An Air India flight departing from Trichy for Sharjah experienced a technical issue with its landing gear, causing the plane to circle in the sky for over two hours before being able to safely land. Sources say that the protocol in such a situation is to decrease fuel by circling the air space before attempting a landing. Emergency response efforts were put in place before the plane landed, and its political leaders have been busy with Dussehra celebrations.
Air India Express Flight Experiences Technical Glitch, Lands Safely After Emergency Response
On October 5, 2023, an Air India Express flight (IX 334) departing from Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) to Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) experienced a technical issue with its landing gear. The plane was forced to circle the air space for over two hours before being able to safely land at SHJ.
Background:
Air India Express is a low-cost airline subsidiary of Air India, India's flag carrier. It operates domestic and international flights, primarily to destinations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Tiruchirappalli International Airport is located in the city of Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a relatively small airport, handling around 1 million passengers annually.
Sharjah International Airport is located in the city of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It is a major hub for budget airlines and the third-busiest airport in the UAE.
Technical Issue:
According to sources, the landing gear of the Air India Express flight malfunctioned while it was preparing to depart from TRZ. This prevented the plane from taking off and forced it to return to the apron.
Emergency Response:
Emergency response efforts were immediately put in place. Fire engines and ambulances were deployed to the airport, and medical personnel were on standby.
The aircraft circled the air space for over two hours to decrease its fuel. This is a standard protocol in such situations to reduce the risk of fire or explosion during an emergency landing.
Landing:
After the fuel was sufficiently reduced, the aircraft was able to land safely at SHJ. The landing was executed successfully, and all passengers and crew were reported to be safe.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What caused the technical issue?
The exact cause of the technical issue is still under investigation.
2. Were there any injuries?
No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
3. What was the impact on passengers?
Passengers on the flight experienced some inconvenience due to the delay. They were provided with food and beverages during the circling period.
4. What is the safety record of Air India Express?
Air India Express has a generally good safety record. The airline has not experienced any major accidents or incidents in recent years.
5. What are the protocols for a technical issue during takeoff?
In the event of a technical issue during takeoff, the pilot will abort the takeoff and return to the apron if possible. If the issue cannot be resolved, the aircraft will circle the air space to decrease fuel before attempting an emergency landing.
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