Key Points
- Flight IX 398 diverted from Kozhikode to Kochi due to right main landing gear tire failure.
- Aircraft carried 160 passengers and 6 crew members, landed safely at 9:07 AM.
- Post-landing inspection confirmed both right-side tires burst during landing rollout.
- No technical malfunction in landing gear system, only tire failure occurred.
- Kozhikode’s tabletop airport design necessitated precautionary landing at larger Kochi airport.
- All passengers safe, being transported by road to Kozhikode (approximately 7-hour journey).
- Emergency services were on standby during landing as standard safety protocol.
Air India Express flight IX 398 departed King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 3:45 AM Saudi time (6:15 AM IST) with 160 passengers and 6 crew members on board. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft was scheduled to arrive at Kozhikode International Airport at 9:30 AM IST. Approximately one hour before scheduled arrival, the flight crew received cockpit warnings indicating abnormal pressure in the right main landing gear tires.
Following standard operating procedures, the pilots initiated communication with Air India Express operations center and evaluated diversion options. At 8:15 AM, the crew declared a precautionary landing and requested clearance to divert to Cochin International Airport, which offers a longer runway and superior emergency response capabilities compared to Kozhikode’s tabletop design. The aircraft circled briefly to burn excess fuel and reduce landing weight before executing a smooth touchdown at 9:07 AM.
Technical Specifications and Safety Protocols
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) activated its full emergency response protocol at 8:20 AM after receiving the diversion request. Airport fire and rescue services, medical teams, and technical support staff were positioned along the runway as the aircraft approached. The Boeing 737-800 touched down on Kochi’s 3,400-meter runway without incident, but both tires on the right main landing gear burst during the landing rollout at approximately 80 knots.
An airline spokesperson clarified that the landing gear mechanism functioned perfectly throughout the approach and landing sequence. The issue was isolated to tire failure only, not a systemic landing gear malfunction. This distinction is crucial, as landing gear failures can trigger more serious emergency classifications. The aircraft came to a complete stop on the runway centerline, and passengers disembarked normally via airstairs without requiring emergency evacuation procedures.
Why Kozhikode Airport Was Avoided
Karipur International Airport serving Kozhikode presents unique challenges for emergency landings due to its tabletop design. The runway sits atop a high plateau with steep ravines at both ends, leaving minimal margin for error during approach or landing rollout. The 2,860-meter runway length, while adequate for normal operations, provides limited stopping distance if an aircraft experiences brake failures or tire blowouts during landing.
Pilots and aviation safety experts consistently rank Kozhikode among India’s most challenging airports for emergency situations. The August 2020 Air India Express crash at this very airport, which claimed 21 lives during a tabletop runway overshoot in heavy rain, remains fresh in aviation memory. Weather factors including monsoon rains, strong crosswinds, and frequent low visibility further complicate operations. These cumulative risks prompted the flight crew to exercise abundant caution and select Kochi’s more forgiving runway environment.
Passenger Experience and Airline Response
Passengers reported a calm and professional handling of the situation by the flight crew. Many travelers only realized the seriousness when they saw emergency vehicles positioned along the runway during final approach. After landing, the aircraft was towed to a remote parking bay where passengers disembarked normally and were transported to the terminal by shuttle buses.
Air India Express has established a dedicated assistance desk at Cochin International Airport to manage passenger re-accommodation. All 160 passengers are currently resting in the airport’s premium lounge with complimentary refreshments and meals. The airline’s station manager confirmed that passengers will receive full refunds for the disrupted flight segment plus complimentary road transportation to Kozhikode. Customer service teams are contacting families of passengers to provide updates and arrange pickup coordination at Kozhikode.
Onward Journey Arrangements and Compensation
The airline has chartered five luxury coaches to transport passengers from Kochi to Kozhikode, a road journey of approximately 7 hours covering 190 kilometers. Departure is scheduled for 1:00 PM to allow passengers time to rest and complete immigration formalities. For passengers preferring to continue by air, Air India Express is arranging seats on evening flights from Kochi to Kozhikode, though availability is limited.
According to DGCA regulations, passengers are entitled to compensation under the “right to care” provisions for flight diversions. The airline will provide ₹5,000 to each passenger for the inconvenience, plus full reimbursement of any additional expenses incurred. Air India Express has also offered complimentary tickets on any future sector as a goodwill gesture. Technical investigation into the tire failure has commenced, with initial focus on possible foreign object damage during departure from Jeddah or pre-existing tire wear issues.
