Airport. After receiving the distress message, the airport authorities immediately activated the entire emergency protocol.
According to reports, the aircraft landed safely at around 9.07 am, with fire and rescue teams, medical staff and security personnel deployed on the runway as a precautionary measure. After landing, inspection of the aircraft revealed that two of its tires were burst, confirming the seriousness of the fault and vindicating the flight crew’s timely decision to divert to Kochi.
Cochin International Airports Limited (CIAL) officials coordinated the emergency response and post-landing procedures, ensuring that passengers were safely transported to the terminal. Airport sources said all emergency systems were operational and working as planned. All the passengers have been accommodated in the airport lounge and arrangements are being made for their onward journey.
Air India Express officials said efforts are on to run alternative flights to Kozhikode as soon as possible or arrange suitable ground transport. In case of flight delay or cancellation, the airline has assured that passengers will be transported by road to Kozhikode, which is about a seven-hour drive from Kochi. Airline representatives are arranging refreshments and assistance for passengers until further information is received.
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