An Air India Flight bound for Sharjah experienced hydraulic issues after take-off, leading the aircraft to return to Trichy in Tamil Nadu where it circled for approximately two hours to use up fuel before landing securely. The Boeing 737 plane departed Trichy Airport with 141 travelers at 5:45 pm on Friday and landed safely at 8:15 pm. Trichy airport was placed on high alert when the crew notified authorities about a problem with the landing gear. Before the aircraft touched down, more than twelve ambulances and fire trucks arrived at the airport. Foam was applied to the runway as a precaution in case the aircraft catches fire during a belly landing.
Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, stated that the crew and emergency ground teams moved quickly to guarantee the safety of all 141 passengers aboard. Air India Express flight AXB-613 successfully landed at Trichy Airport after experiencing a hydraulic issue. The crew and ground teams acted quickly to make sure that all 141 passengers on the plane were safe. Air India Express has been instructed to prepare for passengers’ continued travel. On X, he emphasized that ensuring safety is always our top priority in all operations.
Indian Express reported, citing sources, that shortly after departing from Trichy airport, the plane’s landing gear failed to retract or fold. The pilot, Iqrom Rifadly Fahmi Zainal, along with Co-pilot Maitryee Shrikrishna Shitole, made the decision to fly back to Trichy. Because of a problem with the wheels, the pilot chose to release the fuel instead of landing the plane as usual. The airplane remained in the air above Trichy for more than two hours. Before getting ready to land, the pilot completed 24 small loops and three large loops.
The pilot proceeded to notify the Air Traffic Control (ATC), who approved a belly landing for the flight. Nevertheless, the landing gear deployed upon landing, causing the pilot to opt for a regular landing instead of a belly landing. The DGCA oversaw the situation until the plane landed safely. The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that despite being authorized for a belly landing, the plane landed safely and normally. The ministry stated that the pilot stayed in continuous contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC), who recommended a belly landing, but the plane successfully landed without any problems.
The MoCA reported that an internal inquiry has been initiated into the incident, and DGCA has been notified. A spokesperson for Air India Express stated that the reason for the issue will be thoroughly looked into. We have knowledge of media claims concerning an Air India Express flight that flew on the Tiruchirappalli – Sharjah route. The airline will provide a different plane to transport passengers to Sharjah. MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, stated that he has instructed the District Collector to guarantee the well-being of all passengers and offer additional support.
I am pleased to learn that the #AirIndiaExpress flight has landed without any issues. After being informed about the problem with the landing gear, I promptly organized an urgent phone conference with officials and directed them to put in place all required safety precautions, such as sending out fire trucks, ambulances, and medical aid. I have now instructed the District Collector to maintain the safety of all passengers and offer additional help. Stalin praised the Captain and crew for the successful landing on X.