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Fri, Oct 11, 2024 | Rabi al-Thani 8, 1446 | DXB
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Sharjah-bound flight reports hydraulic failure, lands safely at India's Trichy airport
The airport was put on alert mode as the Air India Express flight circled in the air for over two hours to burn off fuel
Photo: Reuters file
An Air India Express flight from Tiruchirapalli to Sharjah landed safely at Tiruchirapalli airport after experiencing issues with its landing gear, said the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The flight had 140 passengers aboard.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) monitored the situation, and the airport was put on alert mode during the incident.
"The Air India Express Flight IX 613 from Tiruchirapalli to Sharjah has landed safely at Tiruchirapalli airport. DGCA was monitoring the situation. The landing gear was opening. The flight has landed normally. The airport was put on alert mode," MoCA.
Following the landing, the DGCA grounded the aircraft and ordered a probe, said sources.
Previously it was reported that the flight experienced a technical problem (hydraulic failure) and was circling in the air for more than two hours to burn off fuel before it could make the landing attempt at Trichy airport, said Gopalakrishnan.
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The flight had departed from Tiruchirapalli at 5:30 pm before safely landing around 8:15 pm. An alternate aircraft was arranged for the passengers.
To ensure safety, over 20 ambulances and fire tenders were kept on standby at the airport, Gopalakrishnan added.
An Air India Express spokesperson stated, "We are aware of media reports related to an Air India Express flight operating on the Tiruchirapalli - 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 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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