Kochi, India: An Air India Express flight operating from Jeddah to Kozhikode made an emergency landing at Kochi’s Cochin International Airport on Thursday after a suspected landing gear tyre failure was detected mid-flight, airport and airline officials confirmed.
The Boeing 737 aircraft was diverted to Kochi as a precaution after the flight crew received an alert indicating a technical issue related to the landing gear. Emergency response protocols were immediately activated at the airport, and the aircraft landed safely without incident. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.
Airport authorities said fire and rescue services were deployed along the runway as part of standard safety measures. Post-landing inspections confirmed damage to one of the aircraft’s tyres, following which the aircraft was grounded for detailed technical checks.
Air India Express said passenger safety remained its top priority and that alternative arrangements were made to transport passengers to Kozhikode. Some passengers were accommodated on subsequent flights, while others were transported by road.
Operations at Kochi airport continued normally after a brief precautionary disruption. The airline has initiated a comprehensive technical assessment of the aircraft in accordance with regulatory requirements.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review the incident as part of routine oversight procedures applicable to technical diversions.
