An Air India Express flight which reported a hydraulic failure shortly after take-off from the Tiruchirappalli airport in Tamil Nadu has landed safely.
The flight, AXB 613, which was headed to Sharjah with 141 passengers on board, had taken off at 5.40 pm on Friday. After the snag was reported, the plane was asked to turn back, but because it was not advisable to attempt a precautionary landing with full fuel on board, the pilots burned some of it by maintaining a holding pattern some distance from Tiruchirappalli.
The plane remained airborne for over two and a half hours, finally landing at 8.15 pm to cheers and clapping from passengers.
Reports about a possible problem with the landing gear began trickling in around 7.50 pm and the Tiruchirappalli airport made preparations for an emergency landing, keeping several ambulances on standby
Sources said the pilot remained in constant communication with Air Traffic Control and permission was granted for a belly landing if needed, but a successful normal landing was carried out instead. A video showed the aircraft touching down with its landing gear properly engaged.
An internal investigation has been launched to figure out the possible causes of the snag, the sources said.
Airport authorities had said around 8 pm that the plane was hovering around Tiruchirappalli to burn fuel and, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24, the flight was in the same general area for about two hours.
Tiruchirappalli Airport Director Gopalakrishnan was quoted as saying by news agency IANS that 20 ambulances and 18 fire engines were on standby at the airport for an emergency landing.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu had asked officials to remain on alert and the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was also coordinating.
"We are relieved that the aircraft has landed safely at Trichy airport. The crew followed all safety protocols, ensuring the well-being of every passenger during the emergency," Mr Naidu said in a statement.
"The airport and emergency teams responded swiftly and effectively after a full emergency was declared at 6:05. We appreciate their prompt coordination in preparing for the landing of the aircraft," he added.
The civil aviation minister said the DGCA has been directed to conduct a thorough examination of the aircraft to ascertain the exact cause of the hydraulic problem. In the meantime, Air India Express has been advised to provide all necessary assistance to the passengers, including alternative arrangements for onward travel.
"The safety of passengers is our top priority, and we will continue to work closely with all airlines and aviation authorities to ensure the highest standards of safety and comfort in our airspace," Mr Naidu said.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said he held an emergency meeting with officials over the phone and asked them to implement all necessary safety measures.
"I am heartened to hear that the #AirIndiaExpress flight has landed safely. Upon receiving news of the landing gear issue, I immediately coordinated an emergency meeting with officials over the phone and instructed them to implement all necessary safety measures, including deploying fire engines, ambulances, and medical assistance," he posted on X.
"I have also now directed the District Collector to ensure the continued safety of all the passengers and to provide further assistance. My compliments to the captain and crew for the safe landing," he said.
'Will Investigate'
An Air India Express spokesperson said no emergency was declared by the pilots and the cause of the snag would be investigated.
"We are aware of media reports related to an Air India Express flight operating on the Tiruchirappalli-Sharjah route. We would like to clarify that no emergency was declared by the operating crew. After reporting a technical snag, the aircraft circled multiple times in the designated area as an abundant precaution, to reduce fuel and weight considering the runway length, before making a safe precautionary landing," the spokesperson said.
"The cause of the snag will be duly investigated. In the interim, an alternative aircraft is being arranged for the onward journey of our guests. We regret the inconvenience and reiterate our commitment to prioritising safety in every aspect of our operations," the spokesperson added.
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