A crisis was averted at Trichy airport after an Air India Express flight to Sharjah faced technical glitches, circling the sky for 95 minutes.
Published Oct 11, 2024 | 9:10 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 12, 2024 | 2:29 PM
Air India Express flight and the route
An Air India Express flight bound for Sharjah from Trichy on Friday, 11 October faced a technical issue shortly after takeoff. This led to a 95-minute midair ordeal as the flight circled the city before landing safely.
A DGCA probe has now been ordered into the matter.
The flight, carrying 141 passengers, took off at 5.40 pm but encountered a problem when the landing gear failed to retract.
In response, the pilots initiated emergency procedures to reduce the aircraft’s fuel to prevent fire risks during landing.
Air India flight from Trichy to Sharjah faces technical glitch, emergency measures underway
An @AirIndiaX flight from Trichy to Sharjah, carrying 141 passengers, is currently circling over Trichy airport after encountering a technical malfunction. The flight, which took off at… pic.twitter.com/t8HVR2puUs
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 11, 2024
Trichy City Police Commissioner Kameeni told South First before the landing, “We hope the aircraft will land safely. All necessary arrangements have been made at the airport.”
As a precautionary measure, 18 ambulances were placed on standby at the Trichy Airport.
Emergency services on standby at Trichy airport
Personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the fire department, and the aircraft’s technical team were also mobilised to ensure a safe landing.
The plane, which was initially flying at an altitude of 1,200 meters, began descending to 750 meters as it prepared for landing.
After careful execution of the fuel-reduction plan, the aircraft successfully touched down at 8.17 pm. The flight crew, ground support teams, and emergency personnel ensured that all passengers and crew remained safe throughout the ordeal.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin took to X to express gratitude for the Air India flight’s safe landing. He wrote, “I am heartened to hear that the Air India Express 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 also added, “I have also now directed the District Collector to ensure the continued safety of all the passengers and to provide further assistance.”
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…
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) October 11, 2024
(Edited by Neena)
